The Social Security Stories Project is a newly launched effort to gather stories about the importance of Social Security in our society, says a press release. 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.

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.

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.

“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 may be about how:

Social Security helped a family after a tragedy. Social Security is helping with retirement even in these tough financial times. Children were left without a working parent or were orphaned, but Social Security provided economic security. Social Security helped ensure someone received an education. A veteran was able to live in dignity.

“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.

There are three ways to submit a story:

1. Upload a video on YouTube (less than 3 minutes in length) and include a link to the video with the submission form available at www.SocialSecurityStories.org.
2. Fill out the simple form on the website (400 words or less).
3. Send a hard copy of your story in regular mail to: Social Security Stories Project, Frances Perkins Center, PO Box 281, Newcastle, ME 04553

Go to SocialSecurityStories.org for more information.

The project is also utilizing social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to get out the word in a grassroots effort to share and celebrate stories about Social Security and educate the public.