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Volunteer as a Gathering Group Host

As a gathering group host, you’ll be at the heart of a dynamic community inspired by Ethel Percy Andrus’s vision of aging as a victory.


Volunteer Roles

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Host Resources for Volunteers

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Info Sessions, Training, & Events

Have a potential volunteer in your group? In this 30-minute Zoom session, they'll get an overview of AARP, The Ethel Gathering Groups program, the roles available and how to volunteer. Plus, they can hear from current Ethel! 


Our Group Culture

Inspired by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the Ethel Gathering Groups are dedicated to fostering involvement, valuing each member, and providing support. Our culture is built on empathy and kindness, ensuring inclusivity and encouragement for all. We prioritize building social connections and creating a strong, supporting community. Together, we inspire, innovate, empower and evolve.

Image of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, black and white image of her at her desk with some papers. She is smiling and facing the camera

"The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live."

–Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus


Our Values

Involve

We actively engage all members, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

Educate

We provide valuable information and resources, making learning enjoyable and accessible.

Empathy

We recognize and understand each other’s experiences, fostering a kind and inclusive environment.

Creativity

We create and seize opportunities for innovative and exciting events.

Inspire

We empower each other to innovate and evolve, driving continuous improvement and growth.


Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

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Find Ethels in Your Community

Ride the wave of friendship and fun by joining an Ethel Gathering Group.


Gathering Group Leadership Council

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Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

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Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Placeholder Image of Circle

Janice Fowler

Wellness Lead

Greater Dallas / Ft.Worth

Gathering Group Admin Team

Shelley Emling

Shelly Emling

Senior Director, Specialized Content & Ethel-in-Chief


Ask Me About:

The Ethel community! The Ethel newsletter, its origins, The Ethel Circle, Ethel-on-the-Go as well as other newsletters like The Girlfriend and Sisters

Shelley Emling

Shelly Emling

Senior Director, Specialized Content & Ethel-in-Chief


Ask Me About:

The Ethel community! The Ethel newsletter, its origins, The Ethel Circle, Ethel-on-the-Go as well as other newsletters like The Girlfriend and Sisters

Shelley Emling

Shelly Emling

Senior Director, Specialized Content & Ethel-in-Chief


Ask Me About:

The Ethel community! The Ethel newsletter, its origins, The Ethel Circle, Ethel-on-the-Go as well as other newsletters like The Girlfriend and Sisters

Shelley Emling

Shelly Emling

Senior Director, Specialized Content & Ethel-in-Chief


Ask Me About:

The Ethel community! The Ethel newsletter, its origins, The Ethel Circle, Ethel-on-the-Go as well as other newsletters like The Girlfriend and Sisters


Important Links

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Facebook Group for Volunteers

A community for volunteers, hosts, and moderators.

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The Ethel Store

Get access to fun Ethel swag!

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Host Resources

A resource hub for AARP volunteers.

Find Friendship & Community

The Ethel Community supports and celebrates women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond through our Social Groups. Find the one that suits you best or join them all!

Three older adult women sitting together at a table, enjoying coffee in red cups. The background features pink and green geometric shapes with playful decorative elements like sparkles, exclamation marks, and the word “Enjoy!” in handwritten style.

Local Gathering Groups

Meet new friends in your area or virtually. Or start a new Ethel Gathering Group near you!

Illustration of four older adults using smartphones and a laptop, arranged around a green semicircle with a pink background. A stylized drawing of a laptop with glasses on the screen and speech bubbles above suggests digital communication and online interaction.

The Ethel Circle

Join other women in the convo on navigating aging. Uplift each other and break stereotypes.

Four women standing together outdoors, dressed in casual travel attire with hats and handbags. The background features illustrated mountains, a city skyline, an airplane, and a sun, symbolizing travel and adventure.

The Ethel On-The-Go

Join a like-minded community of travelers who prove you're never too old for adventure.