Locate an AARP Chapter near you.

Through their work in AARP Chapters, AARP members are demonstrating the power of volunteer service to help address key issues in their community. AARP Chapters are nongovernmental, nonpartisan, non-profit community service organizations. They are composed of 20 or more national AARP members who formally organize to:

• Get Involved in making our communities better places to live by organizing and participating in a variety of community service projects.
• Make a Difference in state and national issues as they receive state legislative alerts and information to influence policy decisions.
• Make New Friends by meeting people with similar interests and issues of concern.

AARP Chapters offer a face — and heart — for AARP locally. And AARP provides resources to strengthen chapter activities. As a strategic link between members, communities and AARP programs and services, AARP Chapters bring members a variety of community service, education, leadership, and fellowship opportunities.

Chapter community service activities range from participation in national AARP programs to local mentoring and tutoring projects, food and clothing drives, friendly visits, and much more. AARP Chapters are well positioned to provide direct support for AARP State Office goals and also combine forces with groups like Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and Meals on Wheels to make life better in communities where members live and work.

AARP members (age 50 and older) and their spouses are eligible for chapter membership. NRTA members may join AARP Chapters or Retired Teachers Association Units.

The first AARP Chapters were organized in 1960. By 1961, over 100 chapters were organized. Today, there are over 2,700 AARP Chapters across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Chapter size ranges from 20 to over 2,000 members. A minimal yearly fee is charged to help run the business of the chapter. Some chapters have money-raising activities to help support local senior projects, provide scholarships for students, or donate money to worthy causes.

AARP Chapters offer another way that you, as an AARP member, can make a difference in your community.