Social+Security

Social Security January 13, 2010 Day 1, Period 4
 * [[file:final flyer.docx]][[file:Letter to the President re.docx]]

1) ****Introduction to the problem** a) The current social security system is failing. Under this system, the United States is giving significantly more money to retirees in the form of social security checks than it is taking in during taxes. This is bacause they system has not been sufficiently modernized since its beginning in the 1930s. As a result of giving away more money than it takes in, the US is spiraling into debt. Especially as the "Baby Boomers" begin to retire, it will lead to even more money flowing out from the government, as less money begins to support more people. a) Because this is a national issue currently being addressed by the president himself, I decided to move away from trying to solve the problem and instead spread awareness and gather support. I made a leaflet about the issue and distributed it throughout multiple neighborhoods encouraging people to write letters to legislators about their opinion on the issue. b) I can't be sure if people took the initiative to write any letters, so next time I would probably use a surer method of communication. a) At the very least, I've spread awareness of the issue to more people. Knowledge is half the battle, right? Face to face talks with several people showed obvious support of my endeavors, and several assurances that they would contact the our federal officials via email or a phone call. b) Followup at the Dialogues in Democracy gathering will be important, especially if any members of Congress are there, as they are the ones who would have sway over the issue. a) Each member of the group must submit a reflection which includes their thoughts about: i) I learned that I can have an effect on the community around me and the views of my peers and my neighbors, if only by small action. ii) I learned that if I put my mind to an issue I care about, I can have an effect on it. a) Each portfolio must include a minimum of one artifact from each of the following sub sections. You should include all artifacts that were actually created and you may also add ones which you did not use but could have used. i) __Public Education__ Flyer See "final flyer" ii) __Direct Action__ Citizens can write letters to their local legislators asking them to address the issue in a certain manner. See "Letter to the President: re" iii) Citizen lobbying
 * 2) ****Strategies employed**
 * 3) ****Outcomes of the project**
 * 4) ****Reflections on the Project**
 * 5) ****Appendix: Ways of Acting**

iv) __The Media__ No media coverage beyond the Dialogues in Democracy night. []