Wow, Incredible Opportunity with AARP, AAA, and AOTA

[Chris]

I just got this email (see below); looks like a great opportunity

November 7, 2007


Dear Volunteer:


AARP Alabama is teaming up with the American Society on Aging (ASA), American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to conduct a workshop to train a corps of 20 volunteers in the CarFit program on January 15 and 16, 2008. I am writing to invite you to become a volunteer CarFit Technician and or Event Coordinator. The training will take place from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. on January 15 and we will do an actual CarFit event from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on January 16. The training and event will take place in Montgomery, Alabama.


A CarFit Informational session will be held November 28, 2007 from 10:30 to noon in the AARP Alabama State Office, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1880, Montgomery, Alabama.

What is CarFit?
CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

CarFit offers drivers:
The opportunity to check out how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. Information and materials for community-specific resources and activities that could make their personal vehicles “fit” better, enhance their safety as drivers, or increase their mobility in the community.

CarFit is designed to help mature drivers find out how ell they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one’s personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver’s safety but also safety of others.

Car Fit events are conducted in communities by volunteer event coordinators and technicians, usually in conjunction with health care professionals such as occupational therapists.

What is the role of the Event Coordinator?
The CarFit Event Coordinator provides training to the volunteers who run the CarFit program. Event Coordinators are responsible for:
• Coordinating the date and location of the CarFit events.
• Participating in and monitoring CarFit events.
• Promoting CarFit priorities and goals.
• Communicating with AARP staff in gathering and reporting statistical information collected at CarFit events.

What is the role of the Technician?
The CarFit Technician assists the CarFit Event Coordinator in conduction a CarFit event. Technicians are responsible for:
• Assisting CarFit participants in reviewing and signing waiver form and participant data sheet at event check-in station.
• Performing CarFit safety check using a 12-point exam checklist.
• Participating in and monitors CarFit event.
• Promoting CarFit priorities and goals.

I have enclosed a copy of the CarFit brochure for your convenience.

The volunteer team trained on January 15 and 16 will be called upon to conduct a CarFit event in March, April, and May 2008. Organizing and conducting CarFit events are fun and an easy way to contribute to the well-being of our community while helping drivers stay safe on the road.

If you are interested in participating in informational session on November 28 or the January 15 and 16 training/event please contact me at dlemons@aarp.org or 334-954-3061. If you are unable to join the Alabama CarFit team, please pass this on to someone who will join the team. We are limiting the training to 25 individuals so please reply by November 19, 2007. I hope that you will join the CarFit Team and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,



Deidra M. Lemons
Associate State Director for Community Outreach