Create the Good’s Impact in the World
available volunteer opportunities on the network
people have joined
the movement.
Together we can make a difference.
It only takes one person to help change your world. You have the power to use your skills to do good anywhere, anytime. And you can start here.
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Find good that fits you
and your community
Connect with ways to share your life experience and skills that match your schedule and interests.
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Discover simple, fun ideas for creating good
Help feed a family in need, collect school supplies, start a community garden and much more.
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Make good even better
Post your service project to reach a vast network of experienced and committed volunteers.
Find Volunteers ›Our story
Everyone has some good to do.
AARP Was founded by Ethel Percy Andrus
when she was 73.
“The Challenge, to live up to our better selves,
Ethel Percy Andrus
to believe well of our fellow men and perhaps by doing so to help create the good, to experiment,
to explore, to change, and to grow.”
Our Beginnings
The story of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus exemplifies how one impassioned volunteer can improve the lives of many.
When Dr. Andrus retired as a high school principal in Los Angeles in 1944, she was appalled to discover the woeful inadequacy of California teacher pensions. She began checking into the well-being of her state’s retired teachers and recognized a real need for greater advocacy on their behalf. In 1947, Dr. Andrus founded NRTA and, as its volunteer National President, succeeded in securing a groundbreaking benefit for its members – the nation’s first affordable group health insurance policy for older Americans. But that wasn’t enough. Dr. Andrus then turned her energies to addressing the issues of ALL Americans facing retirement and in 1958, AARP was born. Dr. Andrus worked tirelessly well into her 80’s, always on a volunteer basis, to lead AARP and enhance the quality of life for all as we age.
Create The Good honors Dr. Andrus’ guiding principle “to serve and not to be served,” providing committed individuals nationwide with resources to share their life experiences and life skills where they are needed most.
Facts About Ethel
- Lived her life by the motto,
“To serve, not to be served,” which remains the AARP motto. - A long-time educator and first woman high-school principal
in CA. - She founded AARP in 1958 at the age of 73.
- She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993.
“Remember, one person with faith & love for his fellows is
Ethel Percy Andrus
equal to the force of ninety-nine with only selfish interests.”
