LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

Not that kind of high silly…  No I am not talking about any Mick Jagger songs or Melvin Jackson lyrics. Nor am I referring to the euphoric high experienced by marathon runners and world class athletes. This blog is a few thoughts and words about another, far more altruistic high that is called the helper’s high.

It’s nothing new mind you. I would say that there is new research and old wisdom that each uphold the simple truth that those of us who are what I would call “dealers” are aware.

Simply put, it feels good to “get your good on.” And it not only feels good, but it also has been proven in the brain to lower the output of stress hormones, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system and extend life span. And unlike exercise, there’s evidence that the helper can actually get a small helper’s high even by simply recalling the helping or charitable acts long after they’re finished. Isn’t that a cool residual for doing good!

Think about it…the last time you felt needed, did something for someone else, helped a neighbor, volunteered a few hours or made a donation…you may have came away tired but also deeply refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 reads, “Those who refresh others are themselves refreshed.” Emerson also knew a thing or two about the helpers high as he wrote, “No man [or woman] can sincerely help another without helping himself.”

Lastly, have you seen the bus? This eye-catching bus is a big helper’s high we hope for our friends at TARC who have wrapped it up and are helping spread the LIVE UNITED message in our community. What do you say…wanna check in on the helper’s high? Ready to schedule a little time to do good and get on the bus –you know, we can’t do the work here at Metro United Way without you. It is your United Way and we have got some serious opportunity in our community and the world right now to lend a hand, give a dollar, help a neighbor, mentor a child….and the research shows we will be better for it!

When was the last time you felt the “helper’s high”? Do you think generosity plays a part in your personal or spiritual wellbeing? Are you ready to get your good on and get on the bus? What are your thoughts?

Giving, Health, Volunteering charitable benefits, helpers high, TARC

By Sommer Lally

Photo Credit: American Red Cross

As I write this blog it has been 1 full week since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti and still I’m struggling to make sense of it all. I have all of these thoughts and feelings swirling in my head and taking up space. Thoughts like:

“We should’ve done more. I should’ve done more. And if we had, would the devastation have been this extreme?”

As I’m sure many do I have feelings of guilt – the disaster has exacerbated the difficulties Haitians already faced and that I did little to help. It pains me to read about the 4 out 5 people in Haiti, prior to the earthquake, living in poverty with poor drinking water, food shortages and little access to education or opportunities for a better life. These are struggles I have never experienced because I was born into a family that I wouldn’t classify as “fortunate” but that always had enough to get by. Of course these guilty thoughts typically turn into anger and justifications.

“Why didn’t someone tell me it was this bad? Maybe I would have done something if I had only known . . .”

The more pictures and footage I see in the media, the more upset I get at the conditions in Haiti prior to the earthquake. I like to tell myself I might have done something about it – whether or not this is actually the case – if I had been more informed about the need. In my perfect world the media would shed more light on such issues/conditions before disaster strikes. With such powerful reach comes an obligation to inform and educate people about critical needs locally, nationally and globally. If we were to grade local TV stations and our national new programs on how well they do this, what do you think the results would be?

“$21 million in Text-to-Give donations! Holy Cow, why can’t we do that?”

At the same time I think about those in our own community facing poverty and their own challenges/obstacles to a better life – how do I, as a fundraiser, learn from the incredible efforts of disaster relief organizations like the American Red Cross? How do I harness that knowledge to raise much-needed funds to meet basic needs and fund important initiatives like Success By 6 and Gheens Bridges to Tomorrow?

In a recent post Joanne Fritz brought up some very good points about how and why mobile giving has been such a successful fundraising/donation tool during this crisis. In particular, I think her point about social media spreading the word and upping the ante with matching donations was right on. But I also think that part of the success has to do with the sense of urgency surrounding the disaster. It’s apparent that the need is there and that it is immediate – the media and disaster relief organizations have been very effective at communicating that need and providing updates on the crisis. This sense of urgency coupled with advances in cell phone technology, social media, and the American Red Cross’ ability to almost immediately implement the campaign resulted in record text-to-give donations in a very short amount of time.

Along the same lines, I think the challenge for us and other non-profits in achieving successful mobile giving results will be in communicating the urgent need for donations. But then again, maybe this obstacle can easily be overcome with a sponsor/corporate donor willing to match donations within a specific period of time. What do you think? Is there a greater obstacle/challenge to running a successful mobile giving campaign? What other ways can we create/communicate the same sense of urgency to potential donors?

I’ve had other thoughts too about how this disaster has brought out generosity in people all over the world and how touched I am by the continued stories of people rescued from the rubble, but I won’t share them all with you today.  Instead, I’d like to hear what thoughts you’ve had about the crisis. Are there any that you struggle with?

*United Way’s Response to the Crisis:

• United Way’s role is to support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by the disaster and to address educational, financial and health-related challenges.
• United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response and will act in an advisory role to determine the most pressing long-term recovery needs.
• Examples may include access to health care, rebuilding schools and housing, meeting critical basic needs for shelter, food and clothing.
• The United Way Worldwide Disaster Relief fund is accepting donations to assist communities and people whose lives have been devestated by the earthquake.  You can make a gift online or make a $5 donation by texting HAITI to UNITED (864833).

Giving fundraising, Haiti, mobile giving, text-to-give

By Kelly Thompson

What do I know about teenagers these days? My answer is… practically nothing. I don’t have kids of my own, at least not yet, but I do know that when I was a teen I viewed the world very differently than I do today. Some teen experiences I can relate to are ever-present: the in and out clothing fads, the obsession with pizza, and the crazy hairstyles. Today’s teen may not share exactly the same clothing fads (can anyone say shoulder pads?), pizza, and hairstyles, but the parallels are clearly there.

Beyond those similarities however, today’s teen represents a free-for-all of differences: the texting, the Facebooking, Twittering, iPhones, iPods, Twilight, and oh, did I mention texting? I admit, I am pretty clueless, so, why did I invite two lovely young women to join our team as guest bloggers over the next few months? Simple, I want to know what they have to say, and maybe teach me and others about their dreams for our community and how they view their role in advancing the common good for us all. And maybe while they are here they can teach me how to text more than two words in less than five minutes.

Later this month you will meet Emily and Maddie Calzi, or as I like to call them, the Calzi Gals. They will be spending the next month or so with us here at Metro United Way volunteering their time to promote school readiness, basic needs, advocacy, and so much more. You might even catch a glimpse of them as our very own “Teen Video Reporters”, capturing the stories of community volunteers in action.

Are you ready to learn and see a different community-view from these young folks? Personally, I want to know what really engages them in community volunteering, and what their hopes and dreams are for a better world. I am sure that I will learn all that and more!

Are you a teen reading this blog? We would love to hear your thoughts on what volunteering means to you and what your hopes and dreams are for our regional community too!

Advocacy, Volunteering iPhone, iPod, Twilight

By Angela Ditsler

No one needs to be reminded of the freezing temperatures that have been lingering outside for days. And with three inches of fresh snow on the ground, there is no doubt that winter 2010 has officially arrived! With these changes of season, I’ve noticed more stories in the news lately about people in need in our community- children in need of winter coats, and shelters in need of volunteers to feed the larger-than-usual number of homeless people that have been filling the shelters at night. Whether it’s due to the cold temperatures outside or simply the spirit of the New Year, I’ve been thinking lately that I’m probably overdue for performing one of those small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

Thankfully, a note left on our doorstep last weekend while my husband and I were out gave me an idea. A local organization had stopped by looking for donations and left their phone number on the slip of paper asking us to call if we had anything- clothes, toys, or household items- to donate. It gave my husband and me the idea to do some “winter cleaning.” By Sunday night, we had several bags of sweaters and jackets, 4 boxes of pots, pans, and dishes we don’t use, and an old vacuum cleaner ready to be given away. I them emailed a friend and former co-worker this week who works at Kentucky Refugee Ministries to see what items were on their “wish list” this month. I’ve made arrangements to drop off all those items at KRM tomorrow morning. Now, my house is a little cleaner and more organized, and more importantly, I feel good knowing I’m able to contribute some items to someone who needs them more than I do.

What small act of kindness can you do this winter season? Did you get a new winter coat for Christmas this year and can give away your old one to someone else? Can you give an hour to deliver Meals on Wheels during your lunch break one day this month? Can you carry your neighbor’s trash cans in for them from the curb so they don’t have to venture out into the snow? Did you receive an unexpected Christmas bonus at work and are willing to write an extra check this month to a local charity? Every small act of kindness is appreciated by someone, and endless opportunities for doing them are around us every day.

General Community

By David P. Calzi, 2009 Metro United Way General Campaign Chair

Reflecting back over the past months during the 2009 Metro United Way Community Campaign, I find myself asking the question, “What Matters?”

What matters most right now is that the needs in our Community must be met head on. The effects of this poor economy continue to be felt on all fronts and the demand for services of the agencies that Metro United Way supports continues to grow beyond levels that we have not seen before.

Our campaign goal of $28.5 million was not established with some complicated formula. It was merely based upon what is needed to at least maintain support at 2008 levels for our network of Metro United Way agencies, investment in special initiatives to prepare our children to be successful in school, and responding to emerging community needs due to the continuing economic crisis. When I agreed to that goal I knew then it would not be easy to achieve but felt that we at least needed to strive to meet last year’s results to help ensure consistent funding of the important programs of Metro United Way agencies.

I am an optimist but I believe that we are in for another rough ride in 2010. In 2010, the economy may improve, companies may have a better year, the unemployment rate may go down but the flow through to meet immediate needs won’t show up right away. Each day that I work with the staff of our Metro United Way it has become obvious to me that their work never ends. They work tirelessly for the betterment of our Community and there is no rest for their efforts. We must all stay vigilant and continue to support their valiant efforts and help them to wrap up this current campaign hitting the established goals.

It is amazing to realize how far we have come during the most challenging economic times many of us can recall. Many dedicated companies, organizations and individuals have made a tremendous commitment, worked hard and given very generously during the campaign. For that the Metro United Way staff and I are grateful and extend our most sincere thanks.

What matters now is every gift, regardless of the size. Each gift will truly make a difference in the life of one person and in the life of our community. Our Metro United Way is here for everyone in our community and needs the support of each of us. It is really easy to give on line or you can call 502 583 2821 to make a gift.

Thank you for joining me in our continuing efforts and best wishes for a happy and safe new year.

Sincerely,

David P. Calzi
2009 Metro United Way Community Campaign Chair

General

By Kerri Cokeley

For some Clark County (IN) area residents – the YMCA is coming to you!

At Metro United Way, our teams of volunteers are always looking for new ways to address the underlying causes of issues faced by our community. Last summer, Metro United Way’s Clark County Community Solutions Committee held a conversation with local agencies working to combat childhood obesity to see if there was something more we could be doing in this area. What emerged was a pilot “Neighborhood Outdoor Youth-Play Initiative” that is being led by the YMCA of Southern Indiana.

The goals of the program:
• Get youth engaged in healthy outdoor play and games
• Encourage and foster lasting neighborhood friendships
• Reduce youth obesity
• Educate youth and adults about healthy actions and eating
• Help parents connect with other parents
• Empower neighborhoods to create safe opportunities for youth
• Be creative and have fun

The YMCA has been facilitating one week of organized games, activities, and a family gathering each season in five different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will have four weeks of youth activities and four parent / family interaction activities in this year-long pilot program.

The next round of sessions will be held in the neighborhood surrounding the schools on the following dates:

Jan. 11- Jan. 15: Parkwood
Jan. 25 – Jan.29: Maple
Feb. 8 – Feb.12: Bridgepoint
March 1- 5: Jonathan Jennings
March 15-19: YMCA Clark County Branch

Do you live in one of these neighborhoods, or know someone who does? If so, will you help us spread the word about this new initiative? The more people who participate, the better our outcomes, and the greater the likelihood it can grow to even more neighborhoods.

Through this effort, we will do much more than play around! The YMCA will be creating opportunities for adult neighbors to participate in fun activities with the youth, meet one another, and exchange names and numbers with other parents with same-age children. Our hope is that we can engage adults to serve as mentors, catalysts, and safety patrol for ongoing youth play even if it is in the yards and common space close to their homes.

For more information, contact the YMCA of Southern Indiana at (812) 283-9622.

Events, Health Bridgepoint Elementary School, Johnathan Jennings Elementary, Maple Elementary School, Parkwood Elementary School, YMCA of Southern Indiana

By Kate McNatt

Metro United Way wants to thank all the kind folks at General Electric, who just donated 4,600 portable space heaters to people in need during these cold winter months. Metro United Way will be the leader in distributing the space heaters, and the Salvation Army, a Metro United Way agency, is going to serve as the distribution site.

There are two opportunities to get involved (see below).  Volunteers will be handling boxes of heaters and should be able to lift up to 36 lbs.  Boxes may be dusty or dirty so please dress accordingly.  If you can help, please call Patty Belden at 502-292-6152 or email patty.belden@metrounitedway.org.  As always, thanks for your support!

Thursday January 14th – Distribution to Agencies

Location: Salvation Army

6709 Preston Highway

Louisville, KY 40219

Shift A: 1:00pm – 3:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift B: 3:00pm – 5:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift C: 5:00pm – 7:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Friday January 15^th – Distribution to Agencies

Location: Salvation Army

6709 Preston Highway

Louisville, KY 40219

Shift A:  8:00am – 10:00am      Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift B: 10:00am – 12:00pm     Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift C: 12:00pm – 2:00pm       Volunteers Needed = 6

Events, General, Volunteering Community, Live United, making a difference, opportunity, Volunteer