Volunteer From Home

Just because you might be staying home more these days, doesn't mean you can't still do meaningful volunteer work. Whether you have special skills and expertise you want to share, can offer a friendly voice and an empathetic ear, or simply are passionate about helping people 50+, we have a volunteer opportunity that's right for you. And you can do it all from the convenience and comfort of your own home.

When volunteering from home, you may:

• Advocate on behalf of people 50+
• Provide helpful resources online and share valuable information
• Protect and ensure well-being and safety 
• Educate through one of our popular programs
• Prevent isolation and loneliness

AARP Nurse Volunteer / Patient and Family Advisory Council Member (PFAC)

Program: AARP States

(In-person or Virtual)

Help improve hospital care by joining a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). PFACs are composed of 5-20 members, including patients and family members, who share their firsthand experiences to drive improvements in hospital caregiving. AARP is building a network of nurse volunteers to join these councils and contribute to a better hospital caregiving experience.

As a Nurse Volunteer and PFAC member, you’ll collaborate with hospital staff, patients, and families to:

• Improve hospital policies.
• Influence facility design to better meet patient needs.
• Enhance how care is planned, delivered, and evaluated.

Requirements:

• Nurse (working or retired)
• Commitment to the goals, policies, and priorities of AARP and the hospital system
• Ability to clearly articulate and communicate ideas both orally and in writing
• Ability to use web-based video chat technology
• Attend orientation and trainings provided

Time/Frequency:

• About 4 hours/month
• Monthly reporting on issue areas
• Monthly peer-to-peer network calls

Advocacy Volunteer

Program: AARP States

(Volunteer From Home, Varies by State)

AARP is a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change on issues that matter to people 50-plus and to society as a whole. Availability of volunteer roles vary from state to state. Together we work on important issues, including the following:

• Leading efforts to strengthen Social Security and support retirement savings to help everyone achieve lifetime financial security.
• Promoting adequate, affordable health care including prescription drugs, long-term care, and support for family caregivers.
• Fostering communities with affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features, safe driving and mobility options.

Requirements:

• Able to remain non-partisan
• Knowledgeable and/or passionate about AARP issues
• Comfortable with technology
• Must attend about 1 hour of on-demand training

Time/Frequency:

• Varies by state and activity
• Opportunities ebb and flow with the legislative cycles in each state
• Frequency tends to increase during state legislative session

Client Facilitator

Program: Tax-Aide

(In-Person or From Home)

You will help older taxpayers feel welcome and at ease by greeting them, gathering and organizing their paperwork, and describing the tax prep process. Help ease the stress of tax season for low-income people who are 50-plus. Experience is not necessary; we will provide training and IRS certification.

Requirements:

• Be detail-oriented
• Must attend 20 hours of provided training (held between September and January)

Time/Frequency:

• At least 4 hours per week during tax season

Community Events Volunteer

Program: Wish of a Lifetime

(Nationwide -  In-Person or From Home)

Participate in local activities led by our Field Team to help spread the word about Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Community event volunteers connect with WOL staff on a regular and as-needed basis and are empowered to recruit other volunteers, attend local events and speak to groups and individuals about the organization.

Requirements:

• Complete Volunteer Orientation through AARP Volunteer Portal.
• Friendly and patient communication skills to support and problem solve with volunteers
• Deep understanding and appreciation for WOL’s mission to shift perceptions on aging

Time/Frequency:

• Varies depending on local opportunities

Communications Volunteer

Program: AARP States

(Volunteer From Home, Varies by State)

AARP is a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change and serves as a trusted voice for issues such as Social Security, caregiving, and fraud and scam awareness. Availability of volunteer roles varies from state to state. Volunteers with an interest and/or expertise in communications and/or public relations may assist with the following:

• Amplifying AARP’s messaging through traditional and social media
• Promoting AARP events and activities – online and in the community
• Fostering relationships with media outlets and reporters.

Requirements:

• Able to remain non-partisan
• Knowledgeable and/or passionate about AARP issues
• Comfortable with technology

Time/Frequency:

• Varies by state and activity
• Opportunities ebb and flow with the legislative cycles in each stat
• Frequency tends to increase during state legislative session

Cupid Crew Volunteer

Program: Wish of a Lifetime

(Nationwide -  In-Person or From Home)

Deliver roses and cards to older adults on Valentine’s Day! Beginning in 2014, Wish of a Lifetime has organized a national campaign that empowers volunteers to spread love on February 14th by delivering a rose and/or decorating cards to send to older adults across the nation. During the campaign, volunteers can participate in three ways:

1. Card making: Download, print, and decorate Cupid Crew branded cards to send across the country or deliver to older adults in your community.
2. Rose delivery: Deliver roses to senior communities or to older adults in your community.
3. Lead a crew: Lead a group of volunteers to deliver roses in your community.

Time/Frequency:

• Annually

Data Manager

Program: Driver Safety

(Volunteer From Home)

Use your organizational and administrative skills to help AARP keep our Driver Safety records up to date. You will be responsible for inputting and maintaining the state’s electronic volunteer records within AARP’s volunteer database, and creating and exporting dashboard reports to support volunteer leaders.

Requirements:

• Be comfortable with technology
• Must complete four hours of provided online training
• Attend monthly virtual meetings with National Office staff

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 4 hours a week
• Varies according to activities and availability

Digital Fraud Fighter

Program: AARP National

(Volunteer From Home)

Be a fraud fighter and protect people 50-plus by helping them identify and avoid scams that could harm them financially. By sharing fraud prevention content from the AARP National Fraud Network across a number of digital platforms, you can raise awareness of the latest scams, especially those targeting older adults.

Requirements:

• Possess strong online and social media skills
• Be comfortable with technology
• Good communicator, both orally and in writing
• Must attend 10 hours of provided training

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 4 hours a week
• Varies according to activities and availability

E-activist

Program: AARP States

(Volunteer From Home)

Becoming an e-activist is the easiest way to become active with AARP!  You will be part of a powerful network that connects you to political and legislative programs, activities and initiatives in your state. Make your voice heard on important issues that impact our 50-plus population and advocate on its behalf by contacting state and federal officials via phone, email or social media. When you sign up to become an e-activist, you will begin receiving legislative updates and alerts.

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills
• Be comfortable with technology

Time/Frequency:

• Varies according to level of involvement

Friendly Voice Volunteer Caller

Program: AARP National

(Volunteer From Home)

We are looking for Friendly Voice volunteers dedicated to our English or Spanish lines, ready to share a kind and caring voice with those who seek social connection. This opportunity is for someone that enjoys chatting on the phone, is eager to listen, or willing to just say hello on a friendly phone call. It is important that you can engage actively and show you care as you help your new friend brighten up their day and connect with someone new. Please note, this volunteer position requires a 3-hour a week commitment, the use of a computer, and the ability to participate in training to be considered.

If the Friendly Voice volunteer opportunity is for you, please call 1-888-281-0145 to let us know you’re interested in volunteering. Please note you will need to be bilingual to volunteer for the Spanish line. One of our volunteers will be in touch! Reach out to friendly.voice@aarp.org if you have any questions.

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills
• Access to a computer with high-speed internet connection
• Ability to use web-based video chat technology
• Must take provided training 
• Spanish line - must be bilingual

Time/Frequency:

• 3 hours/week

Instructor Assistant

Program: Driver Safety

(Location Pending)

Provide our Driver Safety instructors with much-needed logistical assistance, such as helping with registration, fee collection, completion of certificates and sending reminders to registered participants. You’ll not only be helping the instructors but also helping drivers 50-plus get access to information that can keep them safe on the road.

Requirements:

• Friendly attitude
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Must complete three hours of provided online training

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 4 - 8 hours per course
• Varies according to activities and availability

Marketing & Recruitment Specialist

Program: Driver Safety

(Volunteer From Home)

You will help promote our popular Driver Safety Program that helps drivers 50-plus stay independent and be better, safer drivers. Enjoy the opportunity to work closely with other volunteers as well as AARP staff, and use your creativity to conduct engaging marketing initiatives and drive participation at state and local levels.

Requirements:

• Must complete four hours of provided online training
• If new to Driver Safety, attend a Smart Driver course in person or online

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 4 hours a week
• Varies according to activities and availability

Outreach & Community Engagement Volunteer

Program: AARP States

(Volunteer From Home, Varies by State)

Volunteers work together with local residents, community leaders, and organizations to host events, support community projects, and share information and resources on AARP issues and priorities. Whether you like to be on stage or behind the scenes, there are various ways to get involved. Roles vary by state and community.

Requirements:

• Able to remain non-partisan
• Knowledgeable and/or passionate about AARP issues
• Comfortable with technology
•  Enjoy people

Time/Frequency:

• Varies by state and activity
• Opportunities ebb and flow with the event seasons in each state and/or community.

Reading Tutor

Program: Experience Corps

(Volunteer From Home)

You will have the opportunity to work with prekindergarten through third-grade students to strengthen literacy skills, promote positive self-image and improve attendance practices. This is a rewarding role that is ideal for people who enjoy teaching and interacting with children. Make a lasting difference in a vulnerable child’s life.

Requirements:

• Must be age 50 or older
• Possess a high school diploma or GED (minimum)
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a basic literacy screening
• Must attend 25 hours of provided training (annually)

Time/Frequency:

• 4 - 6 hours per week

Smart Driver Instructor

Program: Driver Safety

(Location Pending)

You will help 50-plus drivers to be safer, more independent and more confident behind the wheel when you organize, promote and conduct at least three AARP Smart Driver classroom courses a year. The valuable information you share in this popular course can literally save lives and benefit your whole community.

Requirements:

• Must complete 3.5 hours of online instructor training
• Attend in-person or virtual training with designated state volunteer
• Attend one district meeting annually
• If new to Driver Safety, attend a Smart Driver course in person or online

Time/Frequency:

• Approx. 10 to 20 hours per course
• Minimum of three courses per year

Smart Driver TEK Workshop Presenter

Program: Driver Safety

(Location Pending)

Are you a new-car buff? You will enjoy the opportunity to actively organize, promote and conduct at least six 90-minute Smart DriverTEK Workshops annually. This workshop helps mature drivers understand new vehicle safety technology, and is helpful to those who have recently bought (or are planning to buy) a new car.

Requirements:

• Be comfortable with technology
• Must have access to a laptop less than five years old
• Demonstrate strong teaching and presentation skills
• A passion for technology and/or cars is appreciated

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 3.5 hours per workshop
• Minimum of six workshops per year

Tax Counselor

Program: Tax-Aide

(In Person or From Home)

Help low- to moderate-income 50-plus adults to prepare and file their tax returns online, providing them with deductions they may have missed and the returns they deserve. Your assistance will help relieve the burden and stress of their doing their own taxes. Experience is not necessary; we will provide training and IRS certification.

Requirements:

• Detail oriented
• Must attend 20 hours of provided training (held between September and January)
• Be comfortable with technology

Time/Frequency:

• At least 4 hours per week during tax season

Team Leader

Program: Experience Corps

(Volunteer From Home)

Be a vital link in running an intergenerational tutoring program proven to help children improve their reading skills. You will be responsible for the ongoing communication, planning, documentation and evaluation of the AARP Experience Corps program in each school and serve as the liaison between volunteers and school leadership.

Requirements:

• Must be age 50 or older
• Possess a high school diploma or GED (minimum)
• Pass a criminal background check
• Pass a basic literacy screening
• Must attend 25 hours of provided training (annually)

Time/Frequency:

• 4 - 6 hours per week

Technology Adviser

Program: Driver Safety

(Volunteer From Home)

If you’re comfortable with technology and like to share your knowledge with others, our Driver Safety Program needs you. Help fellow volunteers successfully use our online Driver Safety system, navigate the AARP Volunteer Portal, and provide troubleshooting and support to ensure the program runs smoothly for participants.

Requirements:

• Possess strong technology skills (hardware and software)
• Must attend four hours of provided training

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 4 hours a week
• Varies according to activities and availability

Telephone Coordinator

Program: Driver Safety

(Volunteer From Home)

Help people 50-plus reap the benefits of our popular Driver Safety program so they can stay safe on the road. You will connect people inquiring about AARP Driver Safety courses with the appropriate local volunteers for further information, help course participants register online and make reminder calls to those registered.

Requirements:

• Friendly attitude
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Be comfortable with technology
• Must have access to email and the internet
• Must attend three hours of provided online training

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 4 hours a week
• Varies according to activities and availability

Trainer

Program: Tax-Aide

(In Person or From Home)

Provide a helpful service that 50+, low-income taxpayers may not otherwise be able to access by learning about federal and state tax law and training volunteers, as well as other trainers, on how to prepare and file taxes. Enjoy teaching others and helping to relieve the burden on older taxpayers.

Requirements:

• Be detail-oriented
• Ability to teach others
• Must attend provided training

Time/Frequency:

• Varies according to need
• Work begins prior to tax season

Virtual Veterans Brigade

Program: AARP National

(Volunteer From Home)

Support those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country and make a difference. You will help veterans, military and their families by sharing valuable AARP-provided content through social media and other digital platforms, connecting them to services they need and helping to improve their lives.

Requirements:

• Possess strong online and social media skills
• Be comfortable with technology
• Good communicator, both orally and in writing
• Must attend provided training (online)

Time/Frequency:

• 2 - 4 hours per month

Wish Discovery Volunteer

Program: Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

(Nationwide -  In-Person or From Home)

Help find and nominate a deserving individual for wish fulfillment. Wish Discovery volunteers:

• Identify a minimum of one deserving older adult to nominate each year.
• Commit to learn and ask questions about the individuals’ life experiences and passions, as well as the important people in their life. The National Field team will provide training and supporting documentation in the Volunteer Portal.
• Once a wish is determined, submit the application at www.wishofalifetime.org

Requirements:

• Complete Volunteer Orientation through the AARP Volunteer Portal.
• Ability to access the internet, email, and Microsoft Teams for meetings.

Time/Frequency:

• Monthly

We Need to Talk Facilitator

Program: Driver Safety

(Location Pending)

Through a free online seminar, you will help families of drivers 50-plus determine how to assess their loved one’s driving skills, and provide tools so that families can plan for the difficult conversation when it’s time for him or her to stop driving. Help families navigate this tough issue and ensure that their loved one stays safe.

Requirements:

• Experienced in teaching and public speaking
• Ability to empathize and work with diverse populations
• Must complete two hours of online training

Time/Frequency:

• Approximately 2 - 5 hours per event
• Varies according to activities and availability