AARP’s remarkable founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, had a passion for education and service that carried her throughout her extensive career as a teacher and a high school principal. After retiring at age 60, she turned her energies to helping “aging folk realize life’s possibilities.”
Dr. Andrus had a new and different vision of aging. “We don’t get old,” she said, “we grow old. We mature. If we ever stop growing, then we have had it.” But as she looked around in 1950s America, she could see that “most organizations working with older citizens did things for them—things that too often led to trivial activities and childish games.”
“Why,” she asked herself, “can’t AARP offer senior Americans a chance to solve their own problems of personal identity, recreation, travel, health protection and financial security?”
Since 1958, AARP has been doing just that—and helping all Americans to understand that, in Dr. Andrus’ words, “age is not a defeat, but a victory; not a punishment, but a privilege.”
Here in South Carolina, AARP has more than 600,000 members. There are great ways to get involved ere in the Upstate. See the opportunities below and let us hear from you.
AARP South Carolina’s volunteers are local heroes. They are everyday people who care about their communities and are doing what they can to make a difference. We want to join you in the work you are doing in your community or to create the change you know needs to happen.
We work on the issues that impact the 50+ and their families, including:
- Veterans Outreach
- Health & Healthcare
- Hunger and Food Insecurity
- Utilities
- Caregiving
- Fraud Prevention
Join AARP South Carolina as a volunteer for some great opportunities and self-fulfillment. The calendar for the upcoming months is starting to take shape and your help is needed. AARP SC is planning some major events and activities for our Upstate members.
Here is a sample of volunteer opportunities that are available in the Upstate.
Community Engagement Team – be a part of the steering group to help plan and Implement community events. This group will meet on a regular basis to plan and develop events and on-going programs for members in the Upstate.
Community Event Volunteers – Spend some time working events and representing AARP SC at community events, festivals, Movies for Grown Ups, Shred Events with the BBB of the Upstate, and Fraud presentations. Look for AARP SC on Fridays on Main beginning March 17.
Advocacy Volunteers – Help track and advocated for issues that are important to older South Carolina residents. This includes state and federal officials. AARP is a fierce defender on issues that impact your wallet.
2024 Presidential Primary Volunteers – Track ALL presidential candidates when they visit the area. AARP is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. Volunteers will be needed to help AARP hold the candidates accountable on issues that impact older voters.
Sounds like fun. Click here to fill out an interest form. Look for an email or phone call from Patrick Cobb pcobb@aarp.org about a training and social event to learn more. It is all about having fun.
AARP is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. With over 600,000 members here in the Palmetto state, AARP is making life better for its members. For other information on AARP programs, services and benefits call 1-866-389-5655 or aarp.org