ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Results tagged “Divided We Fail” from ShAARP Session

Jan '09 13

David Goldstein | 2:11 PM | 5 Comments

Today on Capitol Hill, Divided We Fail held a press conference to announce the start of its efforts in 2009. Acknowledging the quick start that Congress and the President-elect have had, AARP CEO Bill Novelli noted that "The president-elect and new Congress have hit the ground running this month, and we're here to help with the support of 53 million consumers, workers and entrepreneurs." The press conference marked the beginning of Divided We Fail working to improve health care and financial security issues in 2009.

Divided We Fail will be working through the upcoming Congressional recess with townhall meetings across the country to take the people's message to their Representatives and Senators.

President and CEO of NFIB Todd Stottlemyer said "If our organizations-business, labor and consumers-can join forces, so can our leaders in Washington. We're just getting started and we're ready to help."

We are just getting started, but it looks like it's going to be a busy year for Divided We Fail.

Take a look at some photos from today's press conference:

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AARP CEO Bill Novelli speaking at today's press conference on the Hill.

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Sen. Orrin Hatch making remarks.

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Senator Dick Durbin made an appearance and spoke at the DWF press conference.

Dec '08 1

Alejandra Owens | 4:50 PM | 2 Comments

America just finished a historic election that brought millions of citizens to the polls. We voted in hopes that the new President and Congress would act quickly to address the most important issues facing our nation. And we were united - Democrats, Republicans, and independents - in frustration with Washington gridlock and partisan bickering. Now the real work must begin. We need to turn hope into action and hold our political leaders accountable for delivering on the promises they made to get elected.

At Divided We Fail we've been doing our part in the past 18 months to rally together organizations representing well over 50 million Americans in order to make a unified statement to our president-elect. Barack Obama promised prior to the election to make quality health care affordable, help families save more of their own money, strengthen Social Security for future generations, and end partisan bickering and Washington gridlock. Now is the time to hold him to that promise.

Recommit to Divided We Fail by demanding that this much-needed reform happens, and that it happens quickly! Join DWF and help Obama lead America forward with more than just words--with action.

TAGS: Divided We Fail, AARP, Social Security, Barack Obama, election, Washington, gridlock, health care, financial security, ShAARP Session

Nov '08 4

Alejandra Owens | 4:08 PM | 0 Comments

Iowans got a whooole lotta Champ, the Divided We Fail mascot, today...check him out!

Election Day IA.jpg

Oct '08 31

Alejandra Owens | 3:46 PM | 4 Comments

DWF cookie monster.jpg

Cookie Monster attended the Obama rally in Des Moines on Halloween and donned a Divided We Fail gear! He handed out Champ stickers (not cookies) to the delight of many in attendance. He also talked to hundreds of people at the rally about Divided We Fail. He explained how a blue donkey + a red elephant = a purple "Champ" and how it is important to work together to break the gridlock on health care and financial security issues.

Oct '08 28

Alejandra Owens | 12:14 PM | 2 Comments

While at Divided We Fail we relish in seeing the number of Americans who have signed our pledge grow more and more each day, the reason that number is already up to 811,994 is because there are real-life, personal human stories to back up the magnitude of health care and financial security issues in our country right now. Take Kathy, from New York, for example, who tells DWF:

"Last year at the age of 42 I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I have a six year old and a one year old. For obvious reasons, I can no longer work and my husband, who works full-time, and I are having a difficult time taking care of our family. My health insurance only covers about two-thirds of my costs (which is not terrible) but now I am trying to figure out how to pay for a live in nanny so she can help me take care of the kids, cook, clean and drive me to doctor appointments. One of us has to keep working so my husband is doing all that he can do. We were doing fine before the cancer hit but now we are floundering."

It's harrowing stories like Kathy's that wake us up as to how far-reaching these issues really go. You can hear more touching tales from your fellow Americans in our new Average American ads on YouTube.

Divided We Fail wants to hear your stories, as well! Tell us why you're making health care and financial security your top priorities for Election 2008 at http://www.capitolconnect.com/dividedwefail/reg_share.aspx. If not a story, then at the very least sign the Divided We Fail pledge at http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail.

TAGS: Divided We Fail, health care, financial security, pledge, Average American, YouTube, DWF, AARP, ShAARP Session

Oct '08 28

David Goldstein | 10:04 AM | 0 Comments

Divided We Fail recently teamed up with the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television to create the Stolen Dreams short film competition. Films were made by nine students covering the topics of health care and financial security and a panel of judges selected a winner. The winning film, "The Cure" was written by UCLA grad student Anthony Onah who received $7,500 along with his first prize recognition. The video can be seen here and the finalists can all be viewed here. Make sure to check them all out. These short films are all well done and have important messages about the troubling state of health care and financial security in this country.

Oct '08 16

David Goldstein | 11:45 AM | 9 Comments

What did you get out of the debate? Well if you're like me, you probably remember the candidates talking more about some plumber named Joe, than they were about many of the issues. Did you know they mentioned this guy more than 20 times? That's more references than they gave to just about every major issue facing the country! You'd think that in the days of this and this, the candidates would be a little more willing to stick to the matter at hand and not get caught up in some silly and shallow conversation on one man's personal situation. What did you think of last night's debate?

Oct '08 13

Alejandra Owens | 4:28 PM | 73 Comments

We're inside the 1-month countdown for the 2008 Presidential Election and that means it's time to voice your opinion! In less than 30 days there will be a new president-elect, and whether he's from the left or the right, blue or red, Americans demand that health care and financial security be addressed, and quickly.
30 Day Push for Action

At Divided We Fail, we're all about bipartisan efforts among our leaders in Washington to provide affordable health care and long-term financial security to every American. In order to make sure that our message gets through loud and clear, we're working on gathering hundreds of thousands of signed pledges to the DWF mission.

I call upon you in the next 30 days to spread the word and make sure that we, as a nation, are unified in a voice that calls for action. Tell your friends to sign the pledge at Dividedwefail.org and tell us what you think about the issues. How do you feel about the current state of health care and financial security and what's the best solution moving forward?

TAGS: Divided We Fail, DWF, AARP, dividedwefail.org, pledge, 2008, Presidential Election, health care, financial security

Sep '08 29

Champ | 4:59 PM | 9 Comments

Divided We Fail is proud to announce our Facebook and MySpace winners of the Champ Summer Concert Ticket Contest.

(Drumroll please...)

Congratulations to Laura Rothenberg on Facebook and LexiLETDOWN on MySpace! Laura is from Richmond, VA and attends the University of Virginia. Lexi is from Indiana and will be starting her senior year in high school this Fall. Both winners are the proud recipients of up to $1000 in concert tickets for themselves and 3 friends each, to the concert of their choice. The contest required that each contestant recruit as many friends as possible to the DWF Facebook Fan Page or MySpace page, in order to see what network could grow the fastest.

Many thanks go out to both Laura and Lexi for recruiting their friends to join Divided We Fail! As for the winning network, it looks like Facebook has the edge over MySpace.

Just because the contest is over, don't let that stop you. Follow in Laura and Lexi's footsteps and tell your personal networks what DWF is all about.

TAGS: Divided We Fail, DWF, ShAARP Session, Laura Rothenberg, LexiLETDOWN, University of Virginia, concert, Facebook, MySpace, Champ

Sep '08 22

Champ | 1:53 PM | 2 Comments

Steven P. Smith is our DWF Champ of the Week

Divided We Fail is proud to recognize Steven P. Smith, from Boston, as this week's DWF "Champ of the Week". Steven posted an encouraging message on our Divided We Fail Facebook Fan Page, where he calls on America to "work to assure health and financial security for all."

Thanks Steven for your commitment to DWF and for being an engaging member on our social network pages!

You too could be named Champ of the Week by joining the active discussions on our Facebook and MySpace fan pages! The lifeline of this initiative depends on raising millions of voices and making sure our political leaders hear what America has to say... so get talking!

TAGS: Divided We Fail, DWF, Facebook, MySpace, Steven P. Smith, Boston, health care, financial security, social network, Champ of the week, Champ, politics

Sep '08 18

Alejandra Owens | 10:07 AM | 1 Comments

We're in the thick of this election, and who hasn't seen the accusations flying back and forth from our candidates? McCain's ad has gained a lot of publicity, featuring cameos from celebrities, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Miss Hilton responded with her own thoughts on the matter, with this Funny or Die Exclusive video. Senator Obama has released his own ads, as well, to combat his opponent, such as this economic ad.

Do these ads work as they are intended to? Do political ads help inform voters of the issues? Or do they simply perpetuate the political gridlock?

While our presidential candidates are pointing out all the reasons why they are opposed to one another, we thought it would be fitting to remind them both that they are signed members of the Divided We Fail pledge. So gentleman, take a break from all the accusations and start discussing what your plans are to provide affordable health care and long-term financial security for all!

What are your thoughts on the matter? Have these political ads changed your perceptions about a candidate? Tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment!

TAGS: John McCain, Barack Obama, Divided We Fail, Political ads, Paris Hilton, DWF, presidential candidates, ShAARP Session, Funny or Die

Aug '08 5

Alejandra Owens | 11:05 AM | 3 Comments

Rock the Vote is all about empowering and building the political power of young people in America to achieve progress. Divided We Fail wants to reach out to future generations about the issues of health care and financial security. So what a perfect marriage of these two initiatives, now that DWF Facebook fans can pledge to vote right off of our Facebook fan page, thanks to the Rock the Vote widget!

Divided We Fail recognizes that America's younger generations are going to be the most affected by the state of financial security in their retirement, and to take a stand, it's important not only that they be aware of the issues, but that they vote now, in the upcoming election, and make a difference.

So learn about the issues and sign the Divided We Fail pledge, and then register to vote with the Rock the Vote widget so your opinion is heard!

Aug '08 1

Champ | 1:01 PM | 0 Comments

The Divided We Fail initiative couldn't be possible without the hard work of our state coordinators, who spend tireless hours each week to get the word out about this cause. We'd like to extend our sincerest thanks to all of them, for helping to make the goals of affordable health care and long-term financial security attainable. This week, we'd like to recognize Steve Griffin, the Divided We Fail New Hampshire State Coordinator, in particular, for his stellar work supporting DWF.

Steve recently coordinated a group of 15 volunteers at a Rochester, New Hampshire Town Hall meeting, where Arizona Senator and presidential candidate, John McCain, recognized AARP's healthcare effort, saying that DWF was doing "a tremendous job." Senator McCain reached out to Steve specifically, and asked him to give a 60 second spiel about Divided We Fail.

After letting the crowd know about all the supporters in the audience, who proudly donned their DWF red hats and shirts, Steve turned the speech back over to McCain. The Senator referenced when he and Huckabee had gone on stage together in Iowa at a Divided We Fail event, and he stated that he thought this was one of the most productive conversations he'd had, as it allowed the voters to compare the candidates and issues.

Read the full transcript of McCain's speech on washingtonpost.com or watch the video footage of Steve here.

Thanks again Steve! Keep up the good work for Divided We Fail.

Jul '08 28

Alejandra Owens | 3:36 PM | 0 Comments

Divided We Fail is on the road, and could be headed your way! We've got community events all over the country, and you can help us achieve our goals of ensuring health care and long-term financial security in America.

The success of Divided We Fail relies on harnessing the voices of millions of Americans so that we can demand action in Washington. But getting those voices heard is hard work, and Champ can't do it all by himself!

To see if we'll be in your area soon, check out our Divided We Fail online events calendar.

Not visiting your hometown? Don't fret. There are still plenty of ways to get involved. Help us spread the word about DWF by sending V or e-cards to all of your friends, or post a DWF banner on your webpage or blog.

Get started now and let people know what Divided We Fail is all about!

TAGS: Divided We Fail, DWF, Champ, ShAARP Session, AARP, community

Jul '08 24

Champ | 4:18 PM | 0 Comments

You. Three close friends. The concert of your dreams. It's all possible, thanks to Divided We Fail's new social network competition!

Put those hours you might spend browsing social networks to good use. Recruit the most people to the Divided We Fail groups on MySpace and Facebook, and you will win 4 tickets to the concert of your choice!

It's simple and easy! Once you're a Divided We Fail friend or fan on MySpace or Facebook, just get your friends to join the group and have them post a simple message:

"[insert your name] wants Champ Concert Tickets."

The person who recruits the most friends for Divided We Fail wins!

Start inviting your friends now!

Get stared now by joining our MySpace group or become a fan of the Divided We Fail page on Facebook.

Now, invite all your friends! Not on Facebook or MySpace? Don't let others miss this great opportunity. Forward this message to your friends and family!

Each grand prize is worth up to $1,000.00 in concert tickets for each winner! Get started now and Start friending!!

TAGS: Divided We Fail, Champ, Concert Tickets, Contest, MySpace, Facebook, music, DWF, Social Network Competition

Jul '08 18

Alejandra Owens | 3:38 PM | 3 Comments

Have you heard about the new $40 million campaign in Washington, Health Care for America Now, that's pushing for health care reform and universal insurance coverage for the upcoming presidential election? On the AARP Bulletin, you can see the article, "Coalition pushes for health care reform", where it explains:

"Health Care for America Now's stated goal is 'quality, affordable health care for every American.' The coalition has set out to ensure that health care reform remains a top priority in the presidential and Congressional elections."

Sounds oddly familiar, huh? The Associated Press published an article comparing Divided We Fail and HCAN. Read the article, "Money, ads give health care top political billing," and let us know what you think.


TAGS: Health Care for America Now, Divided We Fail, AARP, health care reform, Associated Press, DWF, affordable health care, health care

Jul '08 16

Alejandra Owens | 4:01 PM | 0 Comments

I can't tell you how thankful I am that so many are helping us demand affordable health care from political leaders. It means so much to see all of the encouragement in your posts, comments, and new friendships on the DWF community pages.

Your stories, feedback and commitment really keep us going which is why it is so exciting to celebrate a monumental achievement of reaching 650,000 signed pledges for Divided We Fail.

A number of politicians have supported the DWF initiative, but it is the commitment and support that comes from our friends on social networks that are putting the initiative into overdrive so that we reach our goal of 1,000,000 signed pledges.

So, once again, I'd just like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who's participated in the campaign!

If you haven't had an opportunity to make your voice heard, I hope you take action now by signing the Divided We Fail pledge.

If you're looking for new ideas on how to get involved you may want to consider working with one of our state offices, joining us on Facebook or MySpace, posting a banner on your blog or site, commenting on any blog that is talking about health care and financial security, or simply starting conversations in your community about these important topics.

Keep up the great work and together, we can end partisan gridlock and realize real change.

TAGS: Divided We Fail, DWF, Facebook, MySpace, Divided We Fail pledge, blog, health care, financial security

Jul '08 11

Champ | 5:31 PM | 0 Comments

Photo: Champ

Champ was in the Roanoke, Virginia area in early June for a number of Divided We Fail activities. Here he is with the mascots of the Salem Avalanche, just before throwing out the first pitch. Of course, since he is missing opposable thumbs, Champ needed help throwing the ball from AARP Board Member Jacob Lozada (left) and AARP Virginia President Warren Stewart (right).

For more from Roanoke, check out the album from the DWF Team in Virginia.

Jul '08 4

Champ | 10:34 AM | 1 Comments

We're starting a new feature here on ShAARP Session: it's Friday Champ blogging!

If you don't know him, Champ is the official spokesperson for those tired of partisan gridlock in Washington. And he's going around the country to talk about the importance of health care and financial security to all Americans.

Last week, Champ was in Unity, NH to help spread the Divided We Fail message amidst the media frenzy.

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You can see more pics from Unity from our DWF team in New Hampshire. And check out the Divided We Fail Events Calendar to see where Champ will be next!

Jul '08 2

Champ | 5:00 PM | 5 Comments

Tired of hearing empty promises from politicians?  Feel like our leaders are just paying lip services to the issues that matter most?  We feel the same way, and that's why we're rolling out a new ad telling the Presidential candidates to stop talking and start doing.  Check it out: