Reasons to Join a MOAA Chapter

 

You know the value of belonging to MOAA and your chapter. But when you’re talking to a potential new chapter member, it’s important to remember that many officers might have only limited knowledge of MOAA’s chapter system.

 

Creating a dialogue and asking open-ended questions is the best way to find out if and how a chapter membership could help a prospective member.

 

Find out as much as you can about their priorities in order to tailor a response that is more likely to resonate with them personally.

 

Here are some aspects of membership that may appeal to them.

 

1. Make yourself heard. MOAA’s chapters provide critical grassroots support for MOAA’s national legislative agenda. Chapter members let their legislators know what’s on their minds and open doors for MOAA’s legislative team in Washington, D.C.

 

2. Give back to the community. Chapter members are MOAA’s ambassadors in their communities, supporting countless programs that make a difference in the lives of others. These members continue to serve and are giving back in the truest sense.

 

3. Value added to chapter members’ lives. MOAA chapters sponsor interesting programs and opportunities to interact with civic, political, military, and business leaders on issues important to members.

 

4. Networking with fellow officers. Chapters include second-career members in the work force and retired service members who have contacts in their communities that can be valuable to transitioning officers.

 

5. Stay informed. Chapter newsletters, websites, and meetings provide you with the latest information on local, state, and national issues and changes to military benefits.

 

6. Influencing state legislation. Most states have a council of chapters that unites chapters in the state. These councils, and independent chapters in states without a council, often lobby for and pass state-level legislation that affects military members and their families, such as exempting military retired pay from state income tax or increasing funding for state veterans’ programs.

 

7. Camaraderie with a purpose. MOAA chapters unite active duty, former, and retired officers from every branch of service, including National Guard and Reserve, as well as surviving spouses, offering the opportunity to connect with others with similar backgrounds and interest and develop close and lasting friendships.

​

​