AARP Chapters Make a Difference
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-03-23 12:27:22.855571-05:00
For AARP New Jersey members, joining a chapter represents much more than simply attending meetings. Our chapters provide opportunities for our state's 1.35 million members to connect socially, reach out to their communities, and learn about the issues that affect their lives.
AARP recognizes that Chapters are not made up of a group of people, but a group of individuals with specialized skills and needs. For that reason, AARP offers many leadership opportunities at the local, state and even national level. Chapter members and chapters can serve their members and their communities in many ways.
AARP Chapters offer a face-and a heart-for AARP locally. We honor the important contributions our members make by joining chapters through our annual Volunteer Recognition Event. Held last year on Sept. 12 at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, the awards recognized member achievements on the state, local and national level for improving the lives of people 50 and over. Awards were given for outstanding community service, social impact initiatives and member recruitment efforts. Special awards were given to select AARP New Jersey chapters and community partners.
"There is a new vision for aging in New Jersey, thanks to the efforts of our volunteers on the state, local and national levels. They have truly become a force for positive social change," said AARP New Jersey State President Sy Larson.
The first AARP Chapter was started in 1960. By 1961, over 100 Chapters were organized. Today, there are over 2,400 Chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In New Jersey alone, there are over 106 chapters. A minimal yearly fee is charged to help run the business of the chapter. Some chapters have fund-raising abilities to help support local senior projects, provide scholarships for students, or donate money to worthy causes. Some chapters have even taken a more global view, "adopting" troops serving in Iraq.
In addition, AARP Chapters provide social outlets for members. Chapters are gathering places for people whose diverse interests and experience are united in a shared spirit of fellowship through service. Outside of community service projects and meetings, many Chapters regularly schedule social outings and trips.
In New Jersey, some of our most active chapters have:
- Helped send food and clothing to disaster victims such as those affected by Katrina
- Served as volunteer Chapter presidents or officers and organized day trips to cultural or theatrical events
- Worked with other community leaders to help local residents through food banks, clothing drives or visits to VA hospitals
Our Chapters offer another way to make AARP the next chapter in your life.
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