April 21, 2009
Contact: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org
Washington, DC – AARP today applauded President Barack Obama for enacting a volunteer service bill that he called for during his candidacy and throughout the beginning of his term. AARP CEO Barry Rand, present at today’s ceremony, released the following statement:
“At a time when many communities are in great need, AARP applauds President Obama for signing the bi-partisan Serve America Act into law. This is important legislation that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.
“We know boomers and older Americans stand ready to, as AARP’s founder said, ‘create the good.’ In a survey conducted for AARP last year, millions of boomers and older Americans said that in the next five years, they want to increase their volunteer service to improve their communities and our world.
“The Serve America Act will expand opportunities for people to serve at every stage of life by using service opportunities to meet specific national challenges. We are particularly pleased that the legislation will create more opportunities for people 50+. AARP’s network of volunteers and activists stands millions strong, ready to lead this new era of service.
“Fifty years ago, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP with the motto, ‘To serve, not be served.’ This important legislation is powered by the self-reliance and self-determination of the American people. The same spirit is at the root of AARP. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to build this spirit of service across the country – and across generations – and to help tackle America’s most pressing problems with its greatest resource: the American people.”
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.
