Content Generation: Gen Z Intern Boosts AARP Va. Social Media Reach

Virginia Commonwealth University student Sebastian Moreno has already accomplished much more than most people his age — starting up two businesses, saving money to purchase an investment property and being set to graduate a semester early in December. On top of that, he is now helping AARP Virginia further its communications and advocacy efforts to reach more people in new ways.

Sebastian is nearing the middle of an eight-month internship, and among many other things, he said, it has made him much more aware of the organization’s value to Americans of many generations. Prior to applying for the internship, Sebastian thought of AARP as relevant mainly for people considerably older than him.

Sebastian Moreno

“But now, being part of it, it's something that everyone should care about,” he said. “AARP advocates for stuff that affects me. I mean, Social Security is a big thing, something I contribute to, and it's also something that everyone's been contributing to in previous generations, so it affects everyone.”

He also points to the organization’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and scams. “They have a lot of stuff for scams, which a lot of people aren't educated about, which I feel like is one of the great programs that they have going on.”

Sebastian’s primary internship duties involve increasing AARP Virginia’s reach to the growing number of people who receive more of their information through digital platforms.

“His primary responsibility is maintaining our digital channels—the website and social media,” said AARP Virginia Communications Director Ginger Thompson. “He creates social media graphics, videos, and flyers and is responsible for the weekly scam alert news releases, web stories and social media posts. His work ensures that we inform Virginians age 50 and older and their families about our programs that help make sure their health, money and happiness last as long as they do.”

It is a direction that Sebastian has found fulfilling. “We weren't doing a lot of videos or really showcasing the events, which is something that I've started to do now and actually go out to the events and interact with the members. It’s fulfilling to see that the work that we do actually affects a lot of people. It’s kind of cool really seeing how it could make an impact.”

While Sebastian plans to embark upon new entrepreneurial ventures upon his graduation in December, he said his internship experiences with AARP Virginia have already left him with a lasting impression that will follow him into the business world.

“I feel like sometimes AARP is not only about the mission, but also just keeping everyone as a community together, which is something that I really enjoy seeing that they do.”
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Want to be like Sebastian and help educate people on fraud and scams or fight to protect Social Security? Apply to volunteer today at aarp.org/volunteer and be sure to follow our social media to view Sebastian’s work at facebook.com/aarpvirginia and x.com/aarpva.