AARP Friendly Voice Center Program was established in April 2023 emphasizing volunteer engagement and community support. The volunteers are vetted for the program and selected after a two-week mentorship period with one of our Friendly Voice leadership team members. There are English/Spanish speaking volunteers and scripts that provide a list of conversation starters, i.e., hobbies, travel, work, family and fun questions. The conversations help to strengthen compassion while maintaining firm boundaries and adhering to AARP policies.

Judee Barone, Co-Lead for the Roost News Podcast conducts a News Brief interview with Mark Fetterhoff, Senior Advisor of the Fraud Helpline. Mark provides the top ten scams that the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline has received in the first quarter of 2025.

Roost News Team member, Doretha McCoy interviews Antoine Cook | AARP California Associate Director, Advocacy & Community Engagement, Volunteer Patricia Smith and Volunteer, Rey Neal on the L.A. Steppers Walking Group which incorporates Healthy Living, Livable Community, and lots of fun with partnerships from various community resources. They discuss this program being their longest running program for volunteers and surviving the pandemic by using zoom. Now, no longer using zoom, they continue to have excellent volunteer engagement.

This podcast covers the cities of Medford and Eugene, Oregon. The various programs in Eugene, Oregon are highlighted as volunteers partner with their Oregon Staff Partner, Carmel Synder. This podcast also covers the partnership with the AARP Oregon State Office and the St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church St. in Eugene, Oregon.

They have collaboration and partnership opportunities for community which engage community members in conversations, which impact the community. Special guests: Carmel Perez Snyder, Director of Community Outreach and Advocacy for AARP Oregon, Dr. Geneva Craig, lead volunteer in Medford, Oregon, and Rev. Deleesa Meashintubby, community partner and pastor of St. Mark CME Church in Eugene, Oregon.

Ms. Michelle Becote-Jackson shares accomplishments for (OVE) Office of Volunteer Engagement in 2024 and focus areas for 2025. She thanks volunteers for working closely with staff partners to put multiple programs into action under the Office of Volunteer Engagement.

PROGRAM CONCEPT: AARP Liaison for Caregiving InitiativesProgram OverviewThe AARP Liaison for Caregiving Initiatives program “Care Connectors” aims to build a robust network of volunteers who serve as essential connectors between AARP’s National Office, State Offices, and their local community. These volunteers will play a key role in supporting family caregivers through resource dissemination, program coordination, and ensuring that national caregiving priorities are adapted to effectively meet the needs of their community.Monica shares with Roost News Podcast Team member Nancy McCammon Hansen, information on the role of the AARP Liaison for Caregiving Initiatives Program, as well as information on the importance of caregiving and the role of caregivers.

"Walk with an Eagle" Darrin Wasniewski, ASD Wisconsin, Dr. Jenn Taylor, UW Professor and Susan "Boon" Murray share the University of Wisconsin's partnership with AARP Wisconsin. This program incorporates areas of Disrupt Aging, Walkability, and Livabililty for seniors participating in the program.

Program Overview

Join Walk with an Eagle: Connect, move, and thrive with us weekly! Enjoy gentle exercise and meaningful conversations with UW-La Crosse students and community members. Walk at a relaxed pace, build relationships, and experience the physical and mental health benefits of regular, gentle movement. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be part of a supportive and vibrant community!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is discussed in this podcast. Jennifer Baier, AARP Associate Outreach Director, WY and Stella Montano, AARP WY State President share valuable information for staff and volunteers on using AI based on AARP (AI) Generative Policy. They provide concrete examples for staff and volunteers to use AI within the AARP guidelines, as well as examples of using AI personally.

"SECURING OUR FUTURE: A SOCIAL SECURITY LUNCH & LEARN" A Tri-State Initiative (Iowa, Nebraska, & South Dakota)

The ASD Communication Staff for Iowa-Alissa Brammer, Nebraska-Jess Kinser, and South Dakota-Mary Michaels held a forum to address the issue of protecting and saving Social Security.

Attendees listened to different perspectives and asked questions about the future of Social Security. Guest speakers include Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare; and Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy, CATO Institute.