Legacy of Ethel Percy Andrus

AARP's commitment to community service can be traced to the life and vision of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus (1884-1967). From the beginning, her motto "to serve, not to be served" has shaped our community service efforts at the national, state, and local levels.

When Dr. Andrus founded NRTA in 1947, she shared her vision of "purposeful activity" with members and other older Americans. And, when she founded AARP in 1958, service was also an important element of her vision for the Association. Dr. Andrus believed that AARP members had the potential to create a new image of aging and the power to fight stereotypes about older Americans.

In the decades following Dr. Andrus' death, AARP has continued her legacy of service. Today, AARP programs consist of tens of thousands of volunteers who help over 2.5 million people annually through a variety of community service programs and activities.

For AARP, community service has become an essential strategy to achieve lasting, meaningful social impact. As with our advocacy and educational efforts, our community service activities are helping to address key issues (like economic security/work, independent living, and health and wellness) that greatly affect older adults and their families.

Many AARP volunteers also serve as advocates for state and national policies aiding older Americans, as volunteer leaders guiding the work of the organization, or as communication liaisons working with individuals, groups and the media about the organization's programs and priorities. AARP volunteers continue to exemplify the many ways that they can help improve the lives of others in their community and feel good.