Advocacy

AARP Idaho announced today that Lynn Young of Meridian was selected to receive the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. AARP Idaho state director Lupe Wissel will present the honor to Young at an upcoming ceremony in Boise.

Boise, ID -- New analysis conducted by AARP shows that 806,000 Idaho workers who are paying into Social Security today stand to lose 25 percent of their benefits if the President and Congress don’t act.

Over 50% of those 65+ in the US rely on Social Security for most of their family income. Though America has evolved over the last 80 years, Social Security has not. With no change to current policy and spending, Social Security can only continue to pay out full benefits until 2034.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Idaho Department of Finance and the Idaho Commission on Aging spotlight the importance of safeguarding Idaho’s senior population by keeping a watchful eye for signs of elder financial exploitation and promptly reporting possible abuse to appropriate officials.

Today, volunteers and staff from Idaho head to Washington to advocate on behalf of AARP members and all older Americans on the crucial issues of Family Caregiving and Social Security. While meeting with members of Congress, these volunteers and staff have carried crucial asks:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a new AARP survey released today, 8 in 10 say that taking a stand on Social Security is a basic threshold for Presidential leadership. The survey of likely voters age 50+ also shows nearly 40% are dissatisfied with their retirement savings and nearly half of voters worry they won’t be able to achieve their financial goals over the next five years (49%). 4 in 10 (40%) still don’t know for certain which party’s presidential candidate they’ll choose in the 2016 general election.

The AARP Idaho Office, located in Boise, has an opening for a legislative intern! This is a paid position. AARP advocacy and grassroots interns are provided legislative education in both state and federal political spheres and gain first-hand knowledge of the Idaho state legislature. Our advocacy work for the 50+ population gives interns exposure to real-world applications.

We’re millions of members strong, the largest and “most powerful grassroots organization” around according to Fortune magazine. In fact, our commitment and collective strength enables us to serve and support a broad and diverse membership as well as embrace our own workplace diversity. If you’re ready, here’s your chance to take action throughout Idaho!

March for Meals is a month-long observance to spotlight senior hunger and food insecurity (one in seven seniors in America faces food insecurity on a regular basis) and how Meals on Wheels solves the problem by providing daily hot, nutritious meals to seniors.

“A good day was filled with joy and laughter. The tough time was exhaustion—the constant lifting and lack of sleep," Yvette, Boise, ID.