When asked to define what it means to be an "Ethel," some women may find themselves at least momentarily tongue-tied. We all aspire to be like Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the amazing founder of AARP. But being an Ethel can definitely mean different things to different women. With Andrus' birthday coming up on Sept. 21, we wanted to shine a light on The Ethel community and how older women are connecting and meeting up in their local Ethel Gathering Groups across the country.
And that's why we're launching this contest. To enter, describe to us in 300 words or less what it means to you to be an Ethel. Maybe you've found a sense of purpose as an Ethel volunteer. Maybe you've found fun by meeting up with your fellow Ethels. Maybe you've learned something new from other women in The Ethel Circle. Whatever it is, we want to hear from you!
Email your essay to semling@aarp.org between Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET and Monday, September 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET., and make sure to put “Ethel essay” in the subject line. You can also upload a royalty-free photo if you'd like to help illustrate your essay. By doing so, you are giving AARP permission to publish the photo — as well as the essay, of course.
By approximately September 7, 2025, we’ll select three winners. Essays will be judged on (1) storytelling style (up to 33 points), (2) fresh point of view (up to 33 points) and (3) originality (up to 33 points). Each Selected Winner will receive prizes as follows. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a Visa gift card in the amount of $500. The Second Prize winner will receive a Visa gift card in the amount of $400. The Third Prize Winner will receive a Visa gift card in the amount of $300.
In order to be eligible to win, an entrant must be a confirmed Ethel newsletter subscriber. By submitting an email address, entrants will be signing up to receive the free weekly Ethel e-newsletter. Entrants are responsible for determining the appropriate beginning and ending times in their respective time zones. Upon submission of the essay, each entrant will be entered into the Prize Contest. Only one (1) entry (nomination) per individual.
To see the official rules, go here.
AARP (Getty Images, 4)
