AARP volunteers are making a difference

For more than 60 years, committed volunteers have conducted the heart of AARP’s work -- people just like you who know that giving back and community service are cherished values that only become more important with age.

For all of us, 2020 was a year like no other before. For most of us, it changed the way we look at things and our appreciation for everyday activities like interacting with family, friends and neighbors. It has also changed the way we work and serve our communities. With the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel coming more clearly into view, many of us will view volunteerism and community service with a renewed sense of appreciation and purpose.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we at AARP North Carolina appreciate our volunteers more than ever. The challenges of the pandemic and all the lessons learned make it extra significant this year. Working from our homes, we found new ways to conduct our work to help our state and communities cope with COVID-19. We found new ways of reaching people in their homes. We retooled and retrained volunteers so they would continue to be the frontline of AARP’s advocacy and community service, fueled by their passion to make a difference in the lives of others during this truly historic time.

Throughout my years at AARP, the commitment of our volunteers has never ceased to amaze me and it has often made me think about how volunteerism will play an important part in my “what’s next.”

I used to joke that my “golden years” will be centered on laying on a beach somewhere, with sand in between my toes and a light agenda from day to day. However, working at AARP alongside so many committed volunteers has shown me that, for many, their golden years are when life truly begins. It is the time when people can focus on what is important in life and can give to the world some of the knowledge, skills and passion developed over a lifetime.

In the spirit of appreciation, I encourage you to volunteer with AARP North Carolina this year. As life continues to transition from virtual to in-person once again, we ask that you allow AARP to provide you with the opportunity to give back to your community.

We ask that you not let your passion and appreciation for your values whither on the vine. Instead, we want to help you harness your passions and put them to good use in the new era of American life that lies beyond COVID-19. And to those who have served with AARP North Carolina, we  sincerely thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make our state a better place for all to age with greater independence, dignity and choice.

Interested in volunteering? We would like to hear from you. Send us an e-mail line "Volunteer" in the subject line to ncaarp@aarp.org. You can also call us toll-free at 866-89-5650.