Volunteer Spotlight with Gaurang Pandya

Gaurang Pandya has been a volunteer with AARP New Jersey for more than three years, and has dedicated his time and passion to advancing the mission and community impact work of the organization. He got involved with AARP New Jersey when he attended a “Paint and Sip” recruitment event, and later joined the South Asian American Action Committee and Middlesex Community Volunteer Team for AARP NJ.

“AARP volunteers are the most enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers I have ever known,” Gaurang said.

That is one of the many things that attracts him to AARP. Gaurang also enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of others. He feels AARP has a great message with so many wonderful resources that he is excited to share with others. Some of the AARP advocacy priorities that resonate most with Gaurang, include those on livable communities, lowering utility bills, and lowering prescription drug prices. He also connects with AARP for resources on Medicare and fraud. 

Over the years, Gaurang has seen a significant increase in AARP New Jersey’s offerings and reach into communities. He is very happy to contribute to a growing organization that makes him feel good, and full of gratitude for the opportunity to impact the lives of others.

In 2020, Gaurang won AARP New Jersey’s MVP Award. The AARP New Jersey State Office Most Varied Player (MVP) award is given to recognize an AARP Volunteer who embodies the ONE AARP mentality by being actively involved in several programs and initiatives and bringing the spirit of “what we do, we do for all” into all aspects and programs he or she is engaged on. ONE AARP is the idea that, although AARP has several departments, branches, and focuses within our organization, we are not siloed but instead function as one unified body. Marion Ingram also won the 2020 MVP Award. You can read more about Marion here.

Since his first "Paint and Sip" recruitment event, Gaurang has had the opportunity to co-chair an event at the Indian-American fair held by Mercer County where he shared information about what AARP is doing in local communities.

Gaurang then expanded his volunteer role by conducting in-person sessions for the Speakers Bureau (pre-pandemic) and assisted in transforming the Speakers Bureau presentations from in-person sessions to virtual sessions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The AARP NJ Speakers Bureau presents to groups throughout the state, including community organizations, private businesses, houses of worship, and AARP chapters on topics like fraud, brain health and financial basics.

He has also conducted in-person Driver Safety classes across the state (pre-pandemic). Some of his favorite memories as a volunteer include engaging with individuals and sharing information at “Movies for Grownups” events and Speakers Bureau presentations, especially because he was able to meet and interact with new people.

Moving forward, Gaurang has goals to help increase AARP New Jersey’s connection with the South Asian community by increasing their representation and involvement in AARP events. He would also like to help address the current Covid-19 crisis for older Americans. He believes AARP can give people the proper information to make the decisions that are best for them, and loves how the organization has always advocated for the well-being of the 50+ community.

Outside of AARP, Gaurang is a financial advisor with his own private practice, and has been in the financial services business for 30 years. Gaurang is also an active volunteer with the Financial Planning Association, where he provides free financial planning advice to those impacted by Covid-19, as well as a volunteer with Family Reach, which provides help to those undergoing active cancer treatment by working with cancer patients or their families to help their financial situation. Lastly, Gaurang volunteers with the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Certified Financial Planner Board.

Gaurang loves nature, camping, going for walks, and being with his family and friends. He is also an avid traveler and has been to about 20 countries. He finds travel exciting because it is an opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds, cultures, and different ways of looking at life itself.

If you’re interested in volunteering with AARP New Jersey, please fill out this short interest form.