Divided We Fail in Virginia Focuses on Health Care, Financial Security

By: States: Virginia | Source: AARP.org

Virginia has been selected by AARP as a priority Tier One state for Divided We Fail—one of the most important and far-reaching projects in AARP’s stellar 50-year history. Events will be held in communities across the Commonwealth.

The foundation of Divided We Fail is the belief that the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term financial security is a basic need that all Americans share. Divided We Fail is an effort to bring these issues front and center of the American consciousness and make our national leaders understand that the gridlock in Washington must end and solutions must be found.

The Divided We Fail message will be delivered to communities across Virginia through Town Hall Meetings, Public Opinion and Academic Forums, Chapter and VRTA unit activities, community events, Speakers Bureau appearances and a variety of other activities.

Forums featuring Congressional candidates will focus on where candidates stand on health care and financial security issues. An intergenerational aspect of Divided We Fail Academic Forums will be held at some Virginia college campuses.
 
After the election, Divided We Fail will demand action and answers from politicians; manned by Virginia volunteers, a special Divided We Fail van will travel to community events and activities in every corner of the Commonwealth. Visitors to the van will be provided information on the importance of Divided We Fail and how they can become involved as an Divided We Fail volunteer.
 
Community Blitz’s will be held in Hampton Roads (May 7-10), Roanoke (June 5-10), and Northern Virginia (September 21-26). Blitz activities will include opportunities for citizens to voice their concern about health care and financial security.

Regular updates on all DWF activities will be featured on the AARP Virginia state Web page—www.aarp.org/states/va/, a special AARP Virginia Divided We Fail event hotline, news releases, and press conferences.
  
During the upcoming 2008 general election campaigns, AARP Virginia Divided We Fail red-shirt clad volunteers will take the message to campaign appearances of candidates for President, U.S. Senator and selected Congressional races. These AARP volunteers have been in action already—leading up to Virginia’s November 12 Primary Election.
 
Anyone who would like to be an AARP Virginia Divided We Fail volunteer contact Brian Jacks at toll-free 1-866-542-8164 or bjacks@aarp.org.

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www.dividedwefail.org