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Image of Dr. Andrus.
Dr. Andrus lived by the motto “to serve, not to be served” and that motto continues to shape AARP’s work today.

AARP Seeking Nominations for Prestigious Andrus Award

PASADENAAARP California is now accepting nominations for the 2022 California Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors a Californian age 50 or older who is sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of others.

Image of the AARP logo. “Every year AARP in California is honored to shine a light on one exceptional volunteer who is making a difference in the lives around them,” said Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director. “The Andrus Award is AARP’s highest honor, presented to a volunteer who embodies the principles of AARP’s Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who believed in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”

Dr. Andrus was a former California educator who went on to found AARP in 1958 after finding a distinguished retired teacher living in poverty out of a chicken coop in Los Angeles. This shocking discovery inspired Dr. Andrus to organize AARP and devote the rest of her years to improving the quality of life for all as they age. Dr. Andrus was a volunteer her entire time with AARP – never collecting a paycheck.

Image of a woman picking up litter.

Image by Anna Shvets.

In honor of Dr. Andrus, the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors an individual whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society.

The 2022 California Andrus Award recipient will be presented with the award and a $1,000 check made out to the non-profit of their choice.

The nomination form can be accessed here.

The deadline to nominate someone is July 15, 2022.

AARP California Andrus Award for Community Service Nominees Must Meet the Following Eligibility Requirements
  • Nominee must be 50 years or older.
  • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay. AmeriCorps VISTA and Senior Corps programs volunteers (Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Demonstration Programs) are eligible.
  • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose.
  • The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.
  • Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
  • This is not a posthumous award.

Nominations for the award will be evaluated by the AARP California State Office based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.

The award recipient will be announced in early fall 2022.

Image of a woman holding a baby wallaby.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

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