07/21/2026
Would you like to join or create an "Ethel Group?" The Ethel is for women 60 and over to stay connected in Facebook.
Ethel Gathering Groups:
What You Need to Know
Ethel Gathering Groups are closed Facebook communities launched in 2023 to foster social connection among women aged 60 and older. These groups are moderated by trained AARP volunteers and overseen by Fun and Fulfillment with support from the Office of Volunteer Engagement. These groups offer in-person meetups, such as coffees, brunches, or walks.
🔹 Key Features
Closed Facebook Groups created by AARP facilitate local, in-person gatherings.
Target Audience: Women 60+, primarily subscribers of The Ethel newsletter, followers of The Ethel page, and members of The Ethel Circle.
Volunteer Moderators: All groups are facilitated and hosted by AARP volunteers who complete onboarding and training via the AARP Volunteer Portal.
Locally Based: Groups are divided by region within a state, some covering wide areas and may overlap with AARP Target Communities.
🔹 Program Management and Support
Led by: The Fun & Fulfillment team, in collaboration with OVE and The Ethel editorial team.
Support Provided:
Training and resources via the Volunteer Portal
A Chatter group and a closed Facebook group for Ethel Volunteers
Volunteer meetings and Q&A sessions
Daily email support via the Ethel inbox
🔹 Volunteer Leadership
Application & Training:
Volunteers apply via a portal-integrated form.
Prospective volunteers attend Info Sessions, held twice a month.
Completion of Ethel Orientation and Training modules is mandatory.
Mentorship provided by other Ethel Volunteers for guidance and resources.
All Ethel volunteers are integrated into the AARP Volunteer Portal.
Volunteer Roles:
Three roles available: Organizer, Facebook Moderator, Event Host
Moderate local group discussions and host in-person meetups.
Encourage user-generated, locally relevant content and events.
Share relevant AARP resources with participants.
Ensure content aligns with AARP community guidelines.
Volunteer Portal Resources Include:
AARP Orientation and Acronyms
Representing AARP at Events
Handouts on Caregiving, Tax-Aide, Voter Engagement, and more
🔹 How to Get Involved with Your Ethel Group
Collaboration with The Ethel Gathering Groups is welcome—ideas and support are encouraged as the program scales.
Get to know your group: Join your local Ethel Gathering Group (women only!), introduce yourself to the volunteer hosts, attend a few events and learn what interests its members.
Invite them to attend a local chapter meeting so they can learn more about you!
Share upcoming local events and opportunities of interest to Ethel volunteers to share in their Facebook group.
Request an e-introduction or Zoom introduction with the volunteers.
The Ethel Community
The Ethel is a community inspired by AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and dedicated to redefining attitudes toward aging and celebrating the power of community and volunteerism. It provides a safe, supportive space for women 55+ to connect, share life’s experiences, and build meaningful friendships.
The Ethel Community consists of:
The Ethel Newsletter
The Ethel Website
The Ethel Circle, a nationwide closed Facebook group, for older women to celebrate aging
The Ethel-on-the-Go, a closed Facebook group for women who love to travel
The Ethel Gathering Groups, local closed Facebook groups
The Ethel Store, where consumers can select items to show off their Ethel Pride!
🔹 Questions or Ideas for Collaboration? Contact Fenella Basilio, Program Director, at [email protected] or Catherine Scott, Volunteer Liaison Lead, at [email protected].
