AARP trains grassroots volunteers in each Congressional District

By: State: Mississippi | Source: AARP.org

AARP Mississippi is training grassroots volunteers to serve as key advocacy contacts in each of the state's four Congressional districts. After meeting with AARP staff, volunteers communicate regularly with elected officials in person, by phone or by e-mail. Grassroots volunteers discuss issues that are important to AARP members.

During the 2009 state legislative session, grassroots volunteers called their legislators and asked them to pass Senate Bill 2790. SB 2790 would have created a division of Utilities Consumer Advocate to speak up on behalf of consumers when utility companies seek rate increases. The volunteers also e-mailed or delivered letters to the editor to their hometown newspapers asking legislators to support House Bill 105.

The volunteers focus on legislators who represent their districts. Volunteers paired with U.S. senators and representatives will speak out on national issues such as health care and financial security, while those working with state legislators will focus on home and community-based services.

The volunteers also will work on federal issues that are important to the 50-plus population. Volunteers, along with staff, will visit local Congressional offices during annual recesses: President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4 and August. Volunteers and staff will make appointments to speak with members of Congress while they are in the home districts. The volunteers also will work with staff to plan town hall meetings and other events that allow constituents to speak with legislators.

If you're interested in becoming a grassroots volunteer, call 1-866-554-5382.