Volunteering

WASHINGTON—AARP Community Connections, a new online platform launched by AARP Innovation Labs today, allows users to organize and find local volunteer groups to help pick up groceries, provide financial assistance or lend emotional support to neighbors, friends and loved ones. Across the country, these informal online groups—also called “mutual aid” groups—help communities stay connected at a time when people must practice social distancing to stay safe.

AARP North Carolina is hard at work advocating for over-50 Tarheel Staters, and you can be part of the effort.

GREENSBORO -- Fraud and scams targeting older adults continue to plague the state and nation as criminals use tricks both old and new to try to steal our money or identity.

By Sue Price Johnson

ASHEVILLE – At a regional fraud prevention event held by elder advocates across the Mountain Region, AARP volunteer Betsy Cantrell was presented with the AARP Andrus Award for her outstanding contributions to improving the lives of adults as they age.

RALEIGH – As part of an initiative to help curb fraud and identity theft that target older North Carolinians, AARP is pleased to announce a new top volunteer position it is working to fill. AARP’s Fraud Prevention Impact Leader will work with AARP North Carolina Executive Council members and other volunteers to develop and implement a statewide fraud prevention plan and extend AARP Fraud Watch Network programs and advocacy across the state.

Like AARP, faith-based communities and places of worship have helped people take care of loved ones, save more for their future, find health and job resources and so much more. Many in the faith community were surprised and delighted to learn of all of AARP's current offerings and relevancy to their congregations. In-person engagement is the most effective method of educating community leaders about AARP and cultivating relationships.

This year, the number of North Carolinians 60 and older is likely to exceed those under 18. That makes AARP North Carolina’s work even more relevant, especially in certain western counties, where projections show residents 65-plus could be about a third of the population by 2030.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. With the growing popularity of the program, AARP is looking for even more volunteers to join other compassionate and friendly individuals to assist.

RALEIGH -- Former AARP North Carolina volunteer leaders Richard "Dick" and Diana "Dee" Hatch received recognition for their long-time contributions to improving the lives of older adults in North Carolina.