AARP Montana seeking volunteers in a variety of roles

AARP Montana is looking for volunteers in Helena, Billings and communities across the state.

AARP Montana has a staff of only five people, so we rely on our more than 300 volunteers to help us offer programs and events around the state. We are seeking volunteers in a variety of roles in Helena, Billings and communities across Montana. When folks join us as a volunteer, they are joining a great group of people. Montanans who are looking for a meaningful way to help their friends, neighbors and community should consider joining the AARP team of volunteers.

Do you like going to baseball games, movies or even symphonies? Are you interested in serving your neighbors in a meaningful way?

If you have an interest in advocacy, communications, veterans outreach, fraud or working with our American Indian communities, the volunteer opportunities are numerous and varied. Volunteering with the AARP Montana State Office as a Community Ambassador or Advocacy Volunteer is a great way to be a part of all these activities and more.

Interested in taking the next step? Click here to complete a volunteer interest form.

AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of volunteers for its Tax-Aide program in Montana. Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance and preparation program for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation. Last year in Montana, 217 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 13,579 residents file their federal and state. Refunds in Montana totaled more than $5.8 million. The program is offered at approximately 32 sites in Montana including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. You don't need tax experience — only a desire to help.

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OURAARP (1-888-687-2277). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

Help others get on the road to safety as an AARP Driver Safety instructor or coordinator. Established in 1979, it is the largest and oldest driver safety program for people age 50 or older.

As the Montana AARP Driver Safety program gears up for next driving season, volunteers are being recruited statewide. More than 70 volunteers across Montana in nine districts deliver, manage, and promote the program at the local level. They include volunteer instructors, who teach the course, and volunteer coordinators, who manage the program in specific locations. Last year 2,200 students completed the classroom course in the state. The Driver Safety Program is recruiting volunteers from all over Montana.

To find out more about becoming an AARP Driver Safety Volunteer visit www.aarp.org/drive or call, 1-888-227-7669.

For nearly 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. From Eureka to Ekalaka, Sidney to Superior, AARP Montana has a local presence in communities across the state. Whether through Driver Safety, Tax-Aide or community groups, AARP members, staff & volunteers are helping Montana’s 50-plus live their best lives. Today, over 145,000 strong, AARP Montana is the largest membership organization in the state outside of the Catholic Church.

As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial resilience and personal fulfillment. By fighting on these issues and providing trusted information, we are helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age.

AARP Montana is also committed to building stronger, more livable communities by working with you to improve transportation and create safer streets -- but also, by helping you connect with others who share your passions and interests.

Every single day, AARP Montana’s volunteers fuel our work in communities across the state. Without the hundreds who donate their time, skills and passion, we wouldn’t have enough capacity to empower Montanans to live their best lives.

AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus lived her life by the phrase, “To serve, not to be served,” which remains AARP’s motto to this day. When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling for everyone involved.

Joining AARP Montana as a volunteer is about leading by example, building relationships and working together to improve communities across Montana through kindness, dedication and service to others. It’s caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and help improve the lives of older Montanans.

We love our volunteers, and we’d be thrilled to add you to their ranks. Whether you give a fraud prevention presentation, teach a driver safety class, organize a community shredding event, staff the AARP table at special events or help low-income older adults file their taxes, you’ll be making a vital contribution to your community — and you’ll experience the great feeling that comes from helping others.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous.

Simply put, volunteering is good for you. According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of volunteering are many. Several studies have found that people who establish meaningful volunteer roles can live longer and healthier lives. The right volunteer match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, stay mentally and physically active and even advance your career.