The ROOST - The Place for All Things Volunteer

The Office of Volunteer Engagement's Volunteer Helpline provides personalized customer support to current and prospective AARP volunteers. If you have a question about volunteering with AARP and are unsure who to contact, the Volunteer Helpline is a great place to start. *Please note that the Volunteer Helpline focuses specifically on volunteer needs and is separate from AARP's Membership Services Help Center and AARP's ITS Help Desk.

In this episode, AARP Roost News Team member Curt Springstead speaks with representatives of AARP Do It Yourself and Do It Yourself Plus programs better known by their abbreviations DIY and DIY +. These programs are designed to help states create Speakers Bureau programs to share information of value to the 50+ community.

AARP Friendly Voice Center Program was established in April 2023 emphasizing volunteer engagement and community support. The volunteers are vetted for the program and selected after a two-week mentorship period with one of our Friendly Voice leadership team members. There are English/Spanish speaking volunteers and scripts that provide a list of conversation starters, i.e., hobbies, travel, work, family and fun questions. The conversations help to strengthen compassion while maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to AARP policies.

Judee Barone, Co-Lead for the Roost News Podcast conducts a News Brief interview with Mark Fetterhoff, Senior Advisor of the Fraud Helpline. Mark provides the top ten scams that the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline has received in the first quarter of 2025.

Roost News Team member, Doretha McCoy interviews Antoine Cook | AARP California Associate Director, Advocacy & Community Engagement, Volunteer Patricia Smith and Volunteer, Rey Neal on the L.A. Steppers Walking Group which incorporates Healthy Living, Livable Community, and lots of fun with partnerships from various community resources. They discuss this program being their longest running program for volunteers and surviving the pandemic by using zoom. Now, no longer using zoom, they continue to have excellent volunteer engagement.

This podcast covers the cities of Medford and Eugene, Oregon. The various programs in Eugene, Oregon are highlighted as volunteers partner with their Oregon Staff Partner, Carmel Synder. This podcast also covers the partnership with the AARP Oregon State Office and the St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church St. in Eugene, Oregon. They have collaboration and partnership opportunities for community which engage community members in conversations, which impact the community. Special guests: Carmel Perez Snyder, Director of Community Outreach and Advocacy for AARP Oregon, Dr. Geneva Craig, lead volunteer in Medford, Oregon, and Rev. Deleesa Meashintubby, community partner and pastor of St. Mark CME Church in Eugene, Oregon.

Ms. Michelle Becote-Jackson shares accomplishments for (OVE) Office of Volunteer Engagement in 2024 and focus areas for 2025. She thanks volunteers for working closely with staff partners to put multiple programs into action under the Office of Volunteer Engagement.

PROGRAM CONCEPT: AARP Liaison for Caregiving InitiativesProgram OverviewThe AARP Liaison for Caregiving Initiatives program “Care Connectors” aims to build a robust network of volunteers who serve as essential connectors between AARP's National Office, State Offices, and their local community. These volunteers will play a key role in supporting family caregivers through resource dissemination, program coordination, and ensuring that national caregiving priorities are adapted to effectively meet the needs of their community.Monica shares with Roost News Podcast Team member Nancy McCammon Hansen, information on the role of the AARP Liaison for Caregiving Initiatives Program, as well as information on the importance of caregiving and the role of caregivers.

"Walk with an Eagle" Darrin Wasniewski, ASD Wisconsin, Dr. Jenn Taylor, UW Professor and Susan "Boon" Murray share the University of Wisconsin's partnership with AARP Wisconsin. This program incorporates areas of Disrupt Aging, Walkability, and Livabililty for seniors participating in the program. Program OverviewJoin Walk with an Eagle: Connect, move, and thrive with us weekly! Enjoy gentle exercise and meaningful conversations with UW-La Crosse students and community members. Walk at a relaxed pace, build relationships, and experience the physical and mental health benefits of regular, gentle movement. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be part of a supportive and vibrant community!

Nancy LeaMond, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer and Executive Vice-President at AARP shares information on successes of her Federal Advocacy work in 2024 and the 2025 Advocacy focus areas. Ms. LeaMond thanks staff and volunteers for their local advocacy work. She also shares her insight on the new AARP CEO, Dr. Minter-Jordan.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is discussed in this podcast. Jennifer Baier, AARP Associate Outreach Director, WY and Stella Montano, AARP WY State President share valuable information for staff and volunteers on using AI based on AARP (AI) Generative Policy. They provide concrete examples for staff and volunteers to use AI within the AARP guidelines, as well as examples of using AI personally.

"SECURING OUR FUTURE: A SOCIAL SECURITY LUNCH & LEARN" A Tri-State Initiative (Iowa, Nebraska, & South Dakota) The ASD Communication Staff for Iowa-Alissa Brammer, Nebraska-Jess Kinser, and South Dakota-Mary Michaels held a forum to address the issue of protecting and saving Social Security. Attendees listened to different perspectives and asked questions about the future of Social Security. Guest speakers include Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare; and Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy, CATO Institute.

AARP Digital Fraud Fighters Program Jessica Prell, AARP Advisor Fraud Prevention Programs and Joyce Williams, AARP Virginia State President share valuable provide information about the AARP Fraud Fighters Program. Fraud information is shared using the Sprout Social media app. Volunteers and staff receive information through a private Sprout Social App. Pertinent articles which address common scams, detailing how to spot and avoid them, alongside a broad spectrum of fraud- and scam-related information to enhance safety, both online and offline are shared using LinkedIn, X, Facebook, email, and other media platforms. aarp.org/digitalfraudfighter

Developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) partnership, CarFit's trained professionals take mature drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommending minor adjustments that help make their cars “fit” better for comfort and safety. An occupational therapist is also on hand to provide information to mature drivers on how to maintain and strengthen driving health. Please visit the website: Www.car-fit.org is the website

Associate State Director for Outreach, Alf Anderson and Digital Equity Lead, Amy Davidoff share their story on a Digital Equity Initiative in Augusta, Maine, Discussion includes information on Broadband and working with partners in your community.

AARP Alaska State President Teresa Holt and Lead Volunteer, Linda Kruger share the process to conduct the AARP Walk Audit, successes and areas to expand for an AARP Walk Audit.

Arkansas Associate State Director, Community Outreach and Engagement Directgor, Patricia Fry and Volunteer, Brenda Tenner share their story. They had a Party at the Park for the community to hear about the exciting opportunities available as an AARP Arkansas volunteer. Some of the activities available: • Free food from Kona Ice and local food trucks. • Fun and games, including Bingo, Pickleball, basketball, and more. • Win prizes! • Meet AARP Arkansas volunteers who, like you, want to improve our community for people 50-plus and their families. • Find out about future fun and fulfilling AARP Arkansas events in your area.

AARP Indiana, Director of Community Outreach and Sr. Jane McClure, Major Gifts Officer, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, Indiana, share their partnership story with AARP Roost Team member Nancy McCammon Hanson. This partnership supports areas of housing affordability, Livable Communities, and Caregiving. This is an excellent partnership for volunteer engagement.

Nancy Anderson, AARP Montana's Outreach Director/Volunteer Program Manager, shares information on how Montana addresses the inclusion of volunteers in rural areas. She shares their innovative approach to empowering volunteers to be Community Ambassadors.

PART 2: Ending remarks by Roost News Team Member Suzan DeCamp to AARP Staff and AARP Volunteers.

PART 1: Jen Beam, Director, Advocacy, Social & Digital Marketing/Integrated Campaigns and Amanda Knowles, Senior Director, Social Media and Content Integration share what their departments cover on AARP Social Media.

AARP Volunteers and Roost News Team members discuss AARP Disrupt Aging. Constance Harris and Louise Gallagher are trained presenters for the AARP Disrupt Aging Program. They share valuable information covered in this Intergenerational Program with College Students.

This podcast provides information on the AARP Florida Veterans' Forum. Guests are Jill Auld, Associate State Director – Outreach & Engagement, AARP Florida, Bob Bush Bob Busch, Volunteer, AARP FL Veterans' Forum, and Tye Hausheer, AARP FL Veterans' Forum.

Mike Olender, State Director – AARP NC, Audrey Galloway, Manager, Outreach, AARP NC, Helen Mack, State President, Executive Council, AARP NC, and Pat Battle, AARP NC Executive Council, Charlotte Region share how to have a successful AARP University with staff and volunteers. Contact Mike at the AARP NC State Office if you want more information.

"Livable Communities provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to thrive." This podcast provides information on AARP Livable Communities, AARP Age Friendly Networks, and AARP Challenge Grants. Listen for information on how your community can become an AARP Livable Community and the many resources available to AARP staff, AARP volunteers, and the community. Guest speakers are Mike Watson, Director of AARP Livable Communities, Rebecca Delphia, Senior Advisor, AARP Livable Communities, and Myrtle Habersham, AARP Georgia Volunteer and Georgia State President/Executive Council.

Volunteer Lead, Janice Alpern, AARP Nevada Staff liaison for the movie club, Mary Rodriguez, Business Operations Analyst, and Mary Richard, volunteer, Meeting Logistics Coordinator for Cinemaniacs join Roost News Team Co-Lead, Lillian S. Lee to share about the AARP Cinemaniacs Movie Club, Nevada. Their Mission Statement: “To offer our members a diversity of thought-provoking films intended to stimulate discourse and learning.”

Karen Morgan, AARP Maryland Executive Council member shares information on programs implemented by AARP Maryland and provides tips on how to disrupt aging.

Grand Connections is a fairly new program. It pairs students and older adults through mentoring programs and provides opportunity to interact with students in the GVSU SAGE (Students for Aging and Gerontology Enrichment). There is an interaction between older and younger adults through participation in Intergenerational Circles. The Grand Connections Program strives to provide a platform to bridge the generational gaps and demonstrate that intergenerational integration is possible and fun and reinvigorating for everyone involved.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) Vice-President, Alexander Glazenbrook provides pertinent information for AARP staff and AARP volunteers on how to collaborate with OATS, Senior Planet to have outstanding programs in their communities.

Nebraska AARP ASD for Advocacy and Outreach Jina Ragland and Volunteer AARP State President/State and Federal Advocacy Lead Volunteer Suzan DeCamp share information on their weeklong hybrid lobby week, resources available to advocacy volunteers, and how to successfully lobby the legislature.Transcript

Two of the many "Fraud Fighters" for AARP discuss their role in helping AARP members and the general public to understand the importance of how not to be scammed and if you are what steps you need to take in this situation.

AARP Volunteers discuss the State of Maryland Book Club which was started during the Pandemic and has continued to expand with members. Listen to this informative discussion on why a book club and the benefits of a book club for AARP State Offices, coordinated under the leadership of volunteers.

Roost Team Member Nancy McCammon-Hansen interviews Shondra Wygal, AARP ASD, Houston, Texas on their successful Genealogy Programs for AARP Volunteers and the public.

Roost Team Co-Lead, Lillian S. Lee interviews Michelle Becote Jackson, AARP VP for Volunteerism and Service - State and Community Engagement. Ms. Jackson shares valuable and pertinent information on the Office of Volunteer Engagement's support of staff and volunteers as they work with the 50+ population.

Judee Barone, Co-Lead for The Roost News Podcast interviews AARP MN Diver Safety Instructor, Cheryl Salo. Ms. Salo provides important and meaningful tips for upcoming driving in the winter weather.

"Bring your coffee and tea and join AARP volunteers and staff at the new monthly Cafecito conversations. These are held the last Tuesday of every month at 3 pm. Ass AARP rolls out a Hispanic/Latino Volunteer Pilot Program, we invite volunteers and staff to participate in Cafecitos where we will share ideas across AARP about strategies working to recruit, retain, and engage H/L volunteers. Cafecitos provides a space to: Connect, share, and be heard; Learn about the progress of the H/L Volunteer Pilot Program; Ask questions; and Build relationships with one another."

The AARP Office of Volunteer Engagement's Technology Training for AARP Volunteers and Staff is discussed in this podcast. Gail Tate, Technology Lead Volunteer and Larry Shields, Volunteer participant, who participates in the training sessions, share information about the planning, beginning sessions and on-going training. Volunteers and Staff continue to attend the sessions and give feedback on what training would be of benefit to them as they continue to become tech savvy.

The AARP Charlotte, NC Region - Associate State Director, Rebecca Gilbert and Lead Volunteers, Pat Battle and Roger Pierce will implement a program (October 2023) in which trained volunteers will train Seniors 50+. Two classes, "Essential Classes and iPad Essentials will be taught at four different library branches. They have secured partnerships in the Charlotte Region to support this program. All classes are free to participants. It is important for seniors to manage their everyday lives using technology.

This podcast provides information on AARP's Friendly Voice Call Center which connects AARP volunteers with people who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness. It provides assurance that someone cares. Nena and Dorie provide information to those who wish to volunteer and information on how to refer a client to the program. To volunteer or become a client, please call 1-888-281-0145 - English To volunteer or become a client, please call 1-888-497-4108 - Spanish

Judee Barone, Co-Lead for the Roost News Podcast provides a short overview of new and upcoming Roost News Podcasts for 2023.

Nancy McCammon-Hanson, Roost News Team member has an informative conversation with Xavier Villarmarzo, AARP Communication Manager, AARP Driver Safety and Driver Safety Volunteer Trainer, Marcus Vinson on the importance of keeping abreast of driver safety issues. One way is to participate in AARP's Driver Safety Program. Learn the components. They also recommend using the AARPSafeTrip app, as well as, to aarp.org/drive for more information.

Doretha McCoy, Roost News Team member interviews Jared Bloomfield, Field Operations for Wish Of A Lifetime. He shares the components of this valuable program. Jared explains the importance of volunteers support by referring those 65 and older. This program is a charitable affiliate with AARP. You may reach Jared at wishofalifetime.org.

This program gives information on how the AARP Los Angeles City Advocate Program advocates for the 50 plus population of Los Angelas. AARP Volunteer Advocates are assigned to the City Council's 15 committees. They attend their assigned committee meeting and share the information with the total Advocacy Team. They develop advocacy strategies based on the data received in their meeting. This formation of volunteers being assigned to a specific committee has proven to work as they advocate on behalf of AARP members and non-members.

DWG: DIY - Cristina Anastasio and Hank Povinelli share information on the DWG: Do It Yourself Toolkits and how States can engage volunteers in a State Speakers Bureau, as well as, using the Volunteer Portal to obtain the necessary DIY Toolkit Presentation Templates.

Meghan Redmond, Associate State Director for Community Engagement, AARP Minnesota shares the Minnesota State Office's Community Engagement Activity at the Minnesota State Fair. Volunteers shared information on the various initiatives provided by the AARP Minnesota State Office. Volunteers received incentives for volunteering, "Fair Busks", T-shirts, and the joy of interacting with the Fair attendees. Megan shares outcomes, successes, and areas that may be done differently next time.

AARP Volunteer Engagement Managers (Kathy Kines, Tara Shaver, and Cristina Anastasio) share valuable information for staff and volunteers. Why They Work for AARP, Collaboration, Teamwork, "Meat Grinding", "Behind the Scenes", Regions, Hot Topics, What's Trending, and much much more...  

Members of the Fort Wayne, Indiana's Age Friendly Council share information on the collaboration with AARP and their Fort Wayne's Age Friendly Council. The three major priorities were transportation, housing and community support, and health services.

William Stoner, Office of Volunteer Engagement, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Catherine Sevier, President, AARP North Carolina share information about the 2022 AARP Volunteer Open House for Nurses, nurses as volunteers and advocates, and AARP nurses in North Carolina partnering with the five Associate State Directors in North Carolina.

Rooted in diversity and committed inclusion, AARP Values and respects employees, volunteers, and partners. The 90-minute virtual workshop is designed for intact volunteer teams to experience as a group; however, volunteers may sign up on an individual basis. There are five (5) session. This Cultural Leadership Development Series (CLDS) also has videos available.

The Roost News Co-Lead, Lillian Lee chats with volunteer Deborah Turner. Ms. Turner shares information on her presentation at the Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness Conference (MAIA). Ms. Turner's topic was AARP and the Benefit of Volunteering.

The active community of Bloomingdale, Indiana received a grant from AARP to enhance the neighborhood's exiting resources for the 50+ population.