Monday, July 12, 2010

Project captures Social Security “Stories,” seeks submissions from public

The 'Social Security Stories Project' calls on the public to share
their personal stories and utilizes social media to spread the word.

Newcastle, Maine (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 9, 2010 -- An effort to gather
stories about the importance of Social Security in our society has
resulted in a special video project and upcoming book. The Social
Security Stories Project is seeking story submissions from the public,
with a goal of receiving 1,000 stories by the end of July. The stories
will then be reviewed for possible inclusion in a new book to be
published in honor of the 75th anniversary of Social Security on Aug.
14, 2010.

There are currently 10 stories featured in a new video that was
showcased by the National Academy of Social Insurance on June 22, 2010
at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  The video can also be
viewed on YouTube. The video uses photos submitted by the story
tellers, as well as audio captured through a special toll-free number
set up for the project.

Those who have received Social Security as well as those who know of a
friend or family member whose life was impacted are encouraged to
submit their stories. Online submission is easy and requires less than
400 words or a short video. Full details and a submission form are
available at www.SocialSecurityStories.org. Stories can also be shared
by calling 1-800-335-2082.

"We are hoping the younger generations will interview their parents
and grandparents on the subject which is why our website offers
interview questions," says Barbara Burt, executive director for the
Frances Perkins Center, a nonprofit organization leading the project
as part of its mission to honor and learn from Frances Perkins (the
first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet). A pioneering woman in
and ahead of her time, Perkins was U.S. secretary of labor for
Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She was champion of the New Deal, close
friend and advisor to FDR.

The Social Security Stories Project seeks to create a full picture of
the importance of Social Security to celebrate and share with all U.S.
citizens, and the world.
Stories featured in the video include:

•    The story of a new dad that died a few days after his son was
born. The son received his Social Security benefits, preventing a
further tragedy for the family. "I am saddened that my grandson has to
grow up without his daddy," says Angela Stockwell of Athens, Maine.
"But I am grateful that a program which began 75 years ago still
exists today to help struggling families deal financially with the
loss of a loved one."
•    The story of a dad struck by cancer suddenly, leaving his wife to
care for their children alone. "The funeral director in our small town
told my mom about benefits available from Social Security that would
help her," says Evonne Zalewski of Greendale, Wis. " I remember my mom
telling me how this will help so much and that we will not be poor or
have to move. Having grown up during the depression with only food
stamps available was terrifying for my mom."

 "We're inviting people across America to share examples of how Social
Security made a meaningful difference in their life or the life of
someone they know -- as it currently does for one in six Americans,"
says Burt.

Go to SocialSecurityStories.org for more information.

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