AARP’s Create the Good has Numerous Ways You Can Give Back to Your Community

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?  AARP’s Create the Good initiative has hundreds of ways you can do just that.

“Create the Good was established to emphasize AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus’ Legacy of giving back,” said Beth Velasquez, AARP New Mexico State Associate Director of Communications.

“AARP’s existence is the direct result of her efforts to obtain health insurance for retired teachers. “She spent her own time and money to ensure that people had a better life, that they had a voice. AARP hopes people will follow her example in their own communities,” Velasquez said.

Create the Good continues Dr. Andrus’ legacy by providing tools and resources so that people can make their own communities better whether they have an hour or just a few minutes a day.

First of all, Create the Good’s website acts as a clearing house for organizations that need help. By typing in your zip code you can view volunteer opportunities in your community. Organizations that need help can also post opportunities when they need volunteer help. Visit Create the Good to view opportunities or learn how to post them.

But volunteering doesn’t have to be a formal or organized event either, Velasquez said.

“For example, you can improve someone’s life simply by sharing information. Know a relative or friend who might need help with weatherizing – use a special energy checklist found on the Create the Good website to help that person learn where in their home they can save energy. You can also share with someone how to avoid identity theft or how to organize their medications. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter most to people,” she said.

There same efforts can also be expanded by using the tools and resources on the Create the Good website.

“You or an organization such as a church or civic group can learn how to organize a community effort by using tools found at Create the Good.org. The site has a number of ideas on what can be done and how to organize an event,” Velasquez said.

Visit us online to learn more about Create the Good or how to give back in your community.