AARP Volunteers Improve the Lives of Older Americans and Their Families

This guest article focuses on the important contributions of volunteers, and was submitted by the AARP West Virginia State President Jane Marks.

I am proud to not only be a part of an organization that places such a high value on volunteers, I am so proud to be serving as our lead state volunteer in my capacity as AARP West Virginia state president. I have to say that our dedicated corps of AARP volunteers across the state have become good friends and mentors to me in this leadership role. 

As our founder Ethel Percy Andrus once said “The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” I am going to take liberty with her quote and say to our AARP West Virginia volunteers, YOU are our essential ingredient. You offer us your skills, talents, insights and your time. You add dimension to our work, and you extend our reach so that together we accomplish so much more than we could without you. For all that you do, we are profoundly appreciative

The importance and dedication of AARP’s volunteer engagement was made even more clear over this past year. As the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities to meet face-to-face, our volunteers were willing to hang in and hang on with us. We all learned new tech skills so that we could meet virtually. We stayed engaged, reaching out and making phones calls to those who were lonely or isolated. And we shared information and resources with our members and West Virginians 50-plus about the coronavirus, how to stay safe, as well as educational and information resources on the state’s vaccination deployment.

During Election season, our volunteer outreach and involvement allowed us to share information on how and where to vote safely in the pandemic, the absentee ballot process, and early voting. 

We continue to host a series of virtual coffee chats and tea time happy hours with our volunteers, as many have participated in presentations and discussions virtually over the past year. These efforts have helped us all feel connected at a time when so many of us have been at home and unsure of what the future held.

AARP West Virginia’s Capitol Advocacy Team, a dedicated group of nearly 30 advocacy volunteers from communities across the state, did an outstanding job in maintaining a strong virtual presence with lawmakers and leaders during the 2021 regular session of the West Virginia Legislation. Many of these volunteers, who typically would be at the State Capitol during the legislative session, met the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic and public access limitations that prevented us from being in Charleston every day of this legislative session. Our virtual red coats, engaging with lawmakers and participating in daily legislative activity from their homes, were not only visible, but influential in making positive change for 50-plus West Virginians and their families. 

AARP West Virginia achieved notable state advocacy wins that support the continued expansion of high-speed internet across the state, expand access to health care through greater telehealth opportunities, and strengthen criminal and civil protections in the fight against elder abuse and financial exploitation. Our success at the State Capitol this session would not have been possible without the daily efforts of our dedicated volunteers, who provide an important first-person perspective and such a critical voice in sharing the concerns of older West Virginians and their families with our legislators.

For those of you who are not AARP Volunteers, just because you might be staying home more these days, it doesn't mean you can't still do meaningful volunteer work. AARP offers a myriad of ways to get involved; we have a volunteer opportunity that's right for you!
Join AARP’s community of 60,000-plus volunteers and donate your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families.

When volunteering with us, you may:

• Advocate on behalf of people 50+
• Provide helpful resources online and share valuable information
• Protect and ensure well-being and safety 
• Educate through one of our popular programs
• Prevent isolation and loneliness

Whatever causes speak to you, whatever skills or interests you have, you can find a volunteer opportunity that’s fulfilling and makes an impact. If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, visit us online at aarp.org/volunteer to learn more about giving back to your community and helping the 50-plus population live their best lives.

To learn more about AARP West Virginia’s work in the Mountain State, we encourage you to connect with us on our Social Media channels, or visit our state website at aarp.org/wv. Thank you.