Nominations Open for AARP Washington’s 2026 Volunteer Award

Strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built, supported, and often sustained by people who see a need and decide to do something about it. In Washington, many of those people are volunteers whose work leaves a lasting mark.

AARP Washington is asking people to recognize that kind of service by nominating someone for the 2026 Andrus Award for Community Service. The award honors Washingtonians age 50 and older whose volunteer work has made a lasting difference in their communities.

Last year’s Washington honoree, Sara Thompson of Lakebay, was recognized for helping create the first assisted living residence for older adults on the Key Peninsula. Her work shows how one local effort can have a long-term impact.

“Across Washington, people 50 and older are making a difference every day by helping others,” AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro said. “We’re proud to recognize the people who give their time, experience and care to the communities around them.”

AARP Washington will look at how each nominee’s work has helped others, whether it reflects the organization’s mission and whether it could inspire more people to volunteer. The award recipient will be announced in early fall.

There are a few basic eligibility requirements. Nominees must be age 50 or older. Their service must be unpaid, although small stipends to cover costs are allowed. The work must fit AARP’s mission to inspire others, and not be related to partisan political service.

Couples or partners who volunteer together may be nominated, but teams are not eligible. Previous Andrus Award recipients are not eligible, and the award is not given posthumously.

The recipient will be honored at a service celebration and may choose an eligible nonprofit to receive a $2,000 donation from AARP, pending review and approval.

Nominations are open now. To submit, visit www.aarp.org/andrusaward or email aarpwa@aarp.org to request a nomination form. Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2026.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual award program that honors individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society.

Contributor Christina Clem is the AARP Washington communications manager. For information about AARP issues and events in Washington state, click here.