02.04.16 – Luncheon Notes and Photos

SPOKES Notes by Chelsea Dubey

This week’s presenter, fellow Rotarian Paula Cunningham, State Director for AARP Michigan, was introduced by Rotarian Jackie Taylor. Paula and Jackie worked together during their time at Lansing Community College and have stayed closed throughout the years.

Paula was joined by several of her staff members who all shared a bit about what they do in each of their markets; Grand Rapids, Jackson, Detroit and Lansing. Paula had us all take an AARP quiz and we learned that AARP is much more than a discount and insurance organization. In addition to those services, AARP works with cities to become more age friendly, the SBA to help entrepreneurs, communities to reduce fraud and identity theft and caregivers to inform, educate and advocate, to name a few.

Founded in 1958, AARP serves 38 million members nationally and 1.4 million in Michigan. AARP’s motto is “to serve, not to be served” and that is displayed in the vast amount of programming and advocacy AARP Michigan provides its members.

AARP Michigan’s 2016 focus areas include:

• Advocating for the passing of Senate Bill 352: The Care Act
• Enhancing Veteran programming
• Expanding Movies for Grownups programming
• Age-friendly communities
• AARP will not be taking a position on social security reform but strongly encourages its members to be part of the conversation

Paula left us with this statement: “There is no other organization in the world that cares about the 50 plus population and their communities like AARP does.”