Does AARP sponsor events? Find Out What Opportunities Are Available

Annually, millions of older adults and their families interact with AARP's diverse programming across the nation. This guide clarifies the definitive answer to the question: Does AARP sponsor events? and details the wide range of virtual and in-person opportunities available to its members and the public.

Quick Summary

AARP actively sponsors a wide variety of events, including free virtual workshops, local community gatherings, and major advocacy initiatives designed for both members and the broader public seeking to learn and connect.

Key Points

• Yes, AARP sponsors events: AARP actively sponsors a wide range of events for both members and non-members across the country.

• Variety of event types: These include educational workshops, webinars on topics like fraud and finance, local community gatherings, and advocacy initiatives.

• Virtual and in-person formats: Events are offered both online through the Virtual Community Center and in-person via local chapters.

• Access is easy: The official AARP website features a searchable calendar, making it simple to find upcoming events by location and interest.

• Many events are free: AARP offers many events at no cost, providing valuable resources and information to the public.

• Both AARP and AARP Foundation sponsor events: While AARP focuses on general programs, its charitable arm, the AARP Foundation, sponsors specific philanthropic initiatives.

The Spectrum of AARP-Sponsored Events

AARP is a well-known organization providing resources and advocacy for the 50-plus demographic. Beyond its insurance offerings and member discounts, AARP is a prolific sponsor of events aimed at education, entertainment, and community engagement. These events serve to inform, protect, and connect older adults, addressing a wide array of topics crucial for healthy aging.

Educational Workshops and Webinars

One of the cornerstones of AARP's event strategy is education. They offer a continuous stream of workshops and webinars, often available for free. These sessions empower individuals with knowledge to navigate their finances, health, and technology.

• Fraud Prevention: The AARP Fraud Watch Network regularly sponsors virtual and in-person events to help people spot and avoid the latest scams. These sessions often feature experts explaining how scammers operate and what steps to take if you are targeted.
• Financial Planning: Workshops on topics like Social Security, retirement planning, and investing are common. These help individuals and couples secure their financial future.
• Technology Training: With the digital world constantly evolving, AARP sponsors courses on everything from basic computer skills to using smartphones and staying safe online. They often partner with organizations like Senior Planet to offer these programs.
• Healthy Living: A wide range of health and wellness topics are covered, including fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and managing chronic conditions. These are designed to help older adults maintain their physical and mental health.

Local Community Gatherings

While AARP has a strong virtual presence, its commitment to local communities is evident in its sponsored in-person events. These gatherings provide a vital opportunity for socialization and community building.

• Senior Expos and Fairs: AARP often has a significant presence at local expos, providing information, free screenings, and entertainment. These events bring together a variety of resources under one roof.
• Driver Safety Courses: The AARP Smart Driver™ course, available both online and in a classroom setting, helps older drivers update their skills and is often sponsored through local chapters.
• Cultural and Entertainment Events: From movie screenings for adults to discounts on local shows, AARP sponsors events that provide opportunities for entertainment and engagement with the arts.
• Volunteer Activities: AARP mobilizes volunteers through local chapters to participate in community-focused activities, from tax-aid programs to local clean-up initiatives.

Advocacy and Activism Events

As a powerful advocacy group, AARP sponsors events that mobilize its members and raise awareness for issues affecting the 50-plus community. These can be held at the local, state, or national level.

• Tele-Town Halls: These phone-based events allow members to hear from and ask questions of policy experts and community leaders on important topics, including Medicare and Social Security.
• Advocacy Summits: AARP sponsors larger-scale events focused on legislative issues, bringing together advocates and policymakers to drive change.
• Community Forums: Throughout the country, AARP organizes forums to discuss key issues facing older Americans and to gather feedback from the community.

Finding AARP Events Near You

Discovering AARP's sponsored events is straightforward, thanks to its extensive online and local network. The primary resource is the official AARP event calendar.

1. Visit the AARP Local Events Page: Head to local.aarp.org to find a comprehensive, searchable calendar of events. You can filter by virtual or in-person and search by date or topic.
2. Use Your State Chapter Website: Each state has its own AARP website, where you can find news and events specific to your geographic area.
3. Check Social Media: Follow AARP on social media platforms like Facebook for announcements and event updates.

AARP vs. AARP Foundation Events

While AARP itself sponsors many events, it's important to distinguish between events sponsored by the national organization and those by the AARP Foundation, its charitable affiliate. The Foundation often focuses on philanthropic programs and events, such as the BACK TO WORK 50+ initiative, aimed at specific charitable goals. For sponsorship inquiries, potential partners typically contact the AARP Foundation for philanthropic ventures, while general event partnerships might be handled by the main organization.

Comparing Event Types: Virtual vs. In-Person

Feature	Virtual Events	In-Person Events
Accessibility	Highly accessible; no travel required.	Less accessible; requires travel and mobility.
Cost	Often free or low-cost.	Varies; some are free, others may have a fee.
Reach	National or even international audience.	Primarily serves the local community.
Interaction	Primarily through Q&A, chat, or polls.	Direct, face-to-face interaction is possible.
Topics	Wide range, from financial to wellness.	Often focused on local issues or resources.
Socialization	Can be limited to online interaction.	Offers direct networking and community building.
Example	Fraud Watch webinars	Senior Expos, Driver Safety classes

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question, Does AARP sponsor events? can be answered with a resounding yes. The organization offers a rich and varied calendar of events, ranging from free online workshops and educational webinars to local community gatherings and major advocacy initiatives. These events are a valuable resource for older adults and their families, providing opportunities for learning, socialization, and empowerment. By utilizing the official AARP website and its local chapters, anyone can easily find and participate in the wide array of events tailored to their interests and needs. To explore the full schedule of upcoming programs, visit the AARP Local Events page today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AARP sponsored events free?

Many of AARP's sponsored events, particularly online webinars and local workshops, are offered for free to both members and non-members. Major conferences or larger-scale events might have associated costs, but the majority of their educational content is accessible at no charge.

Does AARP sponsor events for non-members?

Yes, many of AARP's events, especially those focused on education, fraud prevention, and community outreach, are open to the general public regardless of membership status. This allows anyone to benefit from their valuable resources.

Where can I find a calendar of AARP sponsored events?

You can find a comprehensive calendar of AARP's sponsored events, both virtual and in-person, by visiting the AARP website's Local Events page at local.aarp.org. You can search by location, date, or topic.

What types of events does AARP typically sponsor?

AARP sponsors a wide array of events covering diverse topics. These include educational workshops on financial planning and technology, fraud prevention seminars, local community fairs, driver safety courses, and advocacy forums.

Does AARP sponsor events specifically for veterans?

While many events are general, AARP does have a strong focus on supporting veterans and their families. They often sponsor and host webinars and resource guides specifically tailored to veterans' needs regarding benefits, employment, and health.

How do I register for an online AARP event?

To register for a virtual event, navigate to the event listing on the AARP website. Click the 'Register' button, and you will be guided through a simple online form. You will then receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the event.

Does AARP sponsor events focused on advocacy or political issues?

Yes, AARP is a major advocacy organization and sponsors various events focused on political and social issues relevant to its members. These often include tele-town halls with policymakers, legislative updates, and forums on topics like Medicare and Social Security.

How do I get my organization to partner with or be sponsored by AARP for an event?

If your organization is interested in a partnership or sponsorship, you can explore the options available through the AARP Foundation's corporate philanthropy page. This is the avenue for charitable program and event collaborations. For general advertising or marketing partnerships, contact AARP directly via the contact information on their website.