What is AASPC?

The American Association of Senior Peer Counseling (AASPC) is a tax exempt non-profit public benefit corporation organized for the purpose of unifying, supporting and promoting the well-being of older adults through Senior Peer Counseling.

What does it do?

AASPC became operational in June 2000 during the annual Senior Peer Counseling conference. The major effort of AASPC during the past two years has been planning and carrying out the annual conference, active consideration of member benefits and working to obtain grants to assist the board in expanding the focus and impact of our organization for the benefit of Senior Peer Counseling programs.

Who belongs to AASPC?

Any person supporting or participating in the organization's purpose may become a member of AASPC by paying annual dues. Attendees at the 2000 conference automatically became members for one year. Annual dues are $45 for peer counseling professionals and program supporters and $25 for volunteers.

Who does the work?

Currently, AASPC has no paid staff. Organization activities are done on a volunteer basis, at this time, mostly by Board members. Thanks to a grant from The California Endowment, a Development Planner was hired in July of this year to assist the Board in fulfilling our goals.

How is AASPC funded?

To date, expenses of running the organization have been directly related to the annual conference and have been paid from conference proceeds. Additional future funding is expected from membership fees and grants. Funding from grants in the future is expected to continue to stimulate organizational growth and development.

Why is it called "American" rather than "California" Association for Senior Peer Counseling?

The Association's long-range goal is to actively encourage membership from other states who have peer counseling programs, and truly become a national organization. For now, the Board is concentrating on carrying out its mission within California.

Who may benefit by becoming an AASPC member?

Individuals currently providing counseling services to seniors, who would like to improve support or increase the number of seniors served, are the most likely members. A survey of 84 persons, mostly volunteers, currently working in several of California's 46 Senior Peer Counseling programs, showed that 76% of those persons intend to join AASPC, and that an additional 16% probably or maybe will join. Others who support the Association's mission, individuals or organizations, are likely candidates for membership.

What specific benefits are available for those who join AASPC?

Members receive a $25 reduction in Annual Conference fees, a quarterly newsletter, and a copy of the Annual Conference proceedings. An AASPC website (AASPC.com) is currently up and running. For those deciding to join or renew, the membership term extends through each annual conference.

Evelyn Freeman, Ph.D.