Opportunities From: Volunteer Arlington

Do you have a passion for providing seniors the option of aging in place? Are you willing to commit your time, talents and resources to ensuring the success of Arlington Neighborhood Village? If so, please consider applying to join our Board of Directors!

Background

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) is a volunteer-driven charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping older Arlington residents continue living in their own homes – safely, independently, and with an enhanced quality of life. A village is a network of neighbors helping neighbors by providing support services, resources, and social and educational programs. ANV membership is available to residents of Arlington County who are 55 years of age or older; discounted memberships are provided for those who may be unable to pay the membership fee.

Director Responsibilities

The Board meets six times a year, holds planning sessions as agreed, and serves without compensation. Directors generally serve three-year terms and are eligible for one additional three-year term. General Board responsibilities include:

1. Provide leadership, vision, and strategic priorities for the organization.

2. Provide guidance and direction to the Executive Director who works to implement ANV’s plans and programs.

3. Represent and promote ANV in the community, including outreach to build a multicultural organization.

4. Raise funds and ensure adequate resources.

5. Protect assets and provide financial oversight.

6. Monitor progress and strengthen ANV programs.

7. Ensure legal and ethical integrity.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate(s) will have professional leadership experience in business, the health care field, government, law, or the nonprofit sector and experience in one or more of the following areas: financial oversight, volunteer and member recruitment, fundraising and development, marketing and communications, and services to aging adults in the community. We especially seek Board candidates whose background and life experience reflects Arlington’s diversity to help us achieve our mission.

If eligible for ANV membership, Directors are expected to join and maintain ANV membership during their tenure. If not eligible for membership, Directors are encouraged to make annual financial contributions similar to the cost of membership. Directors must have a passion for our mission of providing seniors the option of aging in place, and be willing to commit their time, talents and resources to ensuring the success of the organization. Arlington residence is not required. Adults of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. ANV is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting the best candidates for the Board based on qualifications and experience and do not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

We are actively working to build an organization that reflects the diversity of the Arlington community. Candidates who reflect and represent this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to President@ANVarlington.org. Candidates are encouraged to apply by October 15, 2025. If elected, new Board members would begin their service on January 1, 2026.

For more information about Arlington Neighborhood Village, its activities and programs, visit www.ANVarlington.org or call the ANV Office, (703) 509-8057.

Our mission at Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) is to enable seniors to continue living in their own homes as they age—safely, independently, and with an enhanced quality of life. ANV’s trained and vetted volunteers provide direct services to our members to help them age in place, and to reduce isolation and foster a sense of connection with the community.

Right now, ANV has a pressing need for drivers—our members need transportation to medical appointments, physical therapy, the grocery store, and more. About 1/3 of our members use a mobility device (like a walker or cane), or have some vision or hearing loss. Ensuring that these members have a safe, convenient and supportive mode of transportation for appointments and errands is a top priority for ANV. So we need you!

The loss of freedom for seniors who can no longer drive is more than a hassle—it’s frustrating, sad, and isolating. ANV’s volunteer drivers give seniors the gift of a ride—and connection. Being a transportation volunteer is a wonderful opportunity to not only help an ANV member get where they need to go, but to make a connection, get to know someone new, and provide a friendly interaction to someone who could really use it.

ANV primarily needs drivers with availability weekdays during business hours. Drivers must be 21 and pass a background and driving record check. Training and support are provided.  Please go to ANV's website  to learn more.

Here's a testimonial from a long-time ANV driver:

"I come from a family that treasures helping others and as I am growing older and now retired, I was searching for a way to give back to my community. Someone I knew who was also involved with Arlington Neighborhood Village, suggested I become a volunteer driver. I also volunteer in the office. I find the structure of ANV very conducive to my schedule—I can pick and choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. I have made many new friends driving and the conversations are always interesting. Many social activities and special outings are offered by ANV and I have made many new friends in these events also. ANV gives me great satisfaction in knowing that I am helping others and keeping active in the wider community. It makes Arlington feel like a small town."

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) relies on volunteers to provide services to Arlington seniors to help them age-in-place. As we age, simple tasks that we once took for granted (getting boxes down from the attic, changing a lightbulb, running errands) become more difficult. ANV is part of a nationwide movement to provide support and services to seniors so that they can remain in their homes and community for as long as possible, safely and independently.

ANV services include providing transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store; helping with minor household tasks or how to use technology; being a walking buddy or friendly visitor; or running errands. Transportation volunteers are needed during weekday business hours; many other services can be provided on a more flexible schedule, including weekends. ANV and its volunteers also organize health and wellness programs and a variety of social gatherings like happy hours, Tai Chi, bocce, and "Coffee and Conversation" with guest speakers. You can also lend your expertise to help with marketing, fundraising, enhancing back office support, planning events and programs for members, and more. Please visit ANV's website to learn more about us and to apply to be a volunteer (you must be 18 or over; 21 to serve as a driver). All volunteers supporting members receive training and must pass a background check. 

For insurance reasons, we are unable to approve applicants with non-cleared background checks, or those who are seeking court-involved community service hours.

Arlington Neighborhood Village helps seniors in Arlington age in place safely, while remaining connected to the community.

We are looking for volunteers to help with weekly delivery of food from the Arlington Food Assistance Center to some of our ANV members. These are especially vulnerable seniors who have difficulty leaving their apartments safely to get their groceries. They need a helping hand getting fresh produce, meat, milk and eggs.

In addition to their headquarters on S. Nelson Street, AFAC has a few distribution sites for apartment residents and a Saturday morning-only site at Clarendon United Methodist Church. Some of our members need pickup from S. Nelson Street, others from satellite distribution sites. This is a recurring, weekly activity; of course, if you are not available on a particular week we can always find a substitute. To apply to be an ANV Volunteer, you'll complete our Volunteer Application Form, take a training over Zoom, and pass a background check. Volunteers must be 18 and over.

Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of your neighbors? Are you interested in being a part of a new effort to help older adults in Arlington access offerings that can enhance the aging experience? If so, Arlington’s new Community Ambassador Program is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV), in partnership with Arlington County, Marymount University, and area nonprofits, has created the Community Ambassador Program (CAP) to assist older adults in accessing services and programs to help with the challenges of aging. Arlington County has an extensive array of valuable information and support available to older adults through County programs, nonprofits, and senior-serving organizations. Unfortunately, many seniors don’t know about, or have difficulty accessing these resources. CAP identifies “Ambassadors” in neighborhoods, faith communities, senior centers, etc. and trains them to be knowledgeable about the many opportunities, support services, and programs available to older adults in Arlington.

Role of a Community Ambassador

Ambassadors will spread the word about programs and support services, opportunities for social and civic engagement, and educational and enrichment activities for older adults in their own neighborhoods. Ambassadors will act as a bridge between their neighborhoods and the Arlington safety net, providing information and soliciting feedback to improve offerings that help older adults remain safe, independent, engaged, and connected to their community.

Training and Support

ANV will provide thorough orientation and ongoing training for ambassadors. This will empower you to feel effective and supported in your role. You will learn:

Impact and Community Connection

By becoming a Community Ambassador, you serve as a liaison between older adults and the extensive support network provided by Arlington County:

Contact cap@ANVarlington.org for more information and to sign up. Let’s work together to create a supportive and connected community for all ages!