What is AARP?
The American Association of Retired Persons, commonly known by the acronym AARP, is America’s leading organization for people aged 50 and over, providing member benefits, marketing services and lobbying for their account.
Founded in 1958 by retired teacher Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus as the American Retirement Association, AARP is a non-profit, non -partisan association with over 38 million members.
Key points
- AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that allows retirees to choose how they live as they get older.
- AARP offers membership benefits ranging from discounts, healthcare options, insurance products, travel-related services, education, and learning resources.
- The AARP has grown to be a powerful organization, with over 38 million active members and a strong lobbying presence in Washington and state capitals.
How AARP works
AARP provides information, education, research, support and community services through a national network of local branches and experienced volunteers. It focuses its work on consumer issues, economic security, employment, health and independent living and engages in legislative, judicial and consumer advocacy activities in these areas.
AARP is considered a powerful lobbying group as well as a successful business, selling life and health insurance, revenue of $ 1.70 billion in 2019, resulting from a number of initiatives, including advertising revenue from its publications. and licensing royalties for its name and logo.
AARP is considered a powerful lobbying group, as well as a successful company, selling life and health insurance, investment products , and other financial and non-financial services. It is also an independent publisher, offering Modern Maturity magazine and AARP Bulletin monthly . AARP generated $ 1.65 billion in revenue in 2018, which comes from a variety of endeavors, including advertising revenue from its publications, and from licensing royalties for its name and logo.
However, membership fees are the most significant source of revenue . It is registered as a 501 (c) (4) non-profit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) , which means it is allowed to engage in lobbying. It also administers some 501 (c) (3) public charity operations while some of the other operations are for profit.
However, membership fees are the most significant source of income . It is registered as a 501 (c) (4) nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) , which means it is licensed to engage in lobbying. It also administers some 501 (c) (3) public charitable operations while some of its other operations are for profit.
Criticism of the AARP
The AARP is one of the strongest lobbying groups in America, and due to its efforts, it often receives attention for exerting its influence in Washington, DC and state capitals. Its nonprofit operations also receive millions of dollars annually in the form of federal grants. Some argue that his positions fall on the more liberal end of the political spectrum.
