HONOLULU — AARP Hawai‘i is accepting nominations for its most prestigious volunteer award, the 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Hawai‘i residents 50 and older who are sharing their experiences, talents and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.
“AARP Hawai‘i is excited to shine a light on Hawai‘i volunteers who are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in their communities,” said Keali‘i Lopez, AARP state director.
Nominations are evaluated 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, and AARP Hawai‘i will donate $500 to an organization of the recipient’s choice.
The nominees do not have to be AARP members or volunteers. Past winners include Waikele residents Paul and Joy Nishimura, AARP Hawai‘i’s volunteer community service team, Kaua‘i attorney and kupuna advocate J. Michael Ratcliffe, and Bill and Lena Staton of Maui for their service to Hawai‘i veterans and the community.
AARP Hawai‘i Andrus Award for Community Service nominees 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.
Achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose, be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.
Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible, but teams are not.
The application deadline is Aug. 1.
AARP’s vision is a society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose, and in which AARP helps people fulfill their goals and dreams. AARP’s purpose is to empower people to choose how they live as they age.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. The award is named for AARP’s founder Ethel Percy Andrus. Last year, AARP recognized 50 outstanding individuals and couples from around the country.
• Info, application forms: aarp.org/AndrusAward
