AARP has a deep and longstanding commitment to community service. From the beginning, the motto "to serve, not to be served" has shaped our community service efforts at the national, state, and local levels. Today, we serve millions of people and annually engage and support tens of thousands of volunteers through our existing community service programs (AARP Driver Safety, AARP Tax-Aide, and the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program) and through AARP Chapters, NRTA: AARP's Educators Community, and various state-based community service activities. Many others — the elderly, the homeless, youth, and other people in need — continue to benefit from AARP's National Day of Service projects and Community Builders program sites

Volunteering for AARP is one of many paths by which you can become connected, involved and engaged. Through volunteer service, as well as through our advocacy and educational efforts, you can help address issues that greatly affect older adults and their families, such as economic security/work, independent living, and health and wellness. Community service has become an essential strategy to achieve lasting, meaningful social impact.

AARP offers a range of volunteer opportunities where your skills, experience and training can be put to good use. Our volunteers take on a range of tasks involving program management, administration, operations and direct service. Each year, volunteers help older persons file their taxes, become safer drivers, land a job, secure public benefits, manage their financial affairs, and cope with the loss of a loved one. In 2003 alone, over 2.5 million people received direct assistance when they needed it.

In addition, AARP volunteers advocate for state and national policies aiding older Americans, serve as volunteer leaders guiding the work of the organization, and communicate with individuals, groups and the media about the organization's programs and priorities.

In some states, AARP is currently working with several national and local organizations to explore new opportunities for our members to volunteer for projects related to home-and community-based care, nursing home quality, benefits for low-income individuals, and work with youth.

AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation