Sample Blog Entry

One way that you or your organization can participate in “Wake Up, Washington!” Month is by blogging about retirement security throughout the month.  Below is an example of a blog entry that introduces “Wake Up, Washington!” month and encourages people to contribute to the story bank.  Please use or adapt the text for your blog and help spread the word.

Wake up, Washington!  Our nation is facing a crisis in our private retirement system and we need to find creative and comprehensive solutions to address it.

Consider the following:

• Only half the work force has access to any kind of pension or retirement savings plan.
• The traditional pension, like many endangered species, is becoming increasingly hard to find.
• Employees are mainly left in the do-it-yourself 401(k) system.

How well are those in 401(k) plans doing? As of 2006, half of all workers had less than $25,000 in their accounts.  For people of color, the situation is even more dire. Their average 401(k) balance was $10,000.

The system isn’t working, and its time for people to speak out about the retirement income deficit facing millions of Americans.  Let Washington know that you are concerned and want action.

From September 15 to October 15, Retirement USA – a coalition of consumer groups, unions, and advocates for retirees – is urging you to “Wake Up, Washington!” to the retirement problems headed our way.  Tell policymakers not to cut Social Security and instead to fix our failing private retirement system, which is the real problem.

Check out the “Wake Up, Washington!” website (www.retirement-usa.org) for more information and for ways to get Washington to hear what you have to say.  Tell your story about your challenges in retirement or preparing for retirement.