President's Perspective

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2008 is a special year for AARP as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our founding. AARP was started by Ethel Percy Andrus, a school principal who had a vision that included solutions to her concerns about the financial security of her fellow teachers and others; many with little or no chance at that time to retire in comfort without worrying about their future. Through her work and efforts over so many years, AARP emerged as a voice of reason on many issues and has greatly influenced public policy in our country. AARP is providing trusted financial services, educational opportunities, improved access to affordable medicine, driver education, income tax help, advocacy on public and government issues, and it has grown to be one of the largest organizations in the world. It is an organization that has empowered thousands of volunteers across this nation and abroad.

From a handful of early members in 1958, AARP has now grown to over 38 million members. In South Dakota we now boast 105,000 members and we continue to grow. Nationwide our organization serves it members with dozens of programs, services and activities that tackle meaningful quality of life issues. We are proud of our organization and as a volunteer State President I am most pleased that AARP has impacted each of the Presidential campaigns in this critical election year. Our impact on the need for health care reform is being felt at every level of the political process and our insistence on candidates taking a position of such reform continues to be extremely effective. At each of the numerous public appearances of candidates across our nation our members were there making a difference.

And so with pride in our many accomplishments we celebrate this occasion of our 50th birthday. Join us at our many events scheduled across South Dakota that will recognize this milestone, including our gathering at the Crazy Horse Monument on July 1st. We will also celebrate our diversity on this day with the remarkable performances of Kevin Locke, nationally recognized Native American hoop dancer. Come join us at the State Fair as well, and attend our Financial Management Seminars scheduled for Rapid City and Huron later this summer.

And to our volunteers, thank you for all you do for your fellow members and the many communities you support. We appreciate your willingness to be involved.