Although you could call their work heroic, when you take a look at past winners of the AARP Purpose Prize, you won’t see any superhero capes. Yes, their work is extraordinary but these folks could be your co-workers, neighbors, teachers, or former colleagues.
The common thread that exists between all of them? They’re people, age 50+, who, in what might be termed the second half of life, have embarked on a new career is focused on giving back, solving problems or changing lives.
If you know someone who fits that bill, we urge you to nominate them for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize. And if you fit that bill, nominate yourself. But, take note, all nominations need to be received here by March 6, 2018.
Here’s why: This fall, AARP will name five AARP Purpose Prize winners, each of whom will receive $60,000, and it will name 10 AARP Purpose Prize Fellows, each of whom will receive $5,000.
Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
AARP Purpose Prize winners go beyond individual volunteering to operate organizations – almost always quite small in size – that go about tackling a social problem in a sustained, systematic way. Think hunger, isolation, caregiving, literacy, children in need, families, the environment, employment, counseling and more – but, when it comes to the AARP Purpose Prize, the sky’s the limit.
AARP Purpose Prize winners span nimble organizations whose work is locally focused, along with others whose work is national and even international. Included within the AARP Purpose Prize is the Andrus Prize for Intergenerational Excellence which recognizes work that brings multiple generations together for a better community.
Nominating someone for the AARP Purpose Prize is free, easy and open to everyone. The only stipulation is that all nominees must be age 50-plus – but there is a deadline! All nominations for the AARP Purpose Prize must be received here by March 6, 2018.
Barb Quaintance is VP, Enterprise Awards Strategy at AARP.