AARP Virginia Volunteer Opportunities

AARP Virginia offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in making a positive impact on the lives of older adults. Some of the key volunteer programs are listed below and not every opportunity may be currently available:

Outreach

Volunteers work together with residents, community leaders and organizations to host in-person or virtual events, support community projects and share information and resources on AARP programs and services. Whether you like to be on stage or behind the scenes, there are various ways to get involved.

Speakers Bureau

AARP Speakers Bureau volunteers provide informative and engaging presentations, in-person or virtual, on a variety of topics relevant to older adults. As a volunteer speaker, you provide 30–60-minute pre-scripted presentations on topics such as caregiving, brain health, downsizing, home modification, fraud prevention, Social Security or Medicare. By volunteering as a speaker, you can help educate and empower older adults, promote AARP’s mission and make a positive impact on your community.

Advocacy

Make a difference in lives of older adults by advocating for their needs and interests at the state and/or federal levels. As a volunteer, you can participate in various activities, including engaging in online advocacy campaigns by contacting elected officials via email or phone calls; mobilizing community members to support AARP’s advocacy initiatives; monitoring legislative activity and staying informed about legislation that impacts older adults; sharing your personal experiences with lawmakers to influence policy decisions; meeting with legislators and their staff to advocate for AARP’s priorities. By becoming an AARP advocacy volunteer, you can help shape public policy and ensure that the voices of older adults are heard.

Communications

Help amplify AARP’s message, reach a wider audience and make a positive impact on the lives of older adults. Volunteers will use their professional communication skills to contribute to telling the story of AARP’s work in the community, cover AARP events and write informative articles, share stories on social media platforms, edit and proofread content, or take photographs at AARP events.

Volunteer Services

Play a crucial role in helping to connect individuals who want to volunteer with an appropriate opportunity. Volunteers may assist with recruitment, ensuring volunteers are suitable for specific roles through screening, provide ongoing support and guidance, and/or plan and execute recognition events to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers. In essence, volunteer services act as a bridge between individuals who want to give back and AARP.

Create the Good

Looking for something else? AARP’s Create the Good is a platform that connects volunteers with organizations in need. Find more volunteer opportunities – from AARP and other organizations – to share your skills and passion with your community. Once you find an opportunity that interests you, connect directly with that organization to learn more. To learn more and find other volunteer opportunities, visit the Create the Good website at https://createthegood.aarp.org.

AARP National

Regardless of where you live, you can work with AARP’s National Office on important issues that impact people across the country. Support veterans, fight fraud or use your skills in other ways to help people 50-plus live their best lives. These opportunities are not administered by AARP Virginia.

Virtual Volunteering

· Virtual Veterans Brigade – Support those who have dedicated their lives to serving the United States. You will help veterans, military and their families by sharing valuable AARP-provided content through social media and other digital platforms. To become a Virtual Veterans Brigade volunteer, you must apply directly at https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/job-details/?jobId=a1o3l000003ceNXAAY

· E-Activist – You will be part of a powerful network that connects you to political and legislative programs. Make your voice heard on important issues by contacting state and federal officials via phone, email or social media. When you sign up to become an e-activist, you will begin receiving legislative updates and alerts. To become an E-Activist, you must sign up directly at: https://www.aarp.org/getinvolved

· Friendly Voice – Volunteers share a kind and caring voice with those who seek social connection. This opportunity is for someone that enjoys chatting on the phone and requires a minimum commitment of 3-hours per week. To become a Friendly Voice volunteer, you must apply directly by calling 1-888-281-0145.

· Digital Fraud Fighter – Volunteers will share fraud prevention content from the AARP Fraud Watch Network across a number of digital platforms to raise awareness of the latest scams. To become a Digital Fraud Fighter, you must apply directly at https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

This nationwide volunteer initiative provides free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with a special focus on older adults. As a Tax-Aide volunteer you’ll receive comprehensive training to become IRS-certified and work directly with taxpayers, helping them gather necessary documents, complete tax forms and file their returns electronically. To become a Tax-Aide volunteer, you must apply directly at https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/causes/tax-assistance/

AARP Driver Safety

AARP Driver Safety is a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing road safety for older adults. More than 18 million participants have benefitted from the nation’s largest driving refresher course designed for drivers age 50 and older. As a volunteer instructor, you play a vital role in educating older drivers about safe driving practices and techniques by organizing and facilitating courses. To become a Driver Safety volunteer, you must apply directly at: https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/causes/safe-driving/