seniors

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A Major, Long-Term Public Outreach Effort

America is Reaching a Tipping Point: 

America is Reaching a Tipping Point The nation is polarized politically, socially and economically Many Americans are rightfully fearful about their health and financial security Americans are concerned about their children’s and grandchildren’s futures For far too many people the American dream is eroding along with their health and financial security

The Tipping Point: 

The Tipping Point Health Care Is a Top Tier Concern 86% of voters believe health care is a basic right for all Americans 76% think the health care system needs structural reform, not more money, to expand access The Public Lacks Financial Security 48% of voters think they will have little or no money to retire 59% strongly agree that Social Security will run out of money without significant changes

The Tipping Point: 

Public Wants Change Only 34% of voters believe next generation of Americans will have a better quality of life Most voters believe America should revamp or make major changes in: Health Care (74%) Social Security (61%) Medicare (59%) Taxes (58%) The Tipping Point

But, These Challenges Are Manageable: 

But, These Challenges Are Manageable We must address these challenges NOW to manage them effectively To address these issues NOW, we developed the new “Divided We Fail” campaign

Divided We Fail: 

Divided We Fail A multi-year, multi-faceted effort involving the public, AARP members, volunteers and staff Create a movement for positive change Activate Americans – as never before – to demand leadership and action from government, business, and non-profits Change and reframe the nation’s conversations about these issues

Why Divided We Fail?: 

Why Divided We Fail? We can’t develop and implement solutions to these major challenges alone Our goal of affordable quality health care and financial security for all Americans will require everyone’s effort Individuals, businesses, health care providers, non-profit organizations, and government must all work together to find solutions

Action and Accountability: 

Action and Accountability We need Leadership End gridlock President and Congress must commit to action on health care reform and financial security

The Campaign : 

The Campaign We will build a national movement for Divided We Fail through: Grassroots Organizing Advertising and Marketing New, innovative online strategies

2008 Elections Will be Key: 

2008 Elections Will be Key The campaign will be framed in the context of the 2008 elections Pressure candidates for federal office, especially presidential candidates to: End the gridlock Commit to address our issues when elected. Seize legislative opportunities that promote health and financial security both in Congress and state legislatures as they arise over the next two years

Outreach: 

Outreach AARP has joined with the Business Roundtable and SEIU in this national effort. Divided We Fail also provides AARP with an opportunity to work with a wide array of stakeholders interested in health care and long-term financial security.

Millions of Voices for Change: 

Millions of Voices for Change Galvanize the public to action by asking them to share their perspectives, opinions, and experiences Integrate stories into the national debate, and take these to state capitals, the Halls of Congress, the Oval Office, and corporate board rooms nationwide Stories will be posted on www.dividedwefail.org and in our publications Engage people through specific “calls for action”

The Divided We Fail Platform : 

The Divided We Fail Platform We believe: All Americans should have access to affordable, quality health care. All Americans should have access to affordable health care, including prescription drugs, and these costs should not burden future generations. Wellness and prevention efforts, including changes in personal behavior, such as diet and exercise, should be top national priorities Americans should have choices when it comes to long-term care

The Divided We Fail Platform : 

The Divided We Fail Platform We believe: All Americans should have peace of mind about their financial security. Our children and grandchildren should have an adequate quality of life when they retire. Social Security must be strengthened without burdening future generations. Workers should be provided with financial incentives to save, should have access to effective retirement plans, and should be able to keep working and contributing to society regardless of age Americans of all ages should have access to tools to manage their finances, and save for the future and better, easy-to-understand information to help them increase their financial literacy and manage their money wisely

Conclusion: 

Conclusion AARP stands as a strong champion for the new American dream -- to build a 21st century America where these issues are paramount so that all people can have the opportunity for a prosperous future Individuals, businesses, health care providers, non-profit organizations, and government must work together to find solutions – personally, privately and publicly All of us share a responsibility for making our society work, and restoring peace of mind to all America. Divided We Fail. Together, we can do anything.