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The Association of Senior Citizens of Perantsa (ASCP) is a nationwide social and advocacy organisation representing pensioners and retirees across the Republic of Perantsa. Founded in 1978, the ASCP is one of the country’s largest membership-based civil society bodies, with an estimated 420,000 registered members and local branches in all 12 administrative regions.
The organisation provides a mixture of social, cultural, and welfare-focused services while also operating as a prominent pressure group on issues affecting older adults, including pensions policy, energy affordability, healthcare access, and digital inclusion.
**History**
The ASCP was established following the National Pensions Reform Act of 1977, which shifted Perantsa’s pension system to a contributory model. Early founders—largely retired teachers, civil servants, and trade unionists—created the Association to provide mutual support and to lobby for fair implementation of the reforms.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the ASCP expanded rapidly, adding regional clubs, social activity centres, and charitable programmes. By the early 2000s, it had become a recognised stakeholder in government consultations on ageing, retirement, and public services.
**Activities**
**Social and Community Programmes**
ASCP operates more than 150 local “Golden Circle Clubs,” which host weekly events such as:
- low-cost community meals
- crafts and cultural workshops
- organised day trips
- volunteer-led exercise classes
- digital literacy sessions
The organisation also publishes a monthly magazine, Perantsa Silver Life, and runs an online community forum for members unable to travel.
**Membership Services**
ASCP provides:
- pension advice clinics
- energy-bill support sessions
- consumer rights guidance
- bereavement support
- access to a hardship fund for low-income seniors
**Advocacy and Lobbying**
ASCP is widely regarded as one of Perantsa’s most influential civil society pressure groups. Its policy team regularly submits evidence to parliamentary committees and participates in public consultations. Key advocacy areas include:
- protecting pension value during periods of economic instability
- ensuring equitable access to healthcare and medication
- improving emergency preparedness and support for vulnerable seniors
- strengthening consumer protections against scams
- promoting age-friendly urban planning
The Association is known for mobilising large membership campaigns. Its “Respect Retirement” awareness marches in 2016, 2021, and 2024 drew national attention and prompted ministerial meetings.
**Political Neutrality**
Although ASCP engages heavily in policy discussions, it maintains a formal commitment to political neutrality. The organisation does not endorse parties or candidates but will publicly support or oppose proposed legislation that affects older citizens.
**Structure**
The Association is governed by a National Executive Board, elected every three years. Regional councils manage local branches. The current Chair (as of 2025) is Marita Kellan, a former health services director.
Funding comes from membership dues, charitable donations, government grants for social initiatives, and corporate sponsorships from healthcare and transportation sectors.
**Criticism**
Critics have occasionally described ASCP as overly cautious or slow-moving in adopting digital communication technologies. Others argue that its lobbying efforts sometimes prioritise the interests of middle-income retirees over those of lower-income pensioners.
The Association has responded by expanding digital education programmes and strengthening its hardship support fund.