Volunteer Advocates Help Make A Difference

When Paul Armstrong, 64, first became an AARP advocacy volunteer nearly a decade ago, he was shocked that members of the public could be in the state Senate chamber “right on the floor” during the proceedings.

“I was so enthralled and excited about the access that Mainers have to their elected politicians,” says Armstrong, a retired chef who lives in Palermo, in Waldo County.

Armstrong is one of about 30 core AARP Maine volunteers who help advocate for policies that improve the lives of older adults across the Pine Tree State. During the upcoming legislative session, he and others will help AARP Maine promote a range of priorities, including affordable housing, support for family caregivers and lower prescription drug prices, says Alf Anderson, AARP’s associate state director for advocacy and outreach.

“Our volunteers really enjoy the time that they spend, both because of civic duty but also because it’s a fun atmosphere of people who really care,” Anderson says.

He says more volunteers are needed for the 2024 session, and people can help in a variety of ways, such as sharing personal stories and testifying before legislative committees, emailing lawmakers about key issues, distributing resources and photographing events.

During past sessions, Armstrong has worked on issues ranging from lowering prescription drug costs to tighter regulation of door-to-door marketing by electricity suppliers.

AARP Maine staff works with all new volunteers to train and support them. To learn more or volunteer, email me@aarp.org, or call 866-554-5380. Visit states.aarp.org/maine/2024-legislative-agenda to learn more about the current priorities.

To learn more about other AARP Maine volunteer opportunities, click here: https://states.aarp.org/maine/volunteer

—Michelle Cerulli McAdams