Our Beginnings
AARP has always been about service. The Association was founded by a volunteer, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, more than 50 years ago, and is guided to this day by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and National Policy Council. Each of AARP’s 53 state offices (which include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) receive direction and support from an all-volunteer Executive Council and extended volunteer team. And AARP manages several major volunteerism initiatives.
However, AARP recognizes that many Boomers and older Americans are already giving back to their communities in their own ways – and that a regular volunteer “position” isn’t a good fit for everyone. With limited time and wide-ranging interests, many individuals are looking for more flexible volunteer options. That’s why AARP established Create the Good.
Create The Good honors Dr. Andrus’ guiding principle “to serve, not to be served,” but expands on traditional ways to volunteer by connecting people with simple activities, time-flexible opportunities and a wide variety of interests. Check out all the ways that you can use your life experiences, skills and passions in your community today.
Facts About Ethel
- Lived her life by the motto, “To serve, not to be served,” which remains the AARP motto.
- A long-time educator and first woman high-school principal in CA.
- She founded AARP in 1958 at the age of 73.
- She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.
