[ View Opportunities ]
| Last updated on February 28, 2008 |
AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy, and service.
Description:
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 and older. Through information and education, advocacy and service, we seek to enhance the quality of life for all by promoting independence, dignity and purpose.
Regardless of where our members are on life's continuum, they find in AARP the resources and strength to help them make their own choices, reach their goals and dreams, and make the most of their lives after 50. Our vision is to excel as a dynamic presence in every community by shaping and enriching the experience of aging for each member and for society.
To bring that vision to life, we focus our efforts and resources in four areas:
- Health and Wellness
- Economic Security and Work
- Long-term Care and Independent Living
- Personal Enrichment
We strive to live the motto that Dr. Andrus gave the Association: "To serve, not to be served." We serve our members and society primarily in four ways:
- By providing quality information and education
- Through legislative, legal and consumer advocacy at the national, state and local levels
- By providing opportunities for service and involvement in their communities
- By making available a wide range of products and services to our members
We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Working with our National Community Service Programs and an extensive network of local AARP chapters and NRTA network of retired educators, these offices enable AARP to reach and engage members, volunteers, the media, community partners, and policy-makers in carrying out our mission.
AARP volunteers are the heart of our Association. The members of our Board of Directors and our National Officers are all unpaid volunteers, as are our field volunteer directors, state presidents and thousands of legislative and program volunteers and chapter leaders. They are involved in advocacy at the national and state levels as well as innovative community service and education programs, including: tax-preparation assistance; driver training and re-education; independent living programs and much more.
AARP is a strong advocate on behalf of people 50+ for important issues, including: ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security; protecting pensions; fighting age discrimination; prescription drug coverage in Medicare; patient protections in managed care and long-term care; anti-predatory home loan lending; and other protections for older consumers. AARP advocates in the nation's capital, in state houses across the country and in the courts on behalf of AARP members and their families.
We make sure their voices are heard.
History:
Founded in 1958 by retired California educator, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) today represents more than 35 million members. About half of our members are working, either full or part-time, while the others are retired. Nearly a third of our members are under the age of 60.
The collective strength of our membership enables us to serve the broader community, improving the quality of life for people as they get older. We know that healthy aging requires an early start; therefore, our social responsibility extends to all segments of American society. It also includes sharing strategies and information with organizations across the world that are involved with the issues of global aging.
AARP Wisconsin is a satellite office of the AARP National office in Washington, DC. There are 780,000 AARP members in Wisconsin. We are located in Madison with a full-time staff of 8.
AARP Wisconsin is active in shaping laws that affect the quality of life for individuals age 50+ in Wisconsin. Some of our accomplishments include:
