About Supplier Diversity

Mission Statement

At AARP, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our supply chain. We believe that our supplier base should reflect the many diverse facets of our Membership. This is essential to our success as a company and to our ability to meet the needs of our Members. AARP’s Supplier Diversity team is committed to fostering a supply chain that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and to create opportunities for underrepresented groups to have a fair and even playing field to participate in our procurement opportunities and process.

AARP is committed to achieving our mission and the promotion of supplier diversity by:

1. Actively seeking out and doing business with diverse suppliers, including those that are owned by women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
2. Encouraging our prime suppliers to work with diverse suppliers and to incorporate supplier diversity into their own supply chain strategies.
3. Providing diverse suppliers with equal opportunities to compete for our business through a fair and transparent procurement process.

Program Objectives

AARP’s supplier diversity program has four primary objectives:

1. To increase the number of diverse suppliers in our supply chain.
2. To promote the growth and development of diverse suppliers.
3. To create economic opportunities for diverse communities.
4. To enhance our overall procurement process by increasing competition, innovation, and creativity.

To achieve these objectives, AARP:

1. Actively maintains a supplier diversity database that includes information on diverse suppliers and their capabilities.
2. Provides ongoing educational opportunities to its suppliers and employees on the importance of supplier diversity and the benefits working with a small and diverse supplier can bring to our organization.
3. Encourage and support the development of diverse suppliers through educational training, webinars, our certification program, and other initiatives.

AARP relies on our supply partners for the needed goods and services necessary for us to be effective, impactful and successful in the pursuit of our enterprise goals and objectives.  As a social mission organization focused on improving all of the lives of the 50+ and their families in America, it is extremely important to AARP that our supply base reflect all of America. Our CEO, Jo Ann Jenkins, has said: “I truly believe that age and experience can expand the possibilities in life for every member of our society. By working together toward a common vision and goal, we can create a nation where all people — of every background, income or social status — can discover their real possibilities for living a life of independence, dignity and purpose. That's why engaging people of all backgrounds and cultures is not only a vital piece of our community strategy, it is also an integral part of our business model.”