New Volunteers Needed for a Range of Roles

Across the Northeast, AARP state offices are currently recruiting new volunteers to serve in a variety of roles. And those who volunteer now say their work—on everything from fraud prevention to legislative advocacy—is highly rewarding.

Here’s a look at the opportunities to get involved in your region—and the experiences of others who have signed up.

Theresa Chaklos, 68
Massachusetts

Chaklos travels around Massachusetts as part of AARP’s Speakers Bureau, delivering “Prepare to Care” presentations—with a twist. She includes tips for care recipients, as well as caregivers.

From her experience of fighting breast cancer, the Burlington retiree knows anyone can suddenly be thrust into either role and can benefit from knowing how to set up a network of friends to help with housekeeping, rides to appointments and other tasks.

The work “keeps me busy, it keeps me focused, and it also keeps me feeling like I’m still contributing something to others,” says Chaklos, who worked in the legal and nonprofit arenas.

Learn how to get involved via AARP Massachusetts’ monthly 30-minute “Introduction to Volunteering” webinars. The next one is Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon. See aarp.org/volunteeringma.

Star Pelsue, 59
Maine

Pelsue, a retired special education teacher in Portland, says she’s made “phenomenal friends” while volunteering with AARP Maine’s legislative advocacy team.

“We have a lot of similarities, yet they bring a whole wealth of differences that open my world,” she says. And to know that you helped make someone’s life better, she adds, “you can’t beat that.”

AARP Maine is looking for more volunteers like Pelsue for the 2025 legislative session. Email me@aarp.org or call 866-554-5380 to get involved. You can also visit states.aarp.org/maine/volunteer to learn more.

Marianne Kelly, 71
Rhode Island

As part of AARP Rhode Island’s advocacy team, Kelly has been able to work on an issue she knows well: accessory dwelling units, which are small residences, such as a basement or garage apartment, on the same property as an existing single-family home.

Kelly has lived in an ADU, part of her daughter’s home in Johnston, since retiring in 2021. Earlier this year, she testified in favor of an AARP-backed bill to make it easier for some homeowners to add ADUs to their lots; living in an ADU significantly cut her expenses, she told lawmakers, and made it far easier for her daughter to care for her after a major surgery.

Rhode Island’s governor signed the bill into law in June.

Kelly says she loves the legislative action. And “we really get stuff done,” she adds.

AARP Rhode Island has a variety of volunteer roles, including presenters and greeters for its Speakers Bureau. The next training is Wednesday, Jan. 15. Find more at aarp.org/rivolunteers.

Linda Bowden, 72
Vermont

After retiring from her job at a science museum, Bowden was looking to make friends beyond the office. Now she’s serving as AARP Vermont’s volunteer state president, traveling and speaking on behalf of the organization.

One of her proudest achievements so far? Organizing bike repair classes and monthly bike rides. She says 20 to 30 people participate in the rides, and the group has formed a strong bond—often socializing after outings.

AARP Vermont is holding an open house for prospective volunteers at its office in Burlington on Thursday, Jan. 16. RSVP to events.aarp.org/vtvolunteers.

—Donna Liquori