AARP Statement on the Occasion of the 2008 UN International Volunteer Day

AARP proudly recognizes International Volunteer Day each year on 5 December, a day called for by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution A/RES/40/212 of 17 December 1985. We are pleased to recognize the millions of people of all ages who contribute their personal time in a wide range of activities for the well-being of others. 

AARP believes that we cannot overstate the value of the United Nations support and promotion of volunteering among government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and the private sector. Today, societies worldwide are successfully engaging volunteers in a spirit of solidarity for the effort to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015 concerning poverty reduction, education, maternal health, gender equality, and combating child mortality, HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

International Volunteer Day also provides an ideal opportunity for staff and volunteers in organizations like AARP to further evaluate and contemplate our shared contributions to economic and social development at the local, national, and international levels.

Our celebration, this year, of the 50^th anniversary of AARP has also given us an opportunity to reflect on AARP's commitment to volunteer service, which has grown from the vision of AARP's founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, 50 years ago:

"Our aims in service are definite and attainable. We will try to the level of our abilities to help make the world of the future richer and happier because we are living in the world of today - working with the plans and purposes for tomorrow."

AARP's volunteer efforts at the international, national, state, and local levels is a means of achieving a positive impact on our global society. Today, AARP continues to offer a wide range of opportunities where volunteers can share their time, skills and experience for mutual benefit. Partnering with others in their communities, AARP volunteers enhance the social impact and make a positive difference in the quality of life.

Mobilizing citizens to serve and furthering our social mission are important for all of us at AARP as we revolutionize and expand the definition of volunteering, while continuing to offer our best-in-class volunteer program and leadership opportunities. These changes will help us deepen the engagement of persons 50+ in making a difference and achieve our goals of improving the lives of all generations.

It is with that inspiration that we work collaboratively and join together with the United Nations to celebrate International Volunteer Day 2008 and pay tribute to the millions of volunteers around the world who contribute to the foundation of society through community service.

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