Become an AARP New York Volunteer!

AARP New York volunteers are a dynamic group of people using skills they’ve cultivated. They work to improve the lives of fellow New Yorkers — and not just folks age 50 and older. They may attend a hip hop concert and hand out fliers about Medicare. They might lend a hand at food drives around Thanksgiving. Or they may travel to Albany to make sure the governor and state legislators are aware of vital issues, like caregiving support and unaffordable prescription drug prices. Whether you love meeting new people, working on projects that matter to your community, or speaking up on issues that impact people 50 and older, AARP has a role for you.

We're looking for talented people who want to make a difference in the lives of others, not only people age 50 and older, but all New Yorkers. Strategic thinkers, planners, leaders and doers are all welcome to learn more about AARP's volunteer positions. We like to think of AARP as a wise friend that helps people live their best lives. As an AARP volunteer, that’s what you will be doing. And volunteering is known to help you stay healthy, confident and purposeful.

We’re flexible. If you still aren’t ready for in-person events, you can volunteer for online events. If you’re more comfortable working behind the scenes at events than public speaking, we’ll put you to work. From stewarding an outdoor food drive to organizing an indoor caregiving conference to sharing information at a local concert, you can be a part of fun events. And you’ll have the support of AARP staff and a mission-driven organization that’s been fighting for people 50 plus for decades.

Some volunteers lead discussions with local influencers; others share helpful information among their networks. We can provide opportunities that dovetail with your skills and interests – and how much time you have. Whether you can spare a few hours or commit long-term, you can make a difference - and new friends too. Turn a lifetime of experience into the experience of a lifetime!

What kind of volunteer are you?

• Passionate about 50+ issues like Medicare and prescription drugs? – Join our Advocacy team, a group of AARP members actively engaged in AARP's efforts to influence leaders on the issues that matter most to the 50-plus population. Volunteer roles vary based on your interest and time
  
• Are you interested in educating the community topics about people 50-plus? Join the Speakers Bureau volunteers to educate and inform the public by presenting workshops on various topics such as caregiving, brain health, downsizing, decluttering, or fraud prevention.
  
• Enjoy being out in the community? Join our Community Engagement team to connect members of their community with valuable AARP information and resources. These volunteers represent AARP at various community events and activities.
  
• Interested in learning something new? – Attend a monthly volunteer meeting or sign up for a training led by fellow volunteers

Learn how we work with our members, volunteers, the public, and elected officials to bring real possibilities to the lives of people 50 and older in New York.

1. Click here to learn more about Long Island informational sessions.

2. For all other New Yorkers, register below for a virtual (Zoom) or in-person open house to learn more about AARP New York volunteer opportunities:

• May 22, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseMay

• June 12, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Virtual) - AARP New York's Speakers Bureau*
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/speakers61225

* All are welcome to learn more, but we have a current specific need for speakers in rural communities in Upstate New York.

• June 26, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseJune

• July 24, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseJuly

• August 28, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseAugust

• September 25, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseSeptember

• October 30, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseoctober

• November 20, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseNovember

• December 4, 2025 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Virtual)
o Register: https://events.aarp.org/event/VirtualVolunteeropenhouseDecember


3. Can’t make an info session? Complete an online interest form at:  https://aarp.org/iwant2volunteer or email us at: AARPNYvolunteer@aarp.org

To find out about the AARP Social Mission, learn more: here

Want to help make New York’s streets safer and more livable for people of all ages? Sign up to become a walkability audit volunteer with AARP New York this fall. Volunteers helped the state office conduct audits on Long Island in September, and additional audits are scheduled for this month in New York City – with more to follow throughout the state.

For each audit, an individual or team will observe and record how safe it is for pedestrians to walk on a particular street or intersection. Volunteers are needed to help count the number of cars and pedestrians who pass through the location, time the location’s traffic light stops, and assess the types of walking activity in the area (exercising, commuting, shopping, etc.). To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit aarp.org/VolunteerWithAARPNY.


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