Advocacy and Volunteer Recognition Highlight Leadership Summit

Source: AARP.org | February 22, 2006

More than 40 volunteers gathered in Honolulu for the Volunteer Leadership Summit in early February. The three-day event captured the best thinking of volunteer leaders throughout the state and offered information and training in support of AARP Hawaii's social impact priorities.

AARP Hawaii's advocacy agenda was a major focus of the gathering. Volunteer leaders learned more about state and national issues and priorities and discussed opportunities for involvement. Hawaii's emphasis this year is on Medicare Part D education and outreach; consumer fraud, securities fraud and identity theft awareness; and long term care issues related to health care and supportive services.

Volunteer recognition was a highlight of the Summit, with Harvey Peltz accepting the 2005 Andrus Award for extraordinary service. Peltz has been an AARP volunteer for 12 years and currently serves as West 2 Regional Coordinator of the AARP Driver Safety Program.

Other volunteers receiving awards were:

• Donna Yoshihara—recognized for eight years of service as coordinator of the Oahu Information Center.
• Jere Pennell—recognized for two terms of service as coordinator of the Information Center in Kailua-Kona. Pennell was an Andrus Award nominee.
• Jean Prandini—recognized as one of the principal advocates responsible for acquiring and maintaining Kamaole Point Park on Maui. Prandini was an Andrus Award nominee.
• Ruby Silva—recognized as one of the state's top volunteers on the prescription drug affordability campaign in 2004. Silva was also an Andrus Award nominee.

AARP Arkansas State President Billie Ann Meyers was a featured speaker. A nationally recognized leader who has helped hundreds of volunteer organizations increase their effectiveness in serving others, Meyers inspired delegates with her energy, enthusiasm and commitment to community service.

"I'm very excited by the work AARP Hawaii is doing in the Aloha State and greatly impressed with the volunteer leadership team," she said.

The Summit also provided volunteers and staff with an opportunity to take part in a model community service project aimed at surveying busy intersections in the downtown area for pedestrian safety. This project was a model for expanded community service to be undertaken throughout Oahu and the Neighbor Islands on AARP's National Day of Service in May.