AARP NY Seeks 2026 Andrus Award for Community Service Nominees

Annual Award Recognizes Those Who Make a Powerful Difference in their Community

NEW YORK, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2026 New York Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50+ New Yorkers who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. 

"AARP New York is excited to shine a light on 50+ New Yorkers who are using what they've learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them," said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP New York.  "We encourage New Yorkers to nominate volunteers whose dedication and service are strengthening communities across our state."

Nominations will be evaluated by AARP New York staff 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.

AARP New York 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.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP's vision and purpose.
• The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based 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 also 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.

Please contact Kemba Tamar, AARP New York Associate State Director for Volunteer Engagement and Resources, by email at [email protected] for further information and a nomination form.  Or visit www.aarp.org/AndrusAward. The application deadline is August 31.

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.  In 2025, Lt. Joan Martinez, a volunteer with the New York City Police Department's 24th Precinct in the Upper West Side, received the AARP New York Andrus Award for Community Service. As an unpaid civilian volunteer, Martinez patrols her neighborhood to ensure that residents and business owners feel safe. Last year, AARP recognized 49 outstanding individuals and couples from around the country.

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York 

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media. 

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SOURCE AARP New York