AARP Volunteer Rick Collins is Turning Conversations Into Change for Philadelphia’s Future

For Rick Collins, 78, volunteering with AARP Pennsylvania isn’t just about giving back—it’s about sitting at the table where change happens. A lifelong Philadelphian, Collins has spent this year meeting with members of Philadelphia City Council alongside AARP Pennsylvania Associate State Director Yocasta Lora, advocating for PhillySaves, an automatic IRA “Work and Save” program designed to help more workers plan for a secure retirement.

“Each year, fewer people have access to pensions or employer-sponsored retirement plans,” Collins says. “Programs like PhillySaves give people a fair chance to build stability for their future.”

Collins knows something about long-term commitment. After graduating from Penn State University—where he led the Black Student Union—he earned a graduate degree in social work from Bryn Mawr College. He went on to serve 28 years in the U.S. military, including five years on active duty during the Vietnam era, before beginning a five-decade career in social work and veterans’ services.

When he returned home to Philadelphia in 2012, Collins discovered AARP’s mission aligned with his lifelong dedication to service and advocacy. Since then, he’s become a familiar face at City Hall and community events, representing AARP’s priorities on issues like retirement security, veterans’ support, and safe streets.

Whether he’s discussing PhillySaves with local legislators or engaging residents at neighborhood events, Collins brings empathy, humor, and determination to every conversation. “One of my cousins told me I could talk to a stone and have a conversation,” he laughs. “That comes in handy when you’re trying to make progress for people.”

For Collins, advocacy isn’t abstract—it’s personal. “I’ve had the benefit of a defined pension from my military and civil service careers,” he says. “I want future generations to have that same sense of security. That’s why I’m here.”