Position Function:
The Transportation Options Specialist represents AARP on municipal transportation boards. He or she strives to incorporate AARP’s social impact goals, especially those goals which expand upon and improve transportation options for older people in their communities. The Specialist supports advocacy initiatives that establish transportation options and safe driving. The Transportation Options Specialist role is an active one and is a highly visible representative of AARP with staff, volunteers, and their community.

Responsibilities:
The Transportation Options Specialist, working with the Transportation Team Lead volunteer and the Associate State Director for Livable Communities, will:
• Support initiatives and policy positions that improve local transportation for older people.
• Report findings and activities to the Transportation Team Lead volunteer.
• Actively seek opportunities to expand transportation options and availability.
• Attend municipal transportation board meetings and related committee meetings in AARP designated communities, representing AARP Michigan.
• Advise local municipal transportation boards of AARP Michigan’s positions and goals, making assessments and recommendations accordingly.
• Actively promote public participation by consumers in transportation planning decisions, such as public transportation routing, highway and road siting and design, transportation demand management activities, and investment and deployment of intelligent transportation systems
• Be aware of state and community resources and services available
• Develop an understanding of AARP’s goals and positions, including AARP’s Social Impact Agenda and the AARP Michigan state plan.
• Respond to legislative alerts and other requests from staff and volunteer partners.
• Support designated AARP activities that are initiated at the local, state, and national levels.

Qualifications:
• Commitment to the goals and priorities of AARP.
• Membership in AARP preferred.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations; backgrounds and experiences.
• Effective communication skills, including speaking and writing.
• Must reside in or near a designated AARP community.
• Access to and experience with email and computers.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with transportation issues preferred.

Term of Service and Length of Service:
Two (2) years with option by supervisor to renew twice, not to exceed six (6) years.

Training Required:
AARP will provide orientation to AARP and access to resources. Additional skills training, issue briefings, and coaching will be conducted as necessary.

Travel Required:
Some travel required including quarterly trips to the AARP State Office in Lansing. Travel expenses (mileage, lodging, food) will be paid by AARP, as appropriate and necessary, with prior approval from the AARP staff partner.

Time Commitment:
Minimum two hours per week in addition to Transportation Authority Board meetings.

Appointed By:
State President

Supervisors:
Guidance will be provided by the Associate State Director for Livable Communities and Transportation Team Lead volunteer.

Progress Review:
The performance of the Transportation Options Specialist will be monitored on an ongoing basis. As appropriate, the Transportation Options Specialist and his/her supervisors will develop a work plan that will serve as the basis for the annual volunteer progress review.

Scope of Authority:
The Transportation Options Specialist does not directly supervise volunteers.

If you are interested making a difference in your community, volunteering as an AARP Michigan Transportation Options Specialist may be just the job for you. To volunteer for this position, or to obtain more information about this position, contact Careena Eggleston, Volunteer Systems Coordinator at AARP Michigan, at (517) 267-8900 or via email at ceggleston@aarp.org.