Message from the State PresidentÑ Reflections on a Successful 2007
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-12-13 08:39:08.982471-05:00
Happy Holidays from AARP State Office Staff and Executive Council. As we finish out the year celebrating with family and friends, I want to reflect on and celebrate the many successes we've had at AARP in the past year, and look a head to a new year, with new challenges and opportunities to make a real difference.
Our many dedicated volunteers in all corners of the state deserve so much of the credit for a truly successful 2007. Thanks to a tremendous turn out at lobby days and the help of state Representative Joni Cutler and state Senator Royal, "Mac" McCracken, who sponsored the legislation, AARP was instrumental in passing the first real changes to elder abuse laws in South Dakota in more than a decade. The growing presence of AARP at the Capitol during the legislature each year is a testament to the collective power and influence we can have when we speak with one voice. If you haven't joined us in the past, I encourage you to mark your calendar and join us in Pierre Jan. 28, 29 and 30.
Our Financial Management Seminars and lunch-hour workshops reached more than one-thousand people in more than a dozen towns and cities state wide providing valuable information on saving for retirement and achieving financial security. AARP will continue those efforts in 2008 with programs with a variety of new topics. So even if you've come in the past, be sure to join us again - you won't be sorry.
More than 400 volunteers participated in Day of Service projects across South Dakota aimed at improving local communities. And the good work didn't stop with just one day. Through the targeted community program the Regional Action Teams truly fostered a spirit of service and heightened the awareness of AARP in Yankton, Redfield and Philip throughout the year. For 2008 the Regional Action teams already have exiting plans in place for Spearfish, Mitchell and Milbank. Stay tuned for details.
In 2007 AARP South Dakota reached a major membership milestone. Now with more than 100,000 members in South Dakota AARP truly has "The power to make it better." With 2008 right around the corner, AARP has much in store, but we can't do it alone. The ideals of Divided We Fail and the quest for health and financial security for all will carry us into the elections. Nearly 1000 of your friends and neighbors have already signed the Divided We Fail pledge - calling for action, answers and accountability from our current and future elected officials on the critical issues of health and financial security. I'm pleased South Dakota's entire congressional delegation has also committed to work for bi-partisan solutions to the challenges we're all facing. We're off to a great start, AARP can lead the way to a brighter future, but we have to do it together. It will take every one of us to truly make life better for this generation and the next.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2008.
Pat Gross
AARP SD Volunteer President
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