About the Award

AARP was founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Today, the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, established in her name, recognizes outstanding AARP volunteers and members who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that support AARP's mission, vision and strategic direction and that inspire others to volunteer. The award was created in 2002 and each year honors one individual from each state as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Eligibility Guidelines

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Nominees must be current AARP volunteers or AARP members; or must have been AARP volunteers or members within the time period described below.
• Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however teams are not eligible.
• The accomplishments, achievements, or service on which the nomination is based must have occurred during the period January 1 - December 31, 2004.
• The accomplishments, achievements, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay.

Selection Criteria

Selection of the 2005 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recipient should be based on the following criteria:

1. How has the work of the nominee enhanced the lives of AARP members and prospective members?

2. How has the work of the nominee improved the community in or for which the work was performed?

3. How has the nominee's work supported AARP's social impact priority areas: economic security, health and supportive services, and livable communities?

4. How has the nominee's work impacted other volunteers or inspired others to volunteer?

Who Can Nominate?

Nominations for the 2005 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service may be submitted by AARP members, volunteers, Chapter or Unit members and community partners. Nominations may also be submitted by external organizations or groups and by members of the public at large. Selection Committee members may not nominate candidates for the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service.

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service 2005 nominations will be accepted between April 17 and July 1, 2005. Submit a nomination by filling out the online nomination form.

Selection Process

The Selection Committee in each state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands will review all nominations for the respective state and select the award recipient using the criteria listed above. Each state's award recipient will be selected by August 1, 2005 and notified of his or her selection by August 15, 2005. The award presentation ceremony will take place in each state after September 1, 2005.

For more information about the Andrus Award for Community Service and the nomination process, contact the AARP office in your state.