A New Year and a New Feature

Happy New Year!

As the communications director for AARP Colorado it is my extreme pleasure to introduce the members of our advocacy team — a large group of more than 20 volunteers who work to ensure Colorado is the best place it can be for you to age.

This group of dedicated volunteers is made up of some of the most talented, experienced and altruistic people in our state and we are so proud of them that we've decided to profile a member of the team each and every month, so you can meet and learn a little about the people who unselfishly give their time and expertise to ensure the best for you and your family.

These advocates pore over more than 60 bills each legislative session in Colorado to determine which should be supported, opposed, or monitored. They do this on behalf of all Coloradans, and it is because of them, in part, that utilities do not skyrocket, health care is attainable and senior services are not interrupted in this state.

I hope you will enjoy this feature and give your feedback. We begin the new year with a profile of A.W. Schnellbacher and rightfully so, as he has been on our advocacy team the longest and is one of the most dedicated volunteers AARP has, and that is not just in Colorado. A.W. is known throughout AARP for his dedication and intense research into many of our issues, especially health care.

We thank A.W. and all our advocates, and I am extremely excited to bring you a closer look at what we do. Within this newsletter and in our blog aarp.org/CO, please look for the advocate profiles.

In addition, I would be remiss if I didn't mention our AARP Story Board. It is a group of retired writers, photoraphers and public relations executives, who want to continue doing what they love and help deliver the AARP message. Among this group is volunteer Carol Lynn Tiegs, who is the writer of this series and we thank her so much for bringing these thoughtful pieces to you. I'd also like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join the AARP Story Board. All you need is a desire to tell meaningful stories and lots of ideas to get those stories out into the world. Interested? Contact me at acortez@aarp.org.

Thank you and Happy New Year!