Community

During the Minnesota State Fair, AARP MN partnered with MyTalk 107 to celebrate the people and nonprofit organizations that do amazing work in Minnesota. Community members could enter for a chance to win $1,000 for themselves, and $1,000 plus a free radio campaign on MyTalk 107 to their favorite Minnesota nonprofit. Nearly 2,000 people entered the sweepstakes and we are excited to announce that Ziggy’s Art Bus was chosen as our nonprofit winner!

Minnesota is more than just lakes, hockey, and Prince. The state is at the center of a national conversation around reshaping public safety. It’s known for high educational outcomes and strong voter turnout, but also for deep racial disparities. Whatever the issue, Minnesotans of all ages stay engaged in their communities. We’re ranked fifth in the nation for volunteerism with 41% of residents 16+ having volunteered in the last year (2019, MN Compass).

Join us for a virtual panel discussion with legislative leaders who are championing AARP endorsed policies that can help advance racial equity for older Minnesotans.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Minneapolis Field Office has announced that Jay Haapala, Associate State Director of Community Engagement for AARP Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2020 Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Unfortunately, the high-speed internet too many Minnesotans need is not available where they live, and this holds them back.

Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements, culture, and history of the African American and Black community in February. This past year millions of Americans protested in cities across the country to demand social justice and racial equality. And older Americans have been adding their voices and perspectives to those demonstrations.

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But, we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability for all. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2021 for its fifth year and is currently accepting applications online through April 14, 7:00 p.m. CST.

AARP MN hosted this live Q&A event to hear the latest COVID-19 vaccine information with our guests, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner, Jan Malcolm and Director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Kris Ehresmann.

AARP Minnesota State Director, Will Phillips, participated in a press conference today with Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health to share the state's next steps in its vaccine distribution plan. AARP Minnesota has been calling on the state to prioritize older Minnesotans to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Volunteer LaVerne Gilliam, 67, has received the 2020 AARP Minnesota Andrus Award for Community Service.