Another Extraordinary Year! Recognize the One Who Made It Great with the Andrus Award for Community Service

The Andrus Award for Community Service is AARP’s most prestigious and visible award for those who give their experience, skill, talent, and time to the people around them. Only one individual (or a duo performing service together) from Ohio can receive the award. Because of their dedication, AARP Ohio is providing the recipient with $1,500 to be donated to an eligible nonprofit of their choice.  

The Andrus Award is named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who inspired, and continues to inspire communities across the United States. AARP Ohio fully acknowledges that its mission simply cannot be carried out without the help of volunteers. The passion and vocalness of AARP Ohio’s volunteers, and others who work in a similar spirit, are the forces bringing positive change to the state.

We are in another year requiring extreme levels of adaptation and planning for AARP Ohio. Yet, the resilience and tenacity of those who have stepped up have led to even greater reach into our communities. Still, the organization is dedicated to leaving no one behind in a virtual world. AARP Ohio’s volunteers were essential in efforts to bring internet access to those who before were underserved. AARP Ohio is proud to have people unite to resolve the issues brought upon by COVID-19, despite differences in backgrounds and location.

This year also marks another year of leadership within the state. Many Ohioans have successfully stepped up to contribute to, grow, and lead others for a common cause. With many more successful community-focused initiatives this year, AARP Ohio needs your help to nominate the winner of the 2021 Andrus Award.

Who is eligible to be nominated?
Nominees for the Andrus Award for Community Service must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be 50 or older
• Achievements, accomplishments, or service on which nominations are based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay. Volunteers receiving small stipends to cover costs associated with the volunteer activity are eligible.
• Achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP's vision and purpose (see below)
• Achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nominations are based must be replicable and inspire others to serve
• Partisan political achievements, accomplishments, or service may not be considered
• Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible; however, teams are not
• Recipient must live in the awarding state
• Volunteers serving on the Andrus Award selection committee are not eligible 
• AARP staff members are not eligible
• This is not a posthumous award

Who can submit nominations?
Nominations for the AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service may be submitted by AARP members, volunteers, and chapter or unit members. Nominations also may be submitted by external organizations or groups and by members of the public at large. AARP staff and selection committee members may not submit nominations.

What are the selection criteria?
Selection of AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service recipients will be based on answers submitted to the following questions:

1. Please describe the volunteer work that inspired you to nominate this individual for the award.
2. How has the nominee's work supported AARP's vision and purpose?
3. How has the work of the nominee improved the community or enhanced the lives of its residents for which/whom the word was performed?
4. What is inspiring, courageous, unusual, or innovative about the nominee's achievement?
5. How has the nominee's work impacted other volunteers or inspired others to volunteer?

Submit your nomination
View additional information and submit your nomination here. Submissions close on Sept. 17.