AARP’s mailing policies were misrepresented in the June 26 article, “AARP renting out donor lists to raise money.” AARP condemns the deceptive practices of those organizations that raise funds from older Americans with mailings exaggerating legislative threats to their retirement security. AARP does not send any fundraising solicitations nor ask for any money beyond dues for advocacy campaigns.
AARP does not sell or rent member information to telemarketers, mailing list brokers, or any other companies that are not offering AARP endorsed services or benefits. We share our member list with a limited number of companies that we have screened and selected to provide AARP services. These providers pay an access fee and are restricted from using or disclosing the list for any other purposes. Members can also “opt out” by calling our toll-free number.
AARP’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels are a valuable and integral part of our work on behalf of older adults and their families. In fact, many members join and renew their membership in AARP because of our collective advocacy voice. For example, AARP members across Washington State are working together to call upon Congress and President Bush to keep their promises by enacting an affordable, voluntary prescription drug benefit for everybody in Medicare.
We have earned our members’ trust with activities, services and policies that respect and protect their interests and privacy. It is unfortunate that the article implied otherwise.
AARP Washington State Director
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