AARP 2008 Annual Report Download - page 17

driving skills in half the time of the traditional course offering).
At least one AARP member from every state, territory and the District of Columbia volunteered to
participate in the organizations that form and implement local and regional transportation plans. In
addition, AARP members’ advocacy at the local level resulted in improvements such as the addition of 100
benches at bus stops in Sarasota County, Fla., and longer traffic lights to give Indiana pedestrians more
time to cross some local streets.
Governing magazine concluded its series of AARP-sponsored forums on “livable communities.” The
events brought together government leaders, community activists, and experts in demographics,
transportation, economic development, health care, the environment, and the arts. They gathered in four
distinctive cities: Pittsburgh, Pa.; Charleston, S.C.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Fargo, N.D. A final report
emphasized the importance of coordination between local governments, citizens, and nonprofit
organizations in making communities more amenable for people as they age.
50th Anniversary
AARP is an organization for people with birthdays. In 2008, we celebrated a big one of our own: 50 years
of service to America. The theme of our celebration was “Generations Connecting for Change."
Connecting to Learn
Our celebrations kicked off in February at Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, where AARP’s founder,
Ethel Percy Andrus, had served for nearly 30 years as principal. AARP transformed the school's run-down
theater into a state-of-the-art performing arts center, thus revitalizing a long-dormant performing arts
program.