What is the Alliance for Retired Americans?
The Alliance for Retired Americans is a grassroots organization
founded in 2001, which brings together three million Americans from
Labor and Community, together fighting for economic and social justice
for our nation’s retirees and their families. There are currently 25
state chapters.
Who are the Members?
Retired members of unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO and members
of the former National Council of Senior Citizens are automatically
members of the Alliance for Retired Americans. Other older and retired
Americans are invited to join.
What are the Alliance’s Goals?
In Washington, DC the Alliance for Retired Americans works to:
- Win Universal health care for all Americans
- Protect and expand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
- Add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare
- Open up job opportunities for people older than 50
- Improve Older Americans Act programs and financing
- Gain rights for patients in HMOs
- Fight for workers’ rights
In the States, the Alliance for Retires Americans works to:
- Expand local programs that help people with disabilities stay in their own home
- Protect the rights of nursing home residents
- Protect “lifeline” utility rates for older Americans
- Make tax policies fairer for older persons
- Expand state-level health benefits
How is the Alliance Funded?
National unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO pay the annual
membership fees of their retirees. The Alliance also receives revenue
from AFL-CIO member benefit programs and from dues paid by members who
are not automatically enrolled.
Who Leads the Alliance for Retired Americans?
The Alliance is active. Members take part in grassroots activities
in their own states and communities through Alliance chapters and other
Alliance-affiliated local groups, including state and local labor
councils.
The Alliance is strong. It has the power of America’s union movement and progressive community organizations behind it. Participating unions of the AFL-CIO provide lifelong Alliance membership for each of their retired union members. Alliance members also include older Americans who formerly belonged to the National Council of Senior Citizens and members of hundreds of community groups from across the country.
The Alliance has you. And you and millions of other older and retired Americans make the Alliance effective in shaping public policy, electing candidates who will stand up for us and make our communities and country a better place for families to live.
You Can Make a Difference
You have worked years and years to gain your knowledge and
experience. Now you have the opportunity to put them to use for your
family, your community and your country as an active member of the
Alliance for Retired Americans. The Alliance for Retired Americans is a
nationwide organization of more than 2 million union retirees, members
of the former National Council of Senior Citizens and other older and
retired Americans working together to make their voices heard in the
laws, policies, politics and institutions that shape our lives. As a
member of the Alliance for Retired Americans, you are part of a
movement committed to bringing social and economic justice to our
workplaces and society. You can help create an America that rewards
work, strengthens families and builds thriving communities.
