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Responsibilities of Volunteer Position

1. Keep current on AARP issues and policies; understand AARP’s federal and state advocacy positions and provide support on these issues as needed.

2. Serve as an AARP volunteer representative to assigned Member of Congress (MOC) District office. Coordinate with AARP Congressional District Liaison (CD Lead) and AARP state office to maintain regular communication with the district office in person, by phone and via e-mail. Report district office feedback to and alert CD Lead and AARP state office on events and political intelligence as learned.

3. Respond to “calls to action” to contact state legislator(s) regarding AARP advocacy positions. Serve as point of contact for Advocacy Team Members on MOC relationship and AARP “calls to action.”

4. Represent AARP at public forums and meetings related to political agenda.

5. Monitor media for possible opportunities to respond or provide information as it relates to AARP legislative issues including Letters to the Editor.

6. Work with volunteer leaders and staff to help identify and recruit appropriate volunteers for AARP issues and programs.

Optional Activities of Volunteer Position

1. Network with community, public, private, volunteer and informal sectors and key individuals to provide AARP information and build relationships.

2. Provide information on AARP issues and positions to the membership within geographic area through talks at AARP groups, e-mails and public meetings.

3. Coordinate efforts with other AARP activities and programs to extend visibility and awareness in community. Be a presence at local AARP chapter(s).

Qualifications for Volunteer Position

1. Membership in AARP; commitment to the vision, mission, and goals of AARP.

2. Constituent and registered voter in the assigned volunteer service area.

3. Ability to understand and communicate complex legislative information and AARP messages.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

5. E-mail and web communication literacy.

6. Demonstrated leadership experience as an employee and/or volunteer.

7. Public speaking experience.

8. Ability to work well with diverse populations.

9. Ability to work in a non-partisan manner; may not concurrently hold a leadership role in a political party.

Other Information Pertinent to Volunteer Position

1. Term/length of service: Two-year term/maximum of three terms.

2. Time required: Variable.

3. Training required:
a. AARP Volunteer Orientation Training
b. Position-specific and other training as necessary.

4. Appointed by: State Director or Associate State Director.

5. Supervisor: Designated staff in the AARP state office.

6. Scope of authority: Supports efforts of Advocacy Team Members in partnership with Congressional District Liaison and staff; does not directly supervise any volunteers.

7. Working relationships: With the State Office, CD Liaison and other volunteer leadership and volunteers in geographic area.

8. Progress review: Volunteer job performance is monitored on an ongoing basis.

9. Reimbursement: Approved expenses including travel, subsistence and other necessary incidental expenses incurred while fulfilling volunteer responsibilities. Expense statements are approved by the state office for reimbursement.

If interested in additional information or to apply, please contact Cathy Lasnik at coaarp@aarp.org or at 1-866-554-5376.