By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Would you like to explore new ways to connect with your neighbors, and also make new friends? You have a lifetime of experience to offer. If you’re looking to give back to your community and build new relationships, AARP Massachusetts can help you find the perfect fit with our many volunteer opportunities.
We’ll help match your skills to a volunteer opportunity that works with your schedule and interests. We have a variety of volunteer offerings, from community programs to advocacy. Read about our varied opportunities below and then just tell us what you would like to do, how often you’d like to volunteer, and we will find a match that suits you.
Advocacy opportunities: If you are interested in making your voice heard on legislative issues that directly affect people over 50, consider becoming an AARP MA volunteer legislative advocate. You can help us work on a variety of legislative issues on both the state and federal level, such as family caregiving, long-term care, affordable health care, financial security, and Social Security. We will give you the tools and information you need to connect with your legislators and make your voice heard from Beacon Hill to Capitol Hill.
Community outreach opportunities: Help us host a variety of fun, informative and educational programs and events in communities across the state, and engage community members. Choose from among our many program offerings:
- AARP Driver Safety Program. This four hour course gives students a refresher on the rules of the road and tips for safe driving.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Are you good with numbers? Think about volunteering for Tax-Aide, which helps low- and middle-income people prepare and file their taxes. All Tax-Aide volunteers receive training from the IRS, so no tax experience is necessary.
AARP Fraud Watch Network. If you are interested in combating fraud and ID theft, consider volunteering for our Fraud Watch Network. An educated consumer is the best defense against scams and fraud, and our volunteer-led presentations help people protect themselves and their families from widespread attempts to steal their hard-earned money.
- Life Reimagined. Are you living a “reimagined” life? Would you be willing to share your story with others? Volunteer for the Life Reimagined presentation team and help people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities. Life Reimagined is a popular, step-by-step program that helps people figure out what’s next, whether it’s work, health, relationships or pursuing a passion. We will train you to become a Life Reimagined guide and handle community presentations.
At AARP, one of our most valuable assets is our members who are eager to share their life experiences and skills in their communities through volunteerism. Your experience matters – to you, to AARP, and to so many others who can benefit from it. You undoubtedly know what volunteering can do for others; now see what it can do for you!
If you are interested in learning more about our many volunteer opportunities, email us at ma@aarp.org or call toll free at 866-448-3621.
AARP is a nonprofit, non-partisan membership organization for people 50 and over. We have approximately 825,000 members in Massachusetts and nearly 38 million nationwide. Our state legislative priorities are consistent with AARP’s all volunteer national Board of Directors and focus on removing barriers for caregivers, protecting and improving in-home and community-based long-term services and supports, strengthening the financial security of 50+ residents, improving healthcare access and quality, and making healthcare more affordable.
Mike Festa is the state director for AARP Massachusetts.
