AARP Washington Seeks Nominees for Excellence in Volunteering Award

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50+ Washingtonians who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. 

“AARP Washington is excited to shine a light on 50+ Washingtonians who are using a lifetime of experience to make a difference in the lives around them,” said Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director. 

In 2024, AARP Washington recognized Olympia resident Michael Petty for his tireless commitment to the Lions Low Vision Resource Center (LVRC) in Olympia to help people with limited or failing vision live their lives with dignity and a renewed sense of independence. 

Nominate a hero in your community. AARP Washington 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. Volunteers receiving small stipends to cover the costs associated with the volunteer activity are eligible.
  • Must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose.
  • Must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.
• Partisan political achievements, accomplishments or service may not be considered.
  
• Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
  
• Previous Andrus Award recipients are not eligible.
  
• Volunteers serving on the Andrus Award selection committee are not eligible.
  
• AARP staff members are not eligible.
  
• This is not a posthumous award.

The recipient will be honored at a service celebration ceremony and have an opportunity to bestow a $2,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice. Selected charities are subject to AARP review and approval. 

Nominations can be made by visiting www.aarp.org/andrusaward or email aarpwa@aarp.org for a nomination form. The application deadline is August 15, 2025. Nominations will be evaluated by the Washington office based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in early fall.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society.