Wichitan Chosen for AARP Volunteer Leadership Institute

SCOTT SPRAGUE

 

AARP Kansas Diversity Council member Anita Raghavan, Wichita, has been selected to participate in AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI, a rigorous and innovative program dedicated to elevating highly skilled and motivated AARP volunteers to lead volunteer teams and take on new empowered roles.  Raghavan is one of 33 exceptional AARP volunteers from across the country who will meet both in person and virtually over a six-month period to build their leadership strengths in one of three chosen “tracks” – advocacy, community outreach or external representation—and develop specific actions plans in coordination with their AARP state office or volunteer program.

 

This third VLI class was designed and scheduled with an express focus on tech savvy leaders who may still be in the workforce. 

 

AARP is one of the leading volunteer organizations in the nation, with more than 55,000 active volunteers.  “VLI,” according to AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond, “is an example of our commitment to ensuring that our dedicated volunteers receive ‘best in class support,’ including meaningful growth and advancement opportunities.” 

 

“AARP could not reach any of our goals to help people achieve financial resilience, promote health security, and enhance their personal fulfillment without our tremendous corps of dedicated and passionate volunteers across the country,” said LeaMond.

 

“We are very fortunate to have Anita on our volunteer team and extremely excited that she has been chosen to participate in VLI,” said AARP Kansas Director Maren Turner. “She brings a vast amount of leadership and organizational abilities to our Diversity Council that will most certainly be valuable on a national level.”

 

“I am truly honored to be selected for this program and I look forward to being able to share what I’ve learned and to inspire other volunteers and AARP members to pursue their dreams,” said Raghavan.

 

Raghavan joins AARP Kansas Executive Council member Judy Bellome, Lawrence, as a member of VLI.  Bellome graduated from the program in December 2014.

 

“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.”