Message from AARP State President Art Cruz
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-04-24 11:18:05.659872-04:00
With over 900,000 members here in Washington State and nearly 36 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 more about our organization and 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 affordable prescription drugs and the protection of Social Security, you're right. Whether ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security or protecting pensions, prescription drug coverage in Medicare or patient protections in managed care, long-term care or independent living, AARP has a strong presence in the nation's capital, in state houses across the country, 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 our members and their families. If you want to see what AARP is doing nationally, check out www.aarp.org.
If you are interested in issues and advocacy in Washington State, find out more in Washington Advocacy.
But maybe you would tell people we're a service organization, helping vulnerable populations and families in your community. You'd be right. AARP volunteers across the state of Washington are busy giving a helping hand. We are passionate about the value of volunteering. We were founded in l958 under the motto, "To serve, not to be served."
And if you think AARP is about hotel 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 more online or call our toll-free membership line at (800) 424-3410.
Some know us by our magazine, called 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. Find more information online or call (800)424-3410.
Maybe you're one of the thousands of people in our state who attend the AARP Driver Safety Program (formerly AARP 55-Alive), or obtain help with your tax returns through the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program. For more information on these programs, call (888) AARP-NOW.
Thank you for your support of AARP.
Art CruzAARP Washington State President
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