Seeking AARP Andrus Award Nominees
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-05-12 10:13:00-04:00
Annual Award Recognizes Those Who Demonstrate "The Power to Make it Better" in Their Communities
AARP Delaware is seeking nominations for our 2004 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, honoring individuals who demonstrate "The power to make it better" by sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of others and their communities.
How Does One Individual Have "The Power to Make it Better"?
Just ask the folks at CHEER, a senior community center serving southern Delaware, who were responsible for Georgianna Calabrese's 2002 Andrus Award win.
"Georgie is an enthusiastic individual who inspires her peers to become involved to help when needed," according to CHEER Volunteer Director Elizabeth Walls, who nominated Calabrese for the award. "No matter what the request may be, Georgie is never too busy to help her senior neighbors and recruit other volunteers to follow in her footsteps."
Georgie was acknowledged for her enthusiastic and energetic hard work delivering groceries to the homebound, helping low-income senior homeowners apply for assistance for emergency home repairs, recruiting volunteers for events and service, chairing committees, raising money and wrapping gifts.
Or just ask the 50,000 manufactured-home owners in Delaware who now have increased consumer protections because of the efforts of Ed Speraw, our 2003 Andrus Award recipient.
"With a passion for fair play and justice, Ed inspired many people who had never been involved in activism or advocacy to join his efforts on behalf of manufactured-home owners," according Rose Payne, a Legislative Advocate for AARP Delaware, who nominated Ed for the award. "He brought hope and a sense of security to a vulnerable population, many of whom are senior citizens."
Charles E. Jackson, AARP Delaware State President, explained, "for many, volunteerism becomes a way of life in retirement. Many find that by helping others, they remain active and engaged through service. Through this recognition, AARP encourages members and prospective members to use their expertise and assistance as a way to make things better in their community."
The screening of nominees involves a range of criteria—positive impact on the lives of AARP members and prospective members; improvement of the community in or for which the work was performed; focus on service to youth, home- and community-based services for older adults; nursing home quality and services that provide or promote benefits to low-income older adults; and impact on other volunteers. The selection of the 2004 winner will be announced in September.
AARP Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nominees must be current AARP volunteers or members, or must have been AARP volunteers or members within the time period described below. For the first time, couples may also be nominated.
- The accomplishments, achievements or service on which the nomination is based must have occurred during the period January 1 to December 31, 2003.
- The accomplishments, achievements or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay.
So who will be our 2004 top volunteer for the year? That could be up to you. If you know someone who has demonstrated "The power to make it better," please email or call Terry Debbrecht at (302) 498.6501.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2004
Nominations must be received in the AARP Delaware Office no later than June 30, 2004.
Online nomination form now available.
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