An Army in Red, on Alert in Hartford

When Connecticut lawmakers consider challenges for family caregivers, Veda White wants them to define “family” broadly. That means including older adults who are juggling health problems with raising grandchildren, as well as the kinds of neighbors, friends and church members who cared for her during her own health challenge.

“These different perspectives are important for the legislators to know about,” White says.

White, who lives north of Hartford in Windsor, is in her 11th state legislative session as one of AARP Connecticut’s 40 or so advocacy volunteers urging the General Assembly to appreciate — and address — the needs of the state’s adults age 50 and older.

Volunteers support the work of two AARP staff lobbyists as they fight for support for caregivers, lower prescription drug costs, and consumer and fraud protections. Some days, White and other volunteers testify on legislation before a committee of the Connecticut General Assembly. They meet with and get to know their own lawmakers to share AARP’s priorities. Those who prefer to volunteer from home write to lawmakers and send opinion pieces to local newspapers.

In Hartford, they're known for their distinctive red shirts. The shirts have become so familiar around the State Capitol, White says, that security officers frequently greet volunteers with, “Oh, the red shirts are here today!”

“People often don’t think that you can talk to [lawmakers] about what’s important to you as a constituent,” White says. “People sometimes don’t feel that they have a voice. They don’t think that it will matter. In Connecticut, I believe it does matter.”

Putting a face to policy

Nora Duncan, AARP Connecticut’s state director, says advocacy volunteers help AARP set legislative priorities because they know what’s important to their communities. As both constituents and voters, Duncan says the “army of red shirts” get lawmakers’ attention. It helps put a face to policy issues, such as the challenges of living on a fixed income.

“Legislators who might not otherwise be looking at our issues are happy to look at our issues because they know somebody in their community cares about it,” Duncan says.

Beyond that, there are so many bills at play — and so many legislators to reach — that the red-shirt army is vital. “There’s absolutely no way staff could do it all by ourselves,” she says.

State Rep. Jane Garibay (D), who serves the Windsor and Windsor Locks area and is a co-chair of the Aging Committee, says AARP Connecticut volunteers are well-respected and have had a “huge” impact. Consider an episode during the 2024 session when a legislative package that included long-term care reforms almost stalled in the Senate. Garibay quickly reached out to AARP Connecticut and said, “I need you at the Capitol.”

AARP volunteers handed out flyers and buttonholed senators, urging them to support the legislation — which passed.

“It was just incredible,” Garibay says of the episode, adding: “I knew they would get to the Capitol. I knew they would fight for the bill, that they would be there.”

Volunteers get their homework done

State Sen. Tony Hwang (R), who represents Bethel, Easton, Fairfield and Newtown, says AARP advocates “do their homework” and speak passionately on issues affecting them and other older adults. He says AARP volunteers have helped him and other lawmakers understand the need to require telecommunications companies to maintain the landlines many older residents depend on for phone service, even as cell phones have become prevalent.

“They’re knowledgeable, they engage you,” says Hwang, who this year rejoined the Aging Committee as a ranking member after previously serving as a co-chair of it. “They reach out to you.”

Interested in joining the ranks of legislative volunteers? Duncan stresses that no expertise is required but that AARP Connecticut does benefit from the skills many bring from long careers. Someone who spent a career as a lineman helps with utility issues. Last year, nurses successfully pushed for legislation to address Connecticut’s nursing shortage by allowing those with a multistate license to practice in the state.

Now retired, White, says she uses her skills from a 34-year career in financial services — work that taught her how to communicate, motivate others and build relationships.

“She has a very approachable personality,” Duncan says of White. “She kind of adapts to the people she’s talking to, so I think that’s helpful. She can read an audience.”

You can sign up to volunteer here. White says it’s well worth it.

“I think a lot of our advocacy volunteers feel strongly about making a difference,” says White, who is 73. “That’s kind of what advocacy does for me. It makes a positive difference ultimately in the lives of that 50-plus demographic.”

Katherine Shaver has been a journalist for more than 30 years, including 26 years at The Washington Post.

Also of interest:

• The Power of AARP Volunteers
• Volunteering Opportunities, From AARP and Other Organizations
• AARP Connecticut Outlines Priorities for 2025 State Legislative Session