Detroit volunteers made a historic 90-mile road trip in late September to learn how to spread the word about AARP issues.

Nearly 40 Detroiters rode the bus to AARP Michigan’s Advocacy Boot Camp in Lansing, where they took Advocacy 101, watched the House and Senate in action and heard from AARP President-Elect Robert Romasco on the importance of volunteerism in perpetuating AARP’s mission.

The volunteers also visited with 15 of the 17 state legislators from Michigan’s largest city and posed for pictures with the lawmakers.

“This was an excellent learning experience for everybody,” said Felicia Wasson, AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Advocacy, who led the boot camp.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our advocacy efforts because advocacy is most effective when it comes directly from constituents.”

Evaluations following the event found that 99 percent of volunteers were very satisfied with the experience.

“This was a very informational meeting on important issues,” one volunteer remarked. “Some of this information will be passed on to the members of our chapter.”

“Thank you for a wonderful informational and motivational day,” said another. “The visit from the representatives and senators and the picture taking were added bonuses.”

“This is an excellent way to help volunteers learn about issues supported by AARP. It was also helpful to meet and mingle with the legislators and their aides,” commented another volunteer.

“This was my first time visiting the Capitol House in Lansing. It was very informative,” a Detroit volunteer wrote. “I enjoyed the boot camp and would like to attend again in the future.”