Nominations Sought for 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2014 New Mexico Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50+ volunteers who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. 

“The Andrus Award for Community Service is a unique opportunity to showcase some of the exceptional volunteers we have in New Mexico who give of their time and talents to make life better for others,” said Gene Varela, AARP New Mexico State Director. “It is named for AARP’s Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, whose core belief – to serve, not to be served – is still our motto today.” 

Nominations will be evaluated by a committee made up of AARP New Mexico staff and other community partner representatives. The committee will look at how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in early fall. 

AARP New Mexico Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Nominee must be 50 years or older.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and mission.
• Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
• This is not a posthumous award. 

Please contact Beth Velasquez, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director for communications, at bvelasquez@aarp.org or 1-866-389-5636 for further information and a nomination form. The application deadline is July 1, 2014. Nominations can also be submitted online at http://www.aarp.org/andrusaward

 The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Last year, AARP recognized 52 outstanding individuals from around the country.

  (Photo caption: AARP NewMexico State Director Gene Varela, left, and State President Jackie Cooper, right, present Mary Beavis of Albuquerque, with the 2013 AARP New Mexico Andrus Award for Community Service.)