AARP Members Providing Community Service in Maine through AARP Chapters

Have you ever seen an announcement in your local paper about an AARP chapter meeting and wondered what it was?

AARP chapters are nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organizations that provide a local face to AARP. Specifically, AARP chapters provide a link between members, communities and AARP programs and services, offering members a variety of community service, education, advocacy, leadership and fellowship opportunities.

Formally organized through AARP, but independently incorporated, chapters have played a unique and vital role in AARP’s success since 1960. There are now over 2,400 AARP chapters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Chapters range in size from 20 to over 3,000 members. Each member usually pays a minimal yearly fee to help run the business of the chapter. Some chapters have fund-raising activities to help support local senior projects, provide scholarships for students, or donate money to worthy causes.
 
In Maine, there are six AARP chapters whose members volunteer help meet the needs in their local communities. Maine chapters engage in wide range of community service activities, from support of AARP programs, like AARP Driver Safety and the annual Day of Service, to local mentoring and tutoring, food and clothing drives, friendly visiting, and much, much more. Chapters often work hand-in-hand with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels.

Chapter meetings are held once a month and often include a meal, entertainment and educational programs. They are a great way to meet fellow AARP members, serve the community, and have fun. Check the list below to see if there is a local Chapter near you and when the meetings are held.
 
If you would like more information about AARP chapters in Maine, or if you are interested in starting a new chapter in your area, please contact Greg Cross, Community Outreach Director for AARP in Maine at 207-776-6302 or gcross@aarp.org.
 
Greater Portland Chapter
North Deering Congregational Church
1364 Washington Ave
Portland
Third Tuesday of each month at 11am

Penobscot County Chapter
Bangor Elks Club
108 Odlin Rd
Bangor
First Tuesday of each month

Greater Augusta Chapter
Gardiner Lions Club
PO Box 25
Gardiner
Fourth Wednesday of each month

Millinocket Area Chapter
Millinocket Baptist Church
297 Penobscot Ave
Millinocket
First Monday of each month

Mousam Valley Chapter
Trafton Senior Center
19 Elm St
Sanford
Fourth Tuesday of each month

Oxford Hills Chapter
First Congregational Church
17 E Main St
South Paris
Second Monday of each month