Is AARP an Interest Group?
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides financial planning, retirement planning, media publications for seniors, insurance deals, general education, medical insurance and lobbies the government on behalf of its members. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization with a massive membership of millions of Americans over age 50.
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History
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The AARP grew out of the National Retired Teachers Association, beginning operation in 1958. The increasing average longevity of people in general throughout the developed world and in the United States in particular essentially created a new mass demographic that had never existed before in human history--the retiree. It is difficult for most young people to understand today, but when the AARP was founded, the idea that seniors would be able to live productive and enjoyable lives well into their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond was a completely new.
Significance
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The AARP has been a political advocacy group nearly from its inception, and it maintains 501(c)(4) status, allowing it to actively lobby the government on behalf of its membership. While the organization is not wedded to any particular political party, it can be depended on to argue in favor of social security and increased public medical benefits, encouraging incentives for retirement investment and advocating for laws against age discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere.
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Effects
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As one of the largest organizations in the country, the AARP has a significant political influence. Its membership votes in large numbers relative to the population at large--although the AARP never endorses single candidates, parties or party platforms. It does, however, donate money to campaigns and release substantial amounts of research and literature designed to directly influence the legislative process.
Considerations
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The AARP's political actions have been controversial among some of the members who do not necessarily agree with the group's platform and advocacy strategies. As the AARP provides insurance, educational material, social groups and other services to members, many of the people who join it do not do so because of a desire to influence national politics.
Potential
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Naturally, no one is forced to join the AARP, particularly if they do not agree with their political agenda. Regardless of their political views, prospective members should read more about what the AARP's political wing stands for before joining. Membership fees--however small they are--do trickle down to the lobbying arm of the organization, although it is relatively small compared to the size of all the AARP branches combined. Its status as an interest group is no secret.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Tinou Bao, Flickr
