New Targeted Communities Chosen for 2011

Volunteers have chosen three new communities as “targeted communities for 2011. During the Volunteer Spooktacular in October, volunteers from each of the Regional Action Teams nominated and voted to select Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Mobridge as the “targeted communities” in the coming year.

As a “targeted community” the chosen cities will receive state funding from AARP South Dakota to engage in community service and Create The Good activities which have a lasting impact and heighten awareness about AARP. Targeted communities also receive support from AARP and Retired Teacher volunteers throughout their region.

“Our past targeted communities have been extremely successful,” said Leni Healy, AARP South Dakota associate state director outreach and service. “Volunteers have given countless hours to truly make a difference in their communities. Whether it is providing park benches, a community clean-up day, increasing health awareness, or fighting hunger, they’ve made a big impact and improved the lives of their friends and neighbors. We’re looking forward to see what the next targeted communities will do.”

To support activities in each targeted community, members of the Regional Action Teams are asked to participate in and make contributions of some sort to the projects chosen by the targeted community in their region. Additionally, each targeted community will be honored and highlighted in the Capitol Rotunda during the 2011 Lobby Day in Pierre in January.

Targeted communities will begin planning their 2011 activities in December. To participate or submit project ideas for the targeted communities or your community, email us at sdaarp@aarp.org. To find volunteer opportunities where you live visit Create the Good.