Portland, Oregon Resident Graduates from AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute - Elaine Friesen-Strang honored in DC Ceremony

Washington, DC – Today, Elaine Friesen-Strang of Portland participated in the graduation ceremony for the AARP’s Volunteer Leadership Institute or VLI.    She was joined by 32 other exceptional volunteers from all across the country.  Richard Harwood, founder and president of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, was a guest speaker.

VLI is a rigorous and innovative training opportunity launched by AARP in December 2012 to mobilize highly skilled and motivated AARP volunteers to the next level of volunteer leadership.  This third VLI class was designed and scheduled to appeal to the “new breed” of volunteer -  tech savvy leaders who may still be in the workforce.  Participants met both in person and virtually over a six-month period and used their new skills, techniques and knowledge to work more effectively with their AARP state office or program partners as leaders of volunteer teams and in the community.

“Elaine has been an outstanding volunteer for AARP Oregon,” said Jerry Cohen, state director. "Her interest in our issues and community connections are critical to AARP meeting its mission of improving the quality of life for all as we age.”

AARP is one of the leading volunteer organizations in the nation, with more than 55,000 active volunteers.   Earlier VLI graduates have made early strides as well, taking on new responsibilities, such as serving on committees and task forces; representing AARP as subject matter experts at events and conferences; and reaching thousands of people through speaking engagements.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;  www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at  www.aarp.org.​

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