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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for AARP Connecticut’s tech team.
The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.
“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”
She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.
“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”
Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.
Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.
More help always needed
AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.
A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of MyCTSavings, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.
Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.
“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”
Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.
Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.
Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.
She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.
“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”
To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email mesmith@aarp.org.
Hear from the four volunteers featured in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.
Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.
For more on AARP's advocacy efforts
This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the AARP Connecticut page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/23 by <b>Cristina Rouvalis</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Connecticut</a></span></span>’s tech team.<br><br>The retired Yale University administrator learned how to set up Zoom conferences, monitor chat rooms and introduce webinar speakers on topics ranging from ’70s music to the James Webb Space Telescope.<br><br>“AARP was a lifesaver,” says Munck, of North Haven. “I was going to lose my mind.”<br><br>She is one of about 160 AARP volunteers around the state. In particular, AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents.<br><br>“We can’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers,” says Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director. “There’s not enough staff to get the job done. Our volunteers are essential.”<br><br>Munck often volunteers 15 to 20 hours a week. Doing so, she says, has enriched her life, taught her technical skills and led to new friendships.<br><br>Research shows that volunteering has health and wellness benefits. A 2020 study by Harvard University researchers found that older adults who volunteered as -little as 100 hours a year had a reduced risk of early death, a higher level of physical activity and a more positive outlook on life than those who did not volunteer.<br><br><b>More help always needed</b><br><br>AARP Connecticut relies on advocacy volunteers such as Tim Ryan, 70, of Trumbull.<br><br>A retired corporate accountant, Ryan says he never imagined moderating a debate for a state Senate race or meeting with a congressman to push for the limiting of prescription drug prices. But as part of his AARP work, he has met politicians at all levels. He also advocated for the creation of <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://myctsavings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyCTSavings</a></span></span>, a state-facilitated retirement savings program for private-sector workers.<br><br>Ryan volunteers for several groups but particularly enjoys his 10 hours a week with AARP.<br><br>“They are very positive, supportive people,” he says. “I learn a lot.”<br><br>Malinda Polite, 75, has volunteered with AARP for about a decade. Her most recent work centers on fighting ageism. Those over-the-hill birthday cards that are in the humor section of the greeting card shelves? A boss telling an employee over the age of 50 that a younger worker should do the job? Both are examples of ageism, Polite says.<br><br>Polite, who lives in Stamford, trains other volunteers to go into the community and bring attention to ageism. She says it is so commonly accepted that most people don’t recognize it.<br><br>Marilyn Diaz, 66, of Windsor, has volunteered with AARP for about nine years. The retired federal employee leads outreach to the Hispanic community, recruiting Spanish-speaking volunteers to help with bilingual presentations.<br><br>She also helps with voter outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. One woman who had moved from her home to a nursing home in another city wasn’t sure how to register to vote. Diaz talked her through the process.<br><br>“She made a difference and voted,” Diaz says. “And she made a difference in my life in terms of making me feel good.”<br><br>To become a volunteer, call (860) 548-3171 or email <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mesmith@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mesmith@aarp.org</a></span></span>. <br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="right"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp" > <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/bd/5e/b31fe9c54392bea49375a00fb9a4/promo-thumbnail-copy-small.png" alt="AARP Connecticut Volunteer Malinda P." style="height: auto; max-width: 250px; max-height: 250px;"/> </a> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/you-can-make-a-difference-in-connecticut-give-back-to-the-community-with-aarp">Hear from the four volunteers featured</a></span></span> in this story and more about volunteering with AARP in Connecticut in this story that is also published on our website.<br><br><i>Cristina Rouvalis is a writer living in Pittsburgh.</i><br><br><b>For more on AARP's advocacy efforts</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/in-my-shoes-campaign.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">50-Plus Voters Want Politicians to Walk in Their Shoes</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/volunteers-senate-medicare-vote.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Volunteers Made the Difference in the Historic Medicare Vote</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2022/states-prescription-drug-prices.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How States Helped Lower Prescription Drug Costs</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="HTML5VideoPlayer" data-video-player data-video-id="s3:04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" data-video-title="" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <div class="HTML5VideoPlayer-screen" data-aspect-ratio="4x3"> <video id="HTML5VideoPlayer-f9fdbd91c605a4d599522faccc5bd142f" class="HTML5VideoPlayer-video" preload="" controls > <source src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/04/b2/6367acfa21aa520a504a83139402/as17-008-046-states-connecticut-fraud-fair-team-fcwp.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video> </div> </div> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Meet AARP Connecticut Staff and Volunteers</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Connecticut. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank">AARP Connecticut</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940b221-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940b221-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940b221-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c63940c0b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HARTFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HARTFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Barbara Munck, 70, felt cut off from the world, sitting at home alone during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is, until she began volunteering" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Connecticut, Volunteers, Advocate, Adults, 50" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/connecticut/making-a-positive-impact-on-lives-aarp-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-connecticut-volunteers-advocate-for-adults-50-ct-2023-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Connecticut Volunteers Advocate For Adults 50+"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Connecticut is always seeking more advocacy volunteers to push for legislation that would help improve the lives of older residents."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3e23ae0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2235x1437+132+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F7a%2Fc7%2F25461ebc4583847599cecfc5400b%2F20230520-marilyndiaz-aarphartford-yk-101-ss.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; 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--grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/hartford-ct/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Hartford, CT</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/hartford-ct/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/hartford-ct/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/hartford-ct/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118