Why I Became Active in AARP North Dakota!
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-03-22 16:59:00-05:00
I am pleased to be contributing a message to the AARP North Dakota State Website. I am a member of the first Executive Council formed in North Dakota and enjoy volunteering for AARP. I became involved about three years ago in what was then the Leadership Council. A good friend, Yvonne Condell, asked if I would be interested in working with AARP. The next thing I knew, I was called by the then president of AARP in North Dakota. After meeting with her and attending my first Leadership Council, I was hooked! It gave me a chance to meet a new group of people from all over North Dakota and to do meaningful volunteer work.
In all my working years, I was very involved in my professional association as an officer and a volunteer. I needed something to fill that gap and to satisfy my need for a purpose. I still do some volunteer work for the professional association, but not as much or as intense. I have always felt the need to work with a respected organization and be part of something big. AARP provides that opportunity. It gives me the chance to help others achieve results, and it challenges me to use my abilities and skills, as well as develop new ones.
My feeling about volunteerism fits into AARP's philosophy of volunteerism very well. Volunteer service is unique, and the contribution benefits both myself and society. I come away from service with a feeling of appreciation from the people served, as well as a good feeling myself. I enjoy working with the staff and my colleagues as a team to meet AARP's vision, mission and goals.
The AARP North Dakota Executive Council works as a team with staff and other volunteers to attract, develop and maintain a diversity of people and programs to meet North Dakota's needs. Each of us on the Executive Council brings special talents, skills and interests that advance the Association's goals. Our contributions are recognized and supported, which helps us continue to reach our potential.
I grew up with the value to contribute to society and to use my skills, abilities and talents in ways which would help others. My involvement in AARP helps to meet that value and allows me to give something and to get something back. It is a good use of my time, a chance to meet new people and a chance to solve challenging problems.
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