# Senior Corps Distance Volunteering Act

This bill makes it easier for older Americans to volunteer through the Senior Corps programs without having to be physically present in a specific location. Instead of requiring seniors to volunteer in person at local organizations, this law allows them to participate in volunteer work remotely—meaning they can help from home using the internet, phone, or other distance methods.

Senior Corps is a federal program that connects Americans aged 55 and older with volunteer opportunities in their communities. The program includes initiatives like AARP's Experience Corps and Foster Grandparents, where seniors mentor young people, help with literacy programs, or provide other community services. Right now, these programs typically require volunteers to show up at specific locations to do their work. This bill removes that requirement and lets seniors contribute their time and expertise from wherever they are, which is especially helpful for people who have mobility issues, live in rural areas far from volunteer centers, or simply prefer working from home.

The practical impact is straightforward: more seniors can participate in volunteering because the barriers of transportation, distance, and physical accessibility are reduced. A retired teacher in a small town could now mentor students online. Someone with limited mobility could help with phone-based support services. This expands the reach of Senior Corps programs and gives older Americans more flexibility in how they give back to their communities. For the organizations receiving volunteer help, it means access to a larger pool of experienced, dedicated volunteers who might otherwise be unable to participate.

Senior Corps Distance Volunteering Act

Klobuchar, Amy

Senior Corps Distance Volunteering Act This bill directs the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish an online service platform to connect volunteers in the National Senior Service Corps with service projects, and enable the volunteers to carry out distance volunteering on an online network. The corporation shall provide outreach services to promote the platform, including outreach to institutions of higher education, the Department of Veterans Affairs for mentorship projects, and state and local governments for community engagement projects.