A Message from the State President
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-01-30 11:58:30
I want to begin by saying how honored I am to be selected as AARP Alabama's state president. I feel lucky to have been chosen to lead such an accomplished, knowledgeable and skilled group of members and volunteers, and I welcome the opportunities and challenges to come.
Alabama has a great state staff, and I look forward to partnering with State Director Joan Carter. But, volunteers are key to the success of AARP Alabama.
In writing this, I can't help thinking about the AARP commercials where a volunteer clones himself. The message is, "If one person could do it alone, the world wouldn't need AARP."
As your new state president, I commit to doing everything within my power to improve the lives of Alabama seniors and their families, while making AARP a stronger, volunteer-driven organization. But, I am only one person. For AARP Alabama to be successful, I will need the help and support of each of our members, especially, the dedicated volunteers across this great state who, through their service, have made AARP Alabama the strong organization that it is today.
I cannot talk about the strength of AARP without acknowledging the leadership of immediate past President Gloria Walker. Gloria led AARP Alabama through a period of great growth and change, and I am lucky that she is my predecessor and friend. In the coming months and years, Gloria will continue being a source of knowledge, experience and inspiration.
But, you, the volunteers will be our source of strength. If you're reading this, chances are, you're already a member and/or volunteer. You are the reason AARP is the organization it is today, and I want to thank you for your past dedication.
Our volunteers also control not only the future of AARP Alabama, but in many ways, the future of aging in our state. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of the role you will play in the months and years ahead. I recognize the importance, if not the absolute necessity, of chapter and volunteer input and involvement to community service, advocacy and AARP's social impact agenda. I'm asking for your help as we take on the challenges ahead.
If you're not currently volunteering and would like to, or would like to have more significant responsibilities, we have several openings for volunteer leaders in different programs and in different areas of the state.
If you think you might be interested in applying for one of these positions, I urge you to visit the Announcement Board on AARP Alabama's Web site for complete position descriptions, or for a copy of the application form, call the state office toll-free at 1-866-542-8167.
The state staff is always available to assist in the development of a stronger volunteer organization.
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as AARP Alabama's state president. But, alone, I am one voice. Only working as a group do we truly have, "The power to make it better."
Take care and God bless.
Ray Warren
AARP Alabama State President
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