The ROOST - The Place for All Things Volunteer

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.

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.