RSVP was an outgrowth of efforts by private groups and government agencies to create opportunities for engagement, activity, acquaintanceship, and growth for older Americans. One of the earliest programs was the Community Service Society of New York, launched as a pilot project in 1965 on Staten Island. The project involved a small group of volunteers who were dedicated to serving their communities in a variety of ways. The success of their efforts led to an amendment to the Older Americans Act, creating RSVP as a nationwide program in 1969.

RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.  RSVP of the South Bay is patterned after the ideals of the national organization, “Service to the Community.” The Mission of RSVP of South Bay is to improve lives and strengthen communities through services and volunteerism. To accomplish this mission, RSVP utilizes the skills of older Americans in addressing critical issues of the community whether they are educational, environmental, health, public safety or other identified needs. Currently, in 2008, there are 917 volunteers who serve at 115 nonprofit or service organizations supporting a wide diversity of social and technical programs throughout the South Bay.