Volunteering

Outsmarting investment fraud and learning how to be a part of the AARP Fraud Watch Network and all it has to offer are just two of the topics that will be discussed at the 18th Annual Western Summit in Hays on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Other topics include activities for seniors at the Hays Recreation Center, athletics at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), fraudulent practices in acquiring antiques, a presentation on relationships with China by Dr. Ed Hammond, education professor at FHSU, and information about Hays airport services.

AARP Foundation is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season by recruiting interested individuals. Tax-Aide is an AARP Foundation program that offers free tax filing help for those who need it most, especially adults 50 and older, during the tax season.

There was a packed house at the Botanica Gardens in Wichita in August as area residents gathered to hear about volunteer opportunities that are available through AARP Kansas. While many of those who attended know AARP for its discounts and insurance product endorsements, many didn't realize that AARP recruits volunteers to do a variety of work in communities across the state such as advocacy, community outreach, helping prepare tax returns, and teaching safer driving, as well as serving on the AARP Executive Council and Diversity Council.

On June 3, 2016, AARP welcomed new members and officers to its all-volunteer Board of Directors, including the organization’s newest Board Chair, Joan Ruff, of Kansas. The new Board President is Eric Schneidewind, of Michigan, the Board member who serves as AARP’s principal volunteer spokesperson. Along with four other officers, they will serve until June of 2018.

AARP Kansas staff, and volunteers from across the state, were joined by members of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new state office location on Friday, May 20th. The new office is located at 6220 SW 29 th Street, Suite 300 in Topeka. It's near the corner of 29th and Wanamaker and shares the building with the Community Blood Bank.

Every year AARP Kansas recognizes an outstanding volunteer in our state with The Andrus Award. The Andrus Award for Community Service honors volunteers who spark change and improve their communities one act at a time. The award honors the spirit of AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, who started AARP when she found a retired educator in need.

Volunteers are a critical resource for AARP and the work we do to make a positive impact on the lives of others right here in Kansas. The AARP Kansas office is looking for volunteers who are interested in working on a variety of issues that are important to Kansans and their families.

AARP Kansas volunteers and staff fanned out across the Statehouse in the first week of the legislative session delivering messages, attached to cookies, about the Kansas CARE Act that AARP is hoping to get passed into law this session. The sweet treat delivery was part of AARP’s 3 rd annual “Cookie Day at the Capitol,” to call attention to issues important to Kansans as they age.

AARP Kansas honored its 2015 outstanding community service volunteer during a luncheon banquet on Friday, November 13, in Pittsburg. Each year, AARP, the nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, presents its most prestigious award, the Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service, to an individual or individuals who, through volunteer service, significantly enhance the lives of those in their community. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

Help people and give your mind a workout, too…..