AARP Oregon Recognizes Southern Oregon Volunteer with Prestigious Andrus Award

AARP Oregon Recognizes Southern Oregon Volunteer for Her Commitment to Community Service with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Portland, OR— AARP Oregon is proud to announce that Liz James has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. Named after AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, this award recognizes outstanding individuals aged 50 and older who are sharing their experience, talents, and skills to enrich the lives of others. 

Liz James has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to making aging better in Oregon, especially for the LGBTQIA2S++ community, her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and equity, and her efforts to create livable communities. Liz’s journey in advocacy began during her years in Texas with the Lesbian Health Initiative, where she rose from a volunteer to the first paid employee and CEO of the nonprofit. Her efforts in education, outreach and advocacy have significantly impacted the LGBTQIA2S+ populations, highlighting the healthcare challenges and disparities they face and driving positive change.

Since retiring and moving to Oregon, Liz has continued her advocacy through her volunteer work with AARP, where she serves as Advocacy Leader for the Southern Oregon Community Action Team (CAT). As a passionate advocate for livable and age-friendly communities, Liz has played a crucial role in advancing affordable housing and age-friendly communities in Southern Oregon. Liz’s leadership has extended from local initiatives to statewide efforts. She was instrumental in the passage of SB 99, The Bill of Rights in Long-Term and Community-Based Care Facilities for LGBTQIA2S+ Residents and Residents living with HIV. Liz was recently appointed by the Governor to the LGBTQIA2S+ Subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, where she is a strong voice for the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ older adults and works to improve services across Oregon. 

Liz is Chair and conveyor of the Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, a statewide network of public and private organizations, adults age 50+, that works to improve the well-being of older and aging LGBTQIA2S+ Oregonians through research, education, and advocacy efforts. She also serves as Chair of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) Joint Senior Advisory Council/Disabled Senior Advisory Council Advocacy Committee and is the immediate past two-term Council Chair. 

“Receiving the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is a tremendous honor,” said Liz James. “I am deeply committed to advocating for LGBTQIA2S+ populations and ensuring that all older adults have equitable access to the healthcare and support they need. This recognition inspires me to continue my work and strive for even greater impact.”

"The Andrus Award honors volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to their community, and Liz’s work reflects the spirit of service that AARP seeks to promote. Her efforts have brought attention to crucial health and long-term care issues and inspired others to join in advocacy and service,” said Bandana Shrestha, AARP Oregon State Director. "Her dedication to equity and inclusion, combined with her authenticity and empathy, continues to make a lasting impact on both the LGBTQIA2S+ populations and broader Oregon communities.”

AARP Oregon is honored to present the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service to Liz James, celebrating her remarkable contributions and her unwavering dedication to advocacy and community service.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

To learn more about Oregon AARP, visit https://states.aarp.org/oregon