Dr Ethel Andrus founded AARP in 1958. Now the nation’s largest and oldest organization of older Americans, its membership is over 33 million. A non-profit, nonpartisan organization, AARP is governed by an elected, twenty-one member volunteer Board of Directors. Its extensive volunteer network makes it one of America’s most effective lobbying groups, both nationally and locally. AARP also co-chairs the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, a coalition of non-profit organizations that represents the public-policy interests of older Americans. AARP members receive a variety of discounts, services and products, ranging from health insurance to prescription drugs.