AARP’s Policy on Political or Partisan Activity

You can also find the below guidelines on the Volunteer Portal by searching "election-policy" in the Libraries tab.

Preamble

We have earned a reputation for objectivity, balance and non-partisanship.  AARP must maintain a non-partisan stance with respect to candidates, current government officials, political parties and public events.

Policy

The AARP Board of Directors, the National Policy Council, other volunteer leaders and designated staff shall not take part in any public political or partisan activity that may be construed as AARP’s endorsement of political parties, government officials, or candidates for any federal, state, or major municipal office.

Operating Guidelines

• Distinguish Political Activity from Partisan Activity
• Scope – this policy applies to your personal political and partisan activities, depending on your position at AARP
• Designated Volunteers and Staff

Designated Volunteers and Staff

• Board of Directors
• National Policy Council
• Regional Volunteer Directors
• State Presidents
• State Directors
• Others as appropriate, including at times certain Executive Council members with greater visibility within the community

Designated staff and volunteers should not:

• Circulate petitions
• Host political campaign events such as coffees or forums
• Display candidate or party buttons, bumper stickers, et

Designated staff and volunteers may:

• Sign candidate petitions
• Attend candidate events
• Contribute to parties or candidates

Other volunteers and staff may:

• Sign candidate petitions
• Attend candidate coffees, forums
• Contribute to parties and candidates
• Distribute candidate literature
• Display campaign buttons, bumper stickers, etc.
• Host candidate coffees

Consultation

Volunteers and staff should consult with their volunteer/staff supervisors and AARP’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) when considering appointment to any federal, state or major municipal level office.

Resignation

Designated staff and volunteers are required to resign if they:

• Decide to run for any federal, state or major municipal level elective office

• Plan to work publicly on a candidate’s campaign for a federal, state or municipal level office

Reconsideration

Requests for possible exceptions to this policy must be in writing to the volunteer and staff person’s supervisor, who should consult with the Office of the General Counsel.

True or False Questions

1. I am an Executive Council Member and can host a fundraiser as long as I tell my state director and do not put a sign in my yard or bumper sticker on my car.
2. It is fine for me to volunteer and assist with polls on Election Day.
3. It is ok if my spouse or partner hosts a political campaign fundraiser and I attend and help during the fundraiser, but avoid mentioning my involvement with AARP.
4. It is against policy for me to make a political contribution to a friend in my local town council election.
5. The fact that I am treasurer for a PAC isn’t relevant to my service as state president.
6. It is fine for me to be the secretary for a neighborhood advisory committee since the duties performed are entirely administrative in nature.

True or False Answers

1. I am an Executive Council Member and can host a fundraiser as long as I tell my state director and do not put a sign in my yard or bumper sticker on my car. (False)
2. It is fine for me to volunteer and assist with polls on Election Day. (True)
3. It is ok if my spouse or partner hosts a political campaign fundraiser and I attend and help during the fundraiser, but avoid mentioning my involvement with AARP. (True)
4. It is against policy for me to make a political contribution to a friend in my local town council election. (False)
5. The fact that I am treasurer for a PAC isn’t relevant to my service as state president. (False)
6. It is fine for me to be the secretary for a neighborhood advisory committee since the duties performed are entirely administrative in nature. (True)

Questions?

Your first step should be to talk with your AARP State Office.

If needed, contact the Volunteer Helpline at volunteer@aarp.org or toll-free: 866-740-7719.