Join the Tampa Bay Volunteer Team to Make a Difference in Your Community

In 2019, Leona Shuler decided to leave her home in New York City and move to Florida. For years after retirement and prior to leaving New York City, Leona turned to volunteering with AARP New York as a way to help others and keep herself engaged with her community. When she decided to move to Florida, she reached out to AARP Tampa Bay as a familiar friend in her new community – which has dozens of volunteering options aligned with various passions and interests.

Leona has several volunteer roles now, serving as a Lead Volunteer Coordinator for AARP Pasco County and a member of the AARP Tampa Bay Speakers Bureau. She also sits on the boards of Seniors in Service Tampa Bay and the Commission on the Status of Women, serves as precinct supervisor for the Board of Elections and is a member of the African American Club of Pasco.

Leona says AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus really understood the importance of volunteerism and cites a quote from Dr. Andrus, stating that “the human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” Leona also quotes Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Leona tries to live up to those examples. “Recently I did a presentation on brain health, and I could see in the eyes as well as in the comments of the audience that I had successfully manifested the quotes above,” she said.

Join Leona and other AARP Tampa Bay volunteers to make a difference and fight for issues that matter to older Floridians and their loved ones. You will make connections with other passionate volunteers and find fellowship with people in your community.

AARP Tampa Bay is seeking to fill volunteer roles, including:

Advocates:  Advocates represent AARP in their district by communicating with local, state, and federal elected officials and their staff to discuss AARP positions on specific policies and legislation. Advocates attend town halls or public events where elected representatives are present; build a relationship with legislative staff and message as requested on AARP stances. Advocates receive AARP orientation and special advocacy training. They work as part of a team with clearly defined responsibilities and report directly to staff.

Learn more about the Advocate volunteer position.

Age-Friendly Ambassadors:  Age-Friendly Ambassadors help develop and implement strategies to improve communities for people of all ages and abilities. AARP is searching for residents interested in representing AARP on local boards and committees that focus on any of the 8 Domains of Livability. Age-Friendly Ambassadors may also wish to assist at Community Conversations or AARP Listening Posts. For more information about Age-Friendly communities visit https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-age-friendly-communities.

AARP supports age-friendly communities by working with local leaders nationwide to create safe, affordable, and accommodating neighborhoods that enable people to live independently, stay in their homes longer, and remain actively engaged as they age.

Learn more about the Age-Friendly Ambassador volunteer position.

Speakers: AARP educates the public and connects audiences to valuable information and resources. Our Speakers Bureau offers free presentations on health, finance, fraud prevention, technology, and dozens of other topics pertinent to the 50+ population. Presentations may be made in person or virtually. AARP provides speakers with training and support materials.

Learn more about the Speaker volunteer position.

Whatever volunteer role you are looking for, we have something that will fit your interests, skills, and schedule. Every valued volunteer plays an important role at AARP Tampa Bay, and we are excited to have you join our team.