how aarp works
aarp provides information education research advocacy and community services through a nationwide network of local chapters and experienced volunteers it focuses its work on consumer issues economic security work health and independent living issues aarp engages in legislative judicial and consumer advocacy in these areas but it does not make campaign contributions to endorse political candidates 2aarp is considered a powerful lobbying group as well as a successful business 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 the monthly aarp bulletin aarp produced 1 89 billion in revenue in 2022 which came from a variety of endeavors including advertising revenue from its publications and royalties for licensing its name and logo 3 however membership fees represent 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 permitted to engage in lobbying it also administers some 501 c 3 public charity operations while some of its other operations are for profit aarp affiliatesthere are several aarp affiliated organizations and they include the following aarp also has many other initiatives including aarp manages outreach programs that address housing issues and social isolation among seniors aarp has also initiated and managed programs that advocate for the strengthening of social security and medicare criticism of aarpaarp is one of the strongest lobbying groups in america its efforts often receive attention for exerting its influence in washington d c and in state capitals its non profit operations also receive millions of dollars per year in the form of federal grants though the organization is officially nonpartisan some argue that its positions fall into the more liberal part of the political spectrum these include things like aarp s support for government assistance programs for retirees opposition to privatizing social security and commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in its workforce 4