History of Senior Corps-RSVP

Senior Corps-RSVP is an outgrowth of efforts by private groups, gerontologists, and government agencies over the past decades to address the needs of retired persons in America. 

In 1961, the White House Conference on Aging called attention to the continuing need of older people for useful activity. One of the outcomes of the Conference was the passage of the Older Americans Act of 1965. In that same year, the Community Service Society of New York launched a pilot project on Staten Island which involved a small group of older adults in volunteer service to their communities. This pilot project was the precursor to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The success of this project demonstrated beyond doubt the value of the services of older volunteers.

25 years ago the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal organization, established AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. RSVP became one of three Senior Corps Programs funded and administered by CNCS.

  

T he Meaning of the Senior Corps-RSVP Logo

Perhaps you have seen the Senior Corps-RSVP logo on our website or in many of our publications but do you know the meaning of the Senior Corps-RSVP logo? At its most basic level, the meaning of the logo is the same as RSVP on an invitation- a request for a response to the invitation. On a deeper level, the RSVP in Senior Corps is a call to action to those 55 and over whose volunteer service can positively contribute to the welfare of individuals and communities. 

 
The Senior Corps-RSVP logo also represents a simple idea that lets people decide how they want to volunteer their time and efforts. The logo meaning applies to both agencies trying to find people willing to donate their time and effort and the people who have the commitment to volunteer.

We are thankful that our community partners are sending invitations, and our volunteers are responding with measurable and meaningful actions.