Senate Passes Critical Part of Economic Recovery

Source: AARP Press Center | 2009-03-27

March 27, 2009

Contact: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org

Washington, D.C. – AARP today applauded the Senate for passing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act—a bill that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Designated as a “key vote” by AARP on behalf of its 40 million members, each senator’s final vote is posted on AARP’s Government Watch site (www.aarp.org/governmentwatch) so individuals across the nation can see how their legislators voted on this important bill.

Tom Nelson, AARP chief operating officer, released the following statement:

“AARP applauds the Senate for passing legislation that speaks to what is best about America: the opportunity to serve others in neighborhoods and communities across the country.

“Recovery from America’s economic crisis will require not only action by our government, but also in our communities. AARP is pleased the Serve America Act will help non-profit, service and philanthropic organizations recruit, manage and engage more volunteers—including skilled volunteers—to help address specific community needs.

“Our members stand ready to give, and offer a lifetime of acquired skills that can meet a range of local needs. The Serve America Act helps activate this cadre of potential volunteers and offers the sort of opportunities that people age 50+ are looking for.

“During the 2008 ServiceNation Presidential Forum, then-candidate Obama said that America stands at a defining moment, and the next president would have to actively pursue service issues. We look forward to working with the Obama Administration and with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to enact legislation that tackles America’s greatest problems by using its greatest resource – the American people.”

A recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to Senate leadership outlines the most important issues for older Americans in this legislation:

• This legislation will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities to include social services, environment, health, caregiving, nurturing, mentoring, intergenerational solutions, education, economic development and community development.

• The bill will improve service opportunities for persons age 50+ so that they can apply a lifetime of acquired skills to help remedy a range of identified service needs.
• Provisions included will improve the capacity of non-profit, service and philanthropic organizations to recruit, manage and apply volunteer skills to identified service needs in this period of economic recession and lower charitable giving.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.