All across the nation, people are demanding a call to action. From our national government down to Richmond's own election for the city' next mayor, it's no longer enough to simply talk of change. They/you/we have to act.

And as we all know, real change, the kind that can inspire others and move mountains, starts right here in our own community.

That's why today at 8 a.m. the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, along with the United Way of America's national movement, will launch the LIVE UNITED campaign, a movement which is intended to invite the entire Richmond community to play an active part in creating positive change.

"This is a community-wide call to action, for every individual to join in creating change in their community," said Jennifer Fletcher, assistant vice president in public relations for the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg.

Known for "improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities," as is their mission statement, the United Way is using LIVE UNITED to focus on the most critical and pressing issues affecting the city of Richmond -- those that ultimately affect everyone's quality of life as a whole.

In Richmond, the focus is clear: Education, Income and Health.

"[In terms of Education], we're focused on getting children prepared to enter school [and] ready to succeed. For Health, we're focusing on older adults and their caregivers," Fletcher said.

And as far as Income is concerned, the United Way's focus for Richmond lies with helping families and individuals achieve financial stability and stable housing.

"There's so much that people can do to help, and that's where the 'Give, Advocate, Volunteer' comes through."

To help Richmonders "Give, Advocate and Volunteer," the United Way has also collaborated with Hands On Greater Richmond, a volunteer program that offers individuals, families and companies alike, a variety of volunteer opportunities, that will hopefully form into habitual giving.

"We want people to always be mindful of giving, both to the organizations they have an affinity for and through the United Way campaign. Speaking up about the issues is another way to give, the more people who are advocating the better."

In order to get the ball rolling, United Way is using today for a community Day of Action¸ in which more than 200 corporate and community volunteers will gather for a rally and kickoff event at 8 a.m., at the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, and then disperse into groups to participate in a variety of volunteer projects.

To keep the focus on Richmond's core issues, volunteers will head to ElderHomes in Richmond and Petersburg, A Grace Place, the YWCA, Friend's Association, Circle Center Adult Day Center, the Boys & Girls Club at the West End Unit and the American Red Cross at the Southside Area Chapter.

The United Way also wants to hear from those Richmonders who are already putting forth the effort to LIVE UNITED in the Richmond community.

"We want the community to share what they do, "Fletcher said.

"If you're someone who is chairing the PTA at your school and have your family volunteering, or if you're someone who has been a long time Big Brother, Big Sister. All of those things matter, we want to hear from you."

Examples of how men, women, boys and girls have joined the LIVE UNITED movement are available on the United Way's website, as is the opportunity to share your own story.

"What this does, is it inspires others. A lot of times what people don’t realize is that all these efforts put together add up to a great, big movement."

To get involved with the United Way of America and the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg's movement, LIVE UNITED, call (804) 771-5820 or visit yourunitedway.org for Richmond area volunteer opportunities and to share your own story of how you LIVE UNITED.