Community Service

To serve, not to be served
 – AARP Motto

Community service was a part of our founder’s vision for AARP, and it’s still a keystone of AARP today. Our deep commitment to community service is embodied in our WORLD CLASS behaviors and in our Social Impact Agenda.

AARP encourages all employees to Walk the Talk, volunteer their time, and make a difference in their communities and in our society. We offer two programs to make that easier.

AARP Community Builders provides staff the opportunity to engage in ongoing service work during regular work hours. Eligible full-time employees have 42 hours (21 hours for part-time staff) annually to do service in their own community, another state, or another country. Beyond the personal benefits of volunteering in the community, the program offers some staff a chance to interact with AARP members and with other older persons and to make a direct contribution to one of AARP's strategic priorities.

Our Day of Service (the second Thursday in May) is a way for AARP, its employees, members, and volunteers to participate in and to honor community service. On this day, we close all our offices and redirect our workforce, together with AARP volunteers, to engage in community service projects. It is a chance for all of us to exercise “the power to make it better.” The annual Day of Service shows the impact that even one day’s collective efforts can have in communities across the United States.

Community Builders in Action

Building Habitat Homes in Fairbanks  

“Fairbanks, Alaska, was my third Habitat build, and each time I step out of my comfort zone to work on a house or apartment as a volunteer, I am reminded how fortunate so many of us are to be able to take 'shelter' for granted. The Community Builders leave gives me the opportunity to offer a life-changing gift to someone who needs, knows, and appreciates the value of a home.”

Pam Caldwell
Associate State Director
Virginia State Office

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