For Gerre Currie, a Lifetime of Volunteering

Gerre Currie is the embodiment of Tennessee’s nickname: The Volunteer State.

As AARP Tennessee’s state president — its highest-ranking volunteer role — she brings to her work at AARP the passion she has for her career as a community development officer for a financial institution.

“Everything that AARP does actually pairs with what I’ve been doing [in my career],” says Currie, 68, of Memphis.

Currie became involved with AARP Tennessee in 2019 as a member of its Executive Council. In 2022, she stepped into the role of state president, helping build partnerships, work with policymakers and support volunteers.

She’s an example of how volunteering with AARP is not just about staffing an event — it’s about putting unique experiences and professional skills to use in meaningful ways.

AARP volunteers do everything from advocating at the General Assembly, to speaking to groups about fraud prevention and caregiving resources, to leading Driver Safety courses and even pickleball classes.

“Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do in Tennessee,” says AARP State Director Mia McNeil.

Currie points to the AARP Community Challenge grant program as one example of how the organization creates real impact. In Memphis, grant funding to nonprofit Knowledge Quest supported a hydroponic gardening project that expanded into a small restaurant in a food desert. In Chattanooga, a grant to Signal Centers created an artistic outlet for older adults to connect socially.

“Being part of an organization where evidence-based transformation is shown is truly rewarding,” Currie says.

She hopes more Tennesseans will answer the call.

To do so, email tnvolunteer@aarp.org.