Why You Should Join and Maintain Your Membership in AREA

AREA is an association of retired and active Exchange associates dedicated to the needs of its members, and to fostering friendships and associations made during their careers.

Here are some benefits that you can expect to receive for your annual $15 membership fee:

  • Publications written…just for you, and mailed to your home address. Our quarterly Newsletter covers news and events about former Exchange associates, information on benefits as an Exchange retiree and other information of particular interest to retirees and their families. A membership directory with email addresses published every three years allows you to keep up with your friends and former associates.
  • Information on local chapters. Chapter activities include social functions, volunteer opportunities, and fund-raising events for worthy causes. Most chapters have monthly or quarterly luncheons where they review chapter activities and plan upcoming events. Chapter dues are policies are determined by local chapters, and any dues assessed are separate and apart from AREA dues.
  • Participation in the Annual AREA Scholarship Program. This program has been going on for many years. In 2007, $47,000 in scholarships was awarded to 19 children of Exchange Associates and assigned military personnel who were in their last year of high school. Exchange retirees and friends of AREA donate the money. Many of our local chapters have fund-raising events to provide money for this very worthwhile program. Since the inception of this program thru 1985, $299,795 has been distributed for 181scholarships.

Perhaps the most important reason for joining and being an active AREA member is the "intangible", i.e., staying in touch. After a long Exchange career, many of us still want to remain a part of the Exchange family. Today, AREA and its 25 chapters include 5,300 members and their families.

We’re people helping people… it’s the right thing to do!