Sharon’s Volunteer Story: Growth Through Advocacy at AARP NH

Sharon, this year’s recipient of AARP NH’s 2025 Advocacy Volunteer of the Year Award, has built a reputation for being warm, welcoming, and

genuinely enthusiastic about volunteering. Her journey is a testament to growth and a commitment to advocacy.

How It All Began

After Sharon retired in 2017, she knew she wanted to get plugged into volunteering but didn’t want to overcommit herself. In 2018, she attended the AARP NH Senior Leadership Program, which is designed to inspire and equip older adults to become strong advocates and community leaders.

With a background in political studies and human resource management, advocacy immediately sparked her interest, and she joined AARP NH’s Capital City Task Force (CCTF).

“In the beginning, I observed a lot and didn’t say much,” she recalls. But the AARP staff made it easy for Sharon to dig in deeper. “The entire staff asked me to do little things with no obligation,” said Sharon. “It was very easy to get involved.”

Those small steps, writing op-eds, calling legislators, and helping at events, opened the door to bigger opportunities. “Whether it is writing letters to the editor or calling legislators, there are lots of different opportunities. I’ve been able to select the activities that I have the time and interest in doing. And I’m supported by the staff in anything I take on.”

Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone

This year, Sharon embraced a new opportunity with the CCTF: testifying at a legislative hearing. “There was so much support from staff when I testified for the first time this year,” she says. “If you stretch out a little to try something, you aren’t alone. AARP has facilitated my growth in a slow, comfortable way.”

Her testimony focused on Accessory Dwelling Unit legislation. “I had a story to tell about a woman who built one because she wanted to retire and sell her house. I shared her story with AARP NH’s Associate State Director of Advocacy, Mike Padmore. When the hearing came up, Mike asked if I would be willing to testify. He helped me prepare, so I felt comfortable saying yes.”

The experience of testifying was initially stressful. “I was nervous, but I went up with another volunteer,” recalls Sharon. “I was a little shaky in the beginning, but by the end was more comfortable. I knew AARP would not send me in without being prepared. The entire staff at AARP is so supportive. I know I’m not alone.”

Building Community

Sharon values the sense of belonging that AARP fosters. “There is never a time as a volunteer that I’ve had to do something that doesn’t feel comfortable.”

She also enjoys helping new volunteers feel at home. “It’s been nice to volunteer where I can. AARP offers volunteers a lot of flexibility,” said Sharon. “And we all have fun together.”

Looking Ahead

Sharon is already considering new opportunities with the CCTF, starting with the next legislative session in January 2026.

“I’m looking forward to helping out with fraud-prevention legislation”, she says. “It is an opportunity to grow because I don’t know much about this topic, but I’m willing to learn. AARP lets me stretch myself and use my areas of expertise.”

For Sharon, AARP has provided the perfect balance of flexibility and purpose. “I haven’t been asked to do anything that isn’t manageable for me. The staff are great about connecting me with different opportunities, and it is up to me to decide where my focus will be. There are ways to participate on so many levels.”

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If you'd like to get involved in AARP NH's advocacy efforts, please email Associate State Director of Advocacy Mike Padmore.