AARP Georgia Celebrates Its Volunteers — Their Lifeblood of Service

In April, AARP celebrated National Volunteer Month, honoring more than 60,000 nationwide volunteers who give more than 9.4 million hours of their time advocating, caregiving, shielding others from fraud, teaching children, providing tax assistance and driver's education, conducting social gatherings and much more.

In Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah, the AARP Georgia staff honored volunteers who have recently aided with programs such as Walk with a Doc, Fitness Friday, fraud prevention events, Valentine’s Day gift-giving, and lobby days where they advocated for laws to improve the lives of older adults.

MEMBERS ONLY

“At AARP Georgia, volunteers are essential partners in advancing our mission and expanding our impact across the state. Their passion, life experience, and commitment to service allow us to reach communities in ways that would not be possible through staff alone. Whether they are advocating at the Capitol, leading community events, or sharing their personal stories, our volunteers bring credibility, authenticity and a powerful voice to the issues that matter most to older Georgians,” said Vanessa J. Payne, AARP Georgia’s state director.

AARP Georgia volunteers, Carolyn B. Parks and Rob Alexander, who will be featured in the May/June AARP Bulletin, are both retired and have found volunteer opportunities that match the skills of their former careers while learning new lessons as they serve. Parks recently joined AARP Georgia’s Executive Council as the Speakers Bureau Leader, said that since she began volunteering, she has learned lessons on updating her diet and exercise routines, how to prioritize brain health and made some valuable connections with inspirational people. “As much as I teach or deliver, I learn,” Parks said.

Alexander, a 10-year AARP volunteer, says that his service allows him to use skills from his professional career. Soon, serves on the Executive Council and aids in training volunteers on AARP’s digital resources.

Interested in volunteering? Visit www.aarp.org/volunteer and explore opportunities, missions, and ways to find the perfect way to live out the words of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.

“The human contribution is the essential ingredient; it is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.”