McCarther Graduates from VLI

Sidney McCarther of Kansas City was selected to participate in AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI and graduated from the program Dec. 10 in Washington DC. VLI is 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.”

“My goal was to gain additional skills to become an effective community volunteer leader in order to enhance AARP mission, goals and programs in Missouri and throughout all regions,” McCarther said. He is currently serving as  the Interim State President for AARP Missouri, and leads the Executive Council.