Do differences in language, culture and ethnicity really matter when
it comes to bringing together organizations worldwide that are committed
to serving people the 50+?
Of course. But more important are the common challenges: creating
and growing membership; influencing the marketplace so that providers
will develop and offer products and services geared to mature persons;
filling market gaps; fostering social change by influencing governments
for policy reform and improved consumer protections; recruiting,
organizing and mobilizing volunteers; and perhaps most importantly,
adapting, changing, and staying relevant to people 50 and older.
And then there are the intangibles, like providing a community of peers;
a forum for networking and learning from each other, and to exchange
ideas and solutions. For all these reasons and more, the AARP Global
Network was created.
We set out to do something new: to act as a catalyst in bringing together
like-minded organizations serving mature populations. It was an idea
waiting to happen. Until the Network’s establishment, no coordinating
body existed to leverage the collective strength of organizations with
similar missions: making life better for people 50+.
There is much to be gained from like-minded organizations banding together.
There is access to proven strategies and tactics on how to grow and
sustain a successful membership organization with a social mission.
There is the ability to make products and services available to combined
global memberships. Think of combined buying power and resources. And
for consumers, there are reciprocal benefits like travel and leisure
discounts.
Membership in the AARP Global Network helps all this happen. It is
an innovative way to help strengthen organizations where they exist
and build new ones where they do not, so that these organizations will
be more effective in influencing policy, society and the marketplace
in their respective countries.
2007 was a banner year for the Network. We welcomed new members, shared
information and ideas, hosted conferences and presented at international
events. All these prospecting efforts bore fruit.
Early in the year, one of the world’s top membership organizations
serving the 50+ population, Denmark’s DaneAge, came on board as our
charter member. Joining the fold by year’s end were Italy’s 50&Più
Fenacom and CARP, Canada’s Association for the Fifty-Plus. These are
among the most successful and well-respected organizations in their
countries. Each offers experiences and practices that will be captured
by the Network for the benefit of learning by all the members.
I’m pleased to announce at year’s end that the early members, AARP
and DaneAge, were prepared to provide enhanced value to the individual
members of all the Network’s organizations, namely, by making new international
benefits gained through a reciprocity system available.
Our founding member, AARP, celebrates its 50th birthday in 2008. The
anniversary theme is Generations Connecting for Change. The AARP Global
Network can take this concept one better: Let’s connect the generations
– internationally.
In 2008 we look forward to attracting a wider member network, and to
expanding our portfolio of privileges. The 50+ population is energetic,
dynamic and game for adventures. The opportunities are everywhere –
as long as our organizations are as energetic and dynamic as the people
we serve.
Ladan Manteghi, President |
