Make a Difference by Volunteering with AARP Minnesota

After Jim Stein retired in 2005 from a career in insurance, the Hopkins resident spent several years traveling and enjoying himself. But eventually, he wanted to do something more.

Then he happened to see a notice seeking volunteers for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, and today he leads the program in Minnesota. Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation help to all, but it focuses on people 50 and older with low-to-moderate incomes.

One key quality that Stein, 82, looks for in potential Tax-Aide volunteers: empathy. Doing taxes can be a scary undertaking for individuals who need help, Stein says. “To put people at ease and get them to trust us and work with us—those are the personal skills we look for,” he says.

AARP Minnesota’s needs go beyond tax help. It is seeking volunteers from across the state to serve in a variety of roles, from teaching AARP Driver Safety classes and staffing booths at events to advocating for policy change at the state Legislature. To spread the word about volunteer opportunities, the organization will hold an event on Thursday, July 10, at Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.

AARP Minnesota’s more than 1,200 volunteers are critical to its work. “Their dedication and passion create a ripple effect of compassion and connection,” says Cathy McLeer, AARP Minnesota state director.

Judy Marcouiller, 69, of Minneapolis, volunteers as a community ambassador and enjoys staffing AARP’s booth at the state fair and helping at other events.

“There are hundreds or thousands of people walking by your table, and you try to draw them in to talk about AARP’s goals,” Marcouiller says.

To register for the July in-person event and to learn about volunteer options, go to aarp.org/volunteerMN.

—David Lewellen