AARP Investment in Innovation

By Phil Zarlengo
AARP Volunteer Transitions alumni coordinator and former AARP Board chair*

With a 60-year commitment to older adults and a purpose statement of “empowering people to choose how they live as they age,” AARP has an enviable record of success. But CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is not allowing the organization to rest on its laurels; instead, she is challenging AARP to be a source of innovation.  In fact, Jo Ann stated that “By 2020, AARP will be world known for innovation – making us the most powerful change agent for 50+ population.”

AARP’s all-volunteer Board of Directors and staff are keenly aware that an organization thrives when it is relevant and adds value to a person’s life.  To be a successful organization, AARP must straddle the opportunities that exist today while also being open to new opportunities that are on the horizon. AARP is making a significant investment to support innovation and I encourage you to visit this site to learn more about AARP’s efforts that are important to the organization’s future.

I believe that AARP’s active and alumni volunteers are an invaluable resource to AARP and we can help identify emerging trends.  Alumni, having served in leadership roles and then stepped away from them, have a unique perspective to offer.  I believe these are the seeds of innovation. Through regular interactions with our family and community members, we are poised to spot how people are spending their time and areas of need.  Our insights can help the Association gather fresh thinking about current and potential offerings that will help AARP be relevant and valued. The Office of Volunteer Engagement is our conduit to share ideas.  Please send your thoughts to volunteer@aarp.org so that they can be shared with AARP’s team of innovators.

*Phil also served previously as the AARP Rhode Island State President and continues today as a member of  AARP RI’s Executive Council and State Legislative Committee.