It’s Your Chance to Make a Difference

AARP Washington Seeks Advocacy Impact Team Members

President Obama has identified health care reform as a top priority for the nation in 2009.  At recent White House forums on fiscal responsibility and health care, the president called on everyone—elected officials, business, unions and consumers—to work together and get the job done. AARP agrees.  As part of its nonpartisan Divided We Fail initiative, AARP has raised the voices of millions of Americans who are tired of political gridlock and want solutions to achieve affordable, quality health care and lifetime financial security for all. Now is the time for action.

“Especially in this tough economy it is critical that we come together as a nation and solve the health care crisis by working in communities, in the State Capitol, with Congress and at the White House,” says Ingrid McDonald, AARP Advocacy Director.  “We know many AARP members and their families are struggling to make ends meet, whether due to job loss, dwindling retirement savings, or the skyrocketing cost of health care.  Now is the time to make our voices heard and work for change.”

Join Us in the Fight for Affordable Health Care

Right now, AARP Washington is recruiting volunteers in each of the state’s nine congressional districts to help advance health care reform at the national level – and to work on other important federal and state issues including prescription drug affordability long-term care, and consumer protections.

AARP Impact Team Members Will:

• Help build relationships with state and federal legislators at the local level.
• Share the views, concerns and experiences of AARP members from the district with legislators.
• Understand and communicate AARP’s position during the national health care reform debate, on federal legislation that addresses financial security, and on state legislation focusing on health care, prescription drugs and long-term care.

Candidates for these volunteer opportunities should have a strong interest in the issues of health care and financial security, and a desire to help achieve health care reform at the national level.  Good communication skills are imperative, as is the ability to interact with public officials.  The time commitment varies, from a few hours a week to a few hours a month, and training as well as ongoing support is provided.

To find out more, email AARP Advocacy Director Ingrid McDonald at imcdonald@aarp.org.