Volunteering has always been a part of Ruth Sanchez’s life. And at AARP Colorado, she has found a place where she can make a true impact on a cause that she is passionate about.
Sanchez was inspired to volunteer for AARP Colorado by Lena Archuleta, who is known for being the first Hispanic woman to become a school principal in Denver.
“She inspired not only Latina women but also people of color that didn’t think they had a place in our society to be involved in any aspect of boards or commissions,” said Sanchez.
“What I think is she opened doors for people to come in,” Sanchez added.
Archuleta’s inspiration has led Sanchez to a successful 20-year journey as a volunteer with AARP Colorado. Through her time with AARP Colorado, Sanchez has successfully encouraged people to vote, hosted health fairs, pressed lawmakers on key issues, and more. Because of her dedication, AARP awarded her with a lifetime achievement award earlier this year.
“I love volunteering. I love to be in the community, and it is so rewarding,” said Sanchez. “It’s just gratifying and rewarding to know you might make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.
Sanchez is part of AARP Colorado’s El Comité, a sector of AARP Colorado volunteers who work to advocate for or assist Colorado’s older Latino residents. Through El Comité, Sanchez and other members like LaVozColorado Pulisher, Pauline Rivera, served on a community advisory committee that helped create the “El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement in Colorado” exhibit at the History Colorado Center.
Outside of El Comité, Sanchez was selected to attend the National Volunteer Institute where she met with other AARP volunteers from across the country. She said the year-long program was very well orchestrated, and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Sanchez has also served on the city of Denver’s Commission on Aging, which works to assist older adults through outreach, communication, and advocacy. This includes advocating for the rights and concerns of older adults, empowering them by disseminating information and sharing community resources, and monitoring and recommending legislation and policy changes that impact older adults.
Across Colorado, Coloradans 65 and older make up more than a sixth (18.4 percent) of adults. In some pockets of the state, like southeast Colorado, the Upper Arkansas Valley, and Gunnison and Dolores Valleys. Also, one in older adults in Colorado are Black, Hispanic/Latino, or some other race.
Meanwhile, data from the state shows that by 2035, the number of people over the age of 64 will reach 1.3 million.
Organizations like AARP Colorado and volunteers like Sanchez are crucial to ensuring older adults can age comfortably. Thank you, Ruth, for your dedication and inspiring work!
