Make a Difference: Volunteer with AARP Washington

AARP is more active than ever throughout Washington State. Every day, we provide new opportunities for our members to speak on issues that concern them, to make their own life choices, to reach their goals and dreams, and to make the most of life after 50. That's where you come in.

People like you have always been AARP's greatest resource. Today, we need your know-how and enthusiasm more than ever to help us achieve the goals AARP members care about most—health and financial security, independent living, safer and stronger communities, and many more.

Take a look at this short video for a quick peek at what AARP is up to in the state.



You can help by volunteering your time, talent and expertise to make a difference in your community, in Washington and across the country.

Give consumers the tools they need to recognize the difference between “too good to pass up” and “too good to be true.” Volunteers at AARP’s Fraud Fighter Call Center, based in north Seattle, have called more than 500,000 consumers with fraud prevention tips. They also offer public presentations and share information at community events.  For more information, contact Fraud Fighter Call Center Director Jean Mathisen at jmathisen@aarp.org.

Outreach volunteers represent AARP at events, conferences, and community fairs. This generally means setting up and staffing a table where we provide free information and resources to the community. Last year AARP was at more than 30 events, some of which occur evenings and weekends. For more information, contact AARP Outreach Director Cheryl Weber at creed@aarp.org.

Volunteers interested in policy and legislation keep up to date on state and federal issues through a monthly phone conference and regular e-mail updates. They periodically meet with Members of Congress and other elected officials. During the winter legislative session they attend our legislative luncheon in Olympia and stay in touch with their state lawmakers by phone and e-mail regarding AARP’s state legislative agenda. For more information, contact AARP Advocacy Director Ingrid McDonald at imcdonald@aarp.org, 206-330-6531.

Volunteers on this team work on issues related to the State Legislature in Olympia. Activity is most frequent during the legislative session, January – April. Team members track bills, attend hearings and meetings, and interact directly with legislative staff and lawmakers. We work on a range of health, long term care, consumer protection, housing and other policy issues. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and be part of democracy in action. Support is provided through a pre-session training and weekly drop-in meetings. For more information, contact AARP Advocacy Director Ingrid McDonald at imcdonald@aarp.org, 206-330-6531.

Volunteer with AARP Driver Safety, which each year helps nearly 600,000 older drivers enhance their safe driving skills. Several positions are available, including course instructors, program coordinators, trainers, and telephone coordinators. Courses to the public consist of two 4-hour sessions and are taught several times throughout the year. To see more, check out this short video profile of AARP volunteer Corine Olson. For more information, contact Volunteer State Coordinator Gordon Olson at vigildad@comcast.net.

AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. AARP Tax-Aide helps 2.5 million low- and middle-income people file tax returns each year, with special attention to those who are ages 60 and older. Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. In addition to volunteers willing to learn tax preparation, there is a need for technical people who have a computer hardware or software background - they would not be required to take the IRS tax certification. These positions are active from December through early April of each year.

And finally, if you don’t see something above that catches your eye, check out AARP Create the Good, where you’ll find lots of ways to get involved and help others.

Anyone can visit  Create the Good to find or post ways to get involved in activities that help neighbors and communities. With our new, robust searchable database you can find an activity that suits your schedule and your interests – whether you have 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days.