What began as the brain child of an educator, now reaches across the country, indeed even around the world. The AARP, American Association of Retired Persons, is an organization with over 35 million members and growing every day. With the graying of America come more people over the age of 50, which is the only requirement for being an AARP member. No, you do not have to retired; many members (approximately 40 percent) are working full time or enjoying the benefits and challenges of a second career.
It was an excerpt from the AARP mission statement which first garnered my interest;
"AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service."
I would like to have met the founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, who was a woman ahead of her time. She recognized that as Americas aged (especially into their sixties) obtaining health insurance was difficult at best, and in some cases impossible. She decided to do something about it and began approaching insurance companies, discussing whether or not they'd be interested in helping this large (and growing larger) demographic. While many said no (limited vision) some said yes and today the AARP is underwritten by a variety of dedicated companies, all offering something unique and providing the AARP member with many benefits and plans to choose from. Among them aree...
The AARP is an organization that seems to care about it membership and continues to offer information and benefits, beneficial to its membership; this in addition to relevant news and publications designed to increase the standard of living.
The AARP evolved from another organization created by Dr. Andrus (a retired high school principal), named aptly, the National Retired Teachers Association established in 1947. During those years finding an underwriter was difficult if not impossible (Medicare had yet to be formed) and Dr. Andrus mission hit a chord among seniors and word of NRTA spread like wildfire. Because of this (and given a little time) the AARP was formed and the NRTA is now part of that organization.
The AARP has two related by different groups, one the AARP Foundation. The Foundation is a charity focusing on programs to help people 50 plus and they also support the AARP Litigation which is a force to be reckoned with in Washington, focusing on any and all legal issues affecting seniors.
The other is AARP Services, Inc., which is the arm that provides all the benefits and products that the AARP has become known for.
Running an organization of this magnitude is not inexpensive, thus the AARP raises funds from a variety of sources.
Memberships (35 million + members) Advertising (Magazine and Radio) Royalties Publications
AARP Magazine
AARP Bulletin
Sdgunda Juventud (targeting Hispanics) Web Presence Radio
Mature Focus Radio
Prime Time Radio AARP Public Policy Institute
One of the most important aspects of the AARP is its power as a lobbying group that can cause change in Washington. Any group which represents the voice of 35 million+ Americans is something politicians must listen to, and they do. Tackling such diverse causes as age discrimination, pensions, health care, economic security and more, the AARP and their people are a visible presence in congress, striving always to further the cause of seniors.
They are not affiliated with any political party, but do keep their membership informed on what each party is doing, and where they stand on important issues.
June is a writer and marketer. Her background is comedy and she always tries to include that in her articles. June's site AARP Deals On Insurace was created to explain the benefits of AARP membership. "I believe life should be balanced in order to achieve true happiness. Money is important, but so too are relationships and our health, which is often taken for granted till it is gone". June's flagship site is Wealth Health and Success providing content designed to help you achieve her philosophy.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
