My “Life Reimagined” after the AARP Massachusetts state presidency

PRIME – December 2014 By Linda F. Fitzgerald AARP?State President My involvement with AARP Massachusetts first began about 35 years ago and quickly grew to encompass a variety of volunteer roles. I began volunteering with AARP in the late 1970s while working as the local program director for the Long Term Care Ombudsman program for the Springfield Council of Churches and later as manager of Education and Outreach for senior markets at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Volunteering with AARP also helped inform my work as program and training coordinator for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. I learned so much from AARP about facilitation, training, advocacy and outreach by attending conferences and meetings through the 1970s and 1980s. Throughout the years, I promised I would always give back. And I have. Several years ago, I attended a Massachusetts Councils on Aging conference and heard AARP Massachusetts Advocacy Director Jessica Costantino speak about AARP’s advocacy work. I was so impressed with her speech that I introduced myself and offered to volunteer. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by then-AARP Massachusetts State Director Deb Banda about my interest in serving on the AARP Massachusetts Executive Council, an all-volunteer team of leaders who provide direction in carrying out AARP’s national priorities at the state level. I served on the Executive Council for 18 months, until 2009, when the state president role became vacant. My husband, Jerry, encouraged me to apply, and I was appointed Massachusetts state president in March 2009. Once my term began, I took a very “hands-on” approach. Several new members were brought on to the Executive Council during my term to expand our volunteer base and network. Over the years, I learned a great deal and partnered successfully with members and with the state director. During that time, AARP Massachusetts launched community-focused outreach work in Springfield. As a lifelong Springfield resident, I was thrilled. A large cadre of AARP volunteers helped raise awareness of hunger and poverty issues in Springfield through food drives and conducted outreach for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the SNAP Medical Expense Deduction, ensuring that eligible seniors and those with disabilities were taking advantage of this underutilized program. As my six-year term comes to an end, I look back on my tenure with happiness and great memories. I loved visiting AARP chapters across the state and talking to communities about financial security, Social Security, and Medicare. I also enjoyed meeting with federal and state legislators about AARP’s priority issues and serving on the AARP National Volunteer Engagement Advisory Council representing state presidents. I enjoyed meeting new people and reconnecting with those whom I’d worked with in the past. But most of all, working with the talented and hard-working AARP Massachusetts staff was a very rewarding experience. I know that the friendships I’ve made will continue through the years, and for this I am honored. I owe a big thank you to my husband Jerry, my constant support and companion. He is the wind beneath my wings. My husband and I are blessed to have a large and diverse four-generation family. As a lifelong Springfield resident, I truly value my community and my friends. My experience as an advocate, advisor, and educator to elders has helped me give back to the wider community and I will continue to do so. So, what’s next for me? I will be very much involved with AARP and plan to work with the Life Reimagined program and build on the training I have received as a volunteer transitions coach. I will continue to help build our volunteer ranks, as I know there are lots of people willing and able to take on roles. I look forward to hearing about future accomplishments of AARP Massachusetts, led by State Director Mike Festa. I wish the best to the incoming state president and know that the Executive Council will continue to thrive. For the past six years Linda F. Fitzgerald has been the volunteer state president of AARP Massachusetts, which serves more than 800,000 members age 50 and older in the Bay State. Connect with AARP Massachusetts online at www.aarp.org/ma ; www.facebook.com/AARPMA and www.twitter.com/AARPMA .