Have we met? - A message from AARP Washington State President Jim Ko

With nearly 900,000 members here in Washington state and more than 38 million members nationwide, AARP is sure to ring a bell with most Washington adults. However, with an organization of this size, AARP means many different things to many different people. As the volunteer president of AARP, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about our organization and to provide you with some helpful contacts.

People have different notions about who or what AARP is—and just about everyone is right. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and older. We are involved with many different activities, but we have a single mission: enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.

If you think we work hard for things like quality health care, affordable housing, support for family caregivers and the protection of Social Security, you're right. Whether ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security, fighting to lower prescription drug costs, or working to make sure all Washingtonians have access to quality health care, AARP has a strong presence in the nation's capital, at our state capitol in Olympia, and in the courts advocating on behalf of AARP members and their families.

With the collective strength of our membership, AARP is uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on the important issues facing older adults and their families. If you want to see what AARP is doing nationally, visit www.aarp.org. If you are interested in issues and advocacy in Washington State, find out more on our state website at www.aarp.org/wa.

But maybe you would tell people we're a service organization, working to improve local communities, and helping underserved populations and families across the state. You'd be right. AARP volunteers are busy giving a helping hand, and we’re passionate about the value of volunteering. In fact, AARP was founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus in 1958 under the motto, "To serve, not to be served." There are a variety of different ways to get involved including programs like AARP Tax-Aide and the Driver Safety Program, community outreach volunteers helping out at local events, advocacy volunteers working to influence important legislative efforts at the state and national level, speakers bureau volunteers giving virtual and in-person community presentations, and many more! Visit our website for more information on the many ways you can get involved as an AARP volunteer.

What about local events, social opportunities or online presentations? You bet! From free online courses and in-person presentations, to local celebrations and member gatherings, AARP has something for everyone. Check out the events listing on our webpage for the latest opportunities.

And if you think AARP is about hotel and travel discounts, auto and health insurance, savings on prescription drugs and other products, you guessed right again. AARP offers many products and services especially for our members. Find out more online or call our toll-free membership line at 1-866-227-7457.

Some know us by our magazine, “AARP The Magazine.” In addition to the magazine, members receive the monthly “AARP Bulletin.” AARP offers a wide range of publications, often free of charge, on everything from caregiving and grandparenting, to resume writing and fitness tips. You’ll find more information at www.aarp.org or by calling 1-866-227-7457.

Or maybe you're one of the thousands of people in our state who are learning how to stay safer on the road through the AARP Smart Driver Course, or maybe you’ve taken advantage of free tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. For more information on these programs call 1-888-AARP-NOW.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. AARP has plenty more to offer, and I urge you to take the time to learn how you and your family can benefit from AARP membership.

Be sure to check us out and keep up to date on what AARP Washington is up to online, or on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

 Jim Ko, AARP Washington State President