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AARP AARP States Uncategorized

AARP values state work

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

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One of the most substantial investments AARP made in its future was to establish an office in the 53 states served by our organization.  (As you may recall, AARP counts the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as states.)  AARP’s state presence brought messages and resources closer to our members, opinion leaders and elected officials, and built stronger relationships in support of shared goals.

There are over 500 staff working in AARP’s state offices who are supported by dozens of regional and national office staff.  I’ve had first-hand experience working with a state office as Rhode Island's first State President, and continue to volunteer with the office. I know the impact that the staff and their volunteer partners are having on AARP’s work at the state level and in target communities.  I was delighted to learn that over the past three months, at AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins’ request, top leaders from all parts of the Association have met with a state office to listen and learn about the work of the states.

These in-person conversations spotlighted how AARP’s over-arching social impact priorities (Health Security, Financial Resilience and Personal Fulfillment) are carried out in partnership with our state colleagues.  It also reinforced the five values that AARP brings to our work: Impact, Innovation, Humanity, Empowerment and Honesty.  Most importantly, the conversations served as a reminder and a challenge to deliver on AARP’s purpose – to “Empower people to choose how they live as they age.”  You and countless other AARP volunteer leaders have been part of this work for years, and I am glad that our experiences helped shape AARP’s work across the country.

*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.

About AARP States
AARP is active in all 50 states and Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Connect with AARP in your state.