Kansas Citian selected to VLI

Sidney McCarther of Kansas City has been selected to participate in AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI, a rigorous and innovative year-long training program designed to elevate highly skilled and motivated AARP volunteers to the next level of volunteer leadership.  (S/he) will be joined by 33 other exceptional AARP volunteers from across the country, who will meet both in person and virtually throughout the year to build their leadership strengths in one of three chosen “tracks” – advocacy, community outreach or external representation.

AARP is one of the leading volunteer organizations in the nation, with more than 55,000 active volunteers.  Many of them, according to Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond, have the skills and the desire to do even more.  “VLI is an investment in our volunteers – providing resources and opportunities for innovation to take volunteers with proven leadership ability to a new level.  I know of no other organization has created this type of volunteer development experience.”

“Sidney is an amazing talent,” said Volunteer State President Dr. Kathy Bond. “His leadership style and managerial acumen is exemplary and I was proud to support the recommendation that he join this elite group of volunteers from across the country.”

“I was surprised and elated to hear that I was recommended by several AARP individuals I have worked with. I was most impressed by the nomination and encouragement to apply from our State Director Craig Eichelman,” McCarther said. “My goal is to gain additional skills to become an effective community volunteer leader in order to enhance AARP's mission, goals and programs in Missouri and throughout all regions."

"We have an ambitious social change agenda aimed at empowering people 50+ to enjoy the way they live and work today, while reaching their goals for tomorrow," said LeaMond.  "AARP is able to meet our goals by leveraging the talents, the skills, and the tenacity of our volunteers."