AARP leaders gather in St. Pete in first gathering of largest states’ volunteers and staff

News From AARP Florida
For Immediate release
Dec. 1, 2015
Media contact: Dave Bruns, 850.228.2759, dbruns@aarp.org

AARP leaders gather in St. Pete in first gathering of largest states’ volunteers and staff
On AARP’s agenda for 2016: Strengthen Social Security, make communities more livable for all ages, support families caring for loved ones and improve the lives of Americans 50+

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Volunteer and staff AARP leaders from seven of the nation’s largest states gathered in the Tampa Bay region Tuesday to plan how they’ll focus the efforts of the nation’s largest organization for Americans 50+ on some of the most pressing issues facing Americans of all ages.

AARP, founded more than a half century ago to advocate for Americans in the second half of life, has almost 38 million members across the country. A recent reorganization of the Association has merged the volunteers and staff of seven very large states – California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio -- into one group. Formerly, AARP state offices were organized on a geographical basis.

Volunteers and staff leaders of the new Mega Seven regional group represent 142.6 million Americans, according to the most recent Census estimates – just under half of the U.S. population.

"This is a critically important time for our nation, particularly for Americans 50 and older and their families. We face challenges around health and wellness, financial resilience and personal fulfillment. I look forward to working with and leading AARP's dedicated volunteers and professional staff over the next week of regional meetings in Florida, and in the ensuing months and years across America, as we look for and find innovative, scalable and cost-efficient ways to better fight for and equip older Americans to live their best lives," said Andrews.

One key focus for the AARP state leaders will be strengthening the organization’s capability to work at the local level in large communities across the nation. While AARP has long been known as a leader in advocating for Americans 50+ in Congress and on the national level, and while AARP state offices have fought in state legislatures nationwide for 15 years on issues such as fair utilities regulation, consumer protections and support for family caregivers, the organization has only recently focused on local and community issues.

One topic was uppermost in the minds of AARP leaders gathered at the AARP Florida state headquarters in St. Petersburg, however – encouraging presidential candidates to explain specifically how they would strengthen Social Security to keep it strong and solvent for future generations. Currently, if Congress does not act, official projections show Social Security beneficiaries could see benefit reductions of up to one-fourth in about 18 years.

Other issues to be discussed:
- Further sharpening advanced leadership skills for volunteer and staff who lead AARP’s 60,000-plus volunteers, who work in communities across the country on issues important to people 50+.
- Increasing the effectiveness of AARP advocates on the state level. These advocates fight in state legislatures and regulatory agencies to protect consumers, ensure utility rates are fair, families can get help caring for loved ones and older Americans are treated fairly in the workplace.
- Engaging AARP members and others to strengthen communities across the country. For example, AARP in Tampa Bay is working to improve the livability of St. Petersburg and Tampa and to connect residents 50+ to their communities.

“On behalf of nearly 2.8 million AARP members across Florida, I want to welcome my fellow AARP leaders to St. Petersburg, a city in which AARP has been working almost from the beginning of our Association,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP’s Florida state director. “There could not be a better place for AARP’s Mega-State leaders to plan how to engage scores of millions of Americans 50+ in making our communities, states and nation stronger in 2016.”

For more information about AARP’s work in states, go to www.aarp.org .

About AARP
Updated January 10, 2014: AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.