Nominate a community volunteer for AARP's 2019 Andrus Award! Named after AARP's founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the Andrus Award honors outstanding individuals in every state who donate their time, skills and passion as a volunteer. Every year we gather at our annual Andrus Awards event and celebrate the dedication of Maryland's wonderful volunteers.

*Maryland's deadline for submissions has been extended to July 19, 2019*

About the Andrus Award for Community Service

The annual Andrus Award for Community Service is AARP’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award. It recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s purpose, vision, and commitment to volunteer service, and that inspire others to volunteer. Only one Maryland volunteer (or couple performing service together) can receive the Award.

Legacy Of Service

AARP’s commitment to volunteer service can be traced back to our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, whose motto “to serve, not to be served” has shaped our community service efforts at the national, state, and local levels. Each year, AARP honors the legacy of Dr. Andrus with the AARP Maryland Andrus Award for Community Service (hereafter referred to as “the Award”).

Award Eligibility Guidelines

Nominees for the Award must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Nominees must be 50 years or older.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose.
• The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to serve.
• Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
• The recipient must live in Maryland.
• This is not a posthumous award.

Who Can Nominate?

Nominations for the Award may be submitted by AARP members, volunteers, chapter or unit members, community partners and members of the public at large. AARP staff and Selection Committee members may not nominate candidates for the Award.

Recipient Selection Process

AARP Maryland convenes a Selection Committee to ensure diverse perspectives and to review all nominations. The inclusion of community-level AARP volunteers as well as community organizations is encouraged. While the AARP National Office provides guidance for the Andrus Award for Community Service, the selection of the recipient is at the sole discretion of AARP Maryland.


We are now accepting nominations for the 2019 Andrus Awards until July 19, 2019.


Check out the winners from our 2018 Andrus Awards:  https://states.aarp.org/maryland-andrus-awards-2018/