One step: Joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The Atlanta Regional Commission became a member of the network in July, joining more than 900 communities nationwide.

The Atlanta Regional Commission serves over 5 million residents across 11 counties; about 18 percent of that population is aged 60 and older.

Kay Sibetta, AARP Georgia’s associate state director of community outreach, says the state’s newest network member should bolster efforts to create “a metro Atlanta that is one great region for people of all ages to thrive.”

The AARP network helps communities become more livable by improving services, infrastructure and opportunities for residents—particularly those who are older. To join, a city, county or other community must have commitments from top civic leaders to explore and make age-friendly changes.

Members first conduct a community needs assessment, gathering input from older residents to identify service or infrastructure gaps. From there, an action plan is developed, implemented and monitored. Membership includes access to AARP resources, best practices and guidance.

Network membership also aligns with other AARP programs, such as Community Challenge grants, which can provide the funding for local projects. Such improvements can benefit people of all ages­—and can help foster economic growth and community well-being. Georgia has 182 cities, counties or regions in the network. That includes Macon-Bibb County, the first locale to join, in 2012.

For details, go to aarp.org/livable.­ —Stacey Shepard

Susie Marks built her career in advocacy. But even when she’s off the clock, she’s still an advocate, volunteering for AARP as it champions issues at the Arkansas State Legislature.

“It’s important for me to use my voice for those who cannot use their voice,” says Marks, who is also executive director of the Arkansas Nurses Association.

Advocacy—despite its formal title—is something that comes naturally to many people, Marks says. Whether you’ve spoken up for someone, helped a loved one choose a health care plan, or guided them through applying for Social Security benefits—that’s advocacy in action, she says.

AARP offices in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana are seeking people to volunteer during upcoming legislative sessions.

Advocacy volunteers are “the muscle behind the engine” that helps AARP wield the power of its membership in statehouses and pass laws important to those 50 and over, says Chris McCoy, AARP Arkansas’ director of advocacy and outreach.

Andrew Muhl, AARP Louisiana’s director of advocacy, says volunteers are constituents who might encounter legislators in the grocery store or at church. “They’re the ones that really can hold legislators accountable on issues of importance,” he says.

Volunteers don’t need to live near the state capital. They can reach out to voters, speak in their communities and make phone calls. Those interested in the legislative process can also get involved by attending committee meetings, talking to legislators and influencing bills.

AARP’s advocacy typically focuses on issues such as health care, retirement savings, age discrimination and caregiving.

Interested? Contact AARP Mississippi at msaarp@aarp.org, AARP Louisiana at amuhl@aarp.org or AARP Arkansas at cmmccoy@aarp.org. —SS