LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By: Patty Belden

Did you know that April is Volunteer Appreciation Month?  Do you work with volunteers or know someone who participates as a volunteer?  If so, listen up!  Now is the time to develop your recognition plan (that is, if you haven’t already).  Take a minute to think about the impact that volunteers have in our community, our world.  Having trouble, let me help you…

According to studies conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service…between 2007 and 2009, Kentucky residents put in 101 million service hours.  Translated into dollars…this equals $2.1 billion of service contributed!  Over the same time period, Indiana residents put in 206.1 million service hours to equal $4.3 billion of contributed service.  Way to go Hoosiers! 

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty darn impressed with these numbers.  Volunteers share their time and talents with our community everyday.  And many times these acts of kindness go un-noticed or unappreciated.  Please make a point to thank a volunteer during the month of April.  If you are a volunteer…THANK YOU!!! 

Looking for ways to thank your volunteers?  Check out this helpful website: http://www.energizeinc.com/ideas.html

Feeling inspired to become a volunteer?  Let us help!  Visit www.metrounitedway.org/volunteer.

Volunteering Indiana volunteering, Kentucky volunteering, Volunteer, volunteer appreciation, volunteer recognition, Volunteering

Just about everyone I know loves ice cream.  There are an abundance of flavors to choose from, and each one has unique and wonderful qualities.  Sometimes I like plain vanilla, especially on top of a slice of warm Dutch Apple pie.  Other times, I prefer chocolate, or dulce de leche, or toffee, or Spumoni, or strawberry, or even black raspberry.  Come to think of it, there aren’t too many flavors of ice cream that I don’t like.

When I was a kid, the only flavor ice cream I ever wanted was vanilla, and not just as a topping on my pie.  You see, I had tried vanilla when I was really young, liked it, and figured I would never be disappointed as long as I had vanilla.

I think the first time I tried a different flavor was when a neighbor was making homemade ice cream and offered me some peach flavored ice cream.   I was pleasantly surprised how great this fruit-flavored cream tasted, and from that point forward, I wanted to try new flavors all the time!

If variety is the spice of life, ice cream proves how rich our palette can be once we are open to new experiences.

I guess the same can be said about people.  As we reflect on diversity and inclusion, I never cease to be surprised by people who look differently than me.  Often, I have some judgment that they must be unlike me.  In most cases I am right – and thankfully so!  How utterly boring would life be if everyone were the same – had the same viewpoints, interests, skills, manners of expression, etc.   I think our ability to learn would be severely hampered without diversity, since different perspectives offer us new opportunities for growth.

The last couple of years I have had the distinct pleasure of delivering Christmas gifts to immigrant families in our community with my two children.  What a rewarding experience it has been!  I have been impressed by the families I have met from Burma and Cuba , experiencing a bit of their cultures, and realizing how blessed I am to be part of a community that is growing its multicultural identity.

In my limited associations, some of what I have noticed is incredibly strong family connections, a relentless pursuit of growth, a strong work ethic, and a sense of gratitude to our country, while maintaining a sense of cultural pride.  Through these experiences, I find myself appreciating my life even more, taking more pride in our great melting pot, and getting off my duff to capitalize on those things that I formerly took for granted – like giving my voice to things I feel are important.

I am convinced that any time I get discouraged about what is possible for our community, all I need to do is talk with someone from a different culture, and I gain a new perspective that continues to pay dividends.

What opportunities do you see for learning from our growing multi-cultural community?

By the way, the next time I enter the ice cream parlor, I going for Superman!

General, Volunteering diversity, making a difference, multi-cultural, Volunteer

by Kelly Garvey, Director of Engagement Initiatives

On Tuesday, January 25th, United Way Worldwide joined First Lady Michelle Obama and some of the biggest names in education to talk about what we can all do to cut by half the number of young people who drop out of high school.

The First Lady proposed The Corporate Mentoring Challenge. It’s a call for U.S. companies to launch new mentoring programs, expand existing employee mentoring programs, and provide resources to support local mentoring programs that help youth gain leadership skills, achieve their educational goals, and increase their confidence. A few of our local Louisville corporate partners already plan to answer the call — Deloitte, and AT&T among them — and Metro United Way will be working hard in the months ahead to help channel this national effort to spread the Live United spirit into our local schools and communities.

Metro United Way already helps to support strong mentoring programs locally, like Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, To see how you can get involved with great programs like BBBS click HERE.

Take The Education Challenge!

Before you go please consider taking the Education Challenge below and email us for more information about how to get involved at kelly.garvey@metrounitedway.org or call 292-6153.

The Challenge (Raise you right hand and say…)

I believe that education is a building block for a good quality of life, that we all win when a child succeeds in school, and that our country’s success tomorrow depends on how well we educate our children today.

I believe that every child deserves great schools and great teachers, but they alone are not enough. We believe it also takes strong families, a stable home life and good health.

I believe that high school dropouts are years in the making and that early intervention is the key to success. Our vision is that every child will enter school ready to learn, read proficiently by 4th grade, make a successful transition to middle school, and graduate from high school on time.

I believe in the power of parents, teachers, students, companies, elected officials and members of the community, working together for the common good.

I believe in making choices based on what the research says.

I believe the time to stand up and LIVE UNITED for Education is now—for our kids, our community, and our country.

Advocacy, Education, Volunteering AT&T, community service, Deloitte, mentor, mentoring, Obama, youth

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

If you’re like me, every year you resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise, quit a habit… Health is no doubt very important but what about other areas of our life where we may be less accustomed to setting a resolution. Do you include these too? What about resolving on some things that will also positively impact and improve the lives of others? Would you gain a sense of accomplishment from resolutions for others as much as you feel like you would from your personal ones like exercising more or losing 15 lbs?

Here are a few thoughts on other resolutions that, simple and obvious as they seem, can truly help improve your life and the lives of all in 2011. 

Give:  In order to either start giving or increase what you currently give then you will want to make sure you have something to give, right?  Giving a charitable donation is meaningful for yourself and those who are helped -whether you decide to support many causes and spread out your generosity or make a significant investment in work that matters to you—the bottom line is still the same. Steps to help you increase your giving might include increasing your financial stability, eliminating credit card debt and saving.   Looking for inspiration? Check out Carlo at Living Philanthropic. Carlo is a man of modest means but he vowed to give to charity every single day for one year. His mission is you only need to be rich in spirit and is built on a belief everyone can make a difference. He gives everyday. He is very cool in my book.

Advocate: Find your passion and share your opinions. Sign a Pledge to support education and check out how things might really change in your region if educational attainment was improved. Sustainable progress often requires changes in public policy. Do you know who your legislators are? Why not reach out to them? Join the campaign for the common good and work with United Way in your community and across the nation to cut the high school drop out rate in half. If you are still reading this then you could probably also thank a teacher.

Volunteer:  Resolve to give more of your time.  Whether it is an hour a week or an hour a month there are so many ways that you could honor and keep a new year’s resolution around volunteering. Have you checked out the needs lately in our community? Curious about the homeless population in our community? Want to help? Start here.

Advocacy, Education, General, Giving, Health, Income, Volunteering

As part of a professional credential process, I was recently asked to reflect on my own personal philosophy pertaining to my work as a volunteer administrator.  This quickly became less of a reflection and more of a personal commitment to myself, my volunteers, and my community.  I think it is fitting to share my commitment with you today, as we celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. 

I believe that every person is capable of making positive change in this world.  All it takes is exposure and encouragement; exposure to all of the possibilities that exist through volunteering and encouragement to take the first step.  As an individual that is passionate about volunteerism, I have an internal urge to advocate that people be a part of something that is much bigger than themselves.  I assign myself the responsibility and privilege to help others unearth the skills, interests, and passions necessary to make change within themselves and their community. 

Volunteers are deserving of a capable, well-qualified leader.  It is important to me that I lead volunteers with honesty, fairness, knowledge, and confidence.  I must strive for excellence, within myself, my peers, my volunteers, and my volunteer program.  Taking advantage of educational opportunities and monitoring the pulse of current trends in the voluntary sector is essential to being a competent and successful leader.

Volunteers should always feel appreciated and understand the power of their work.  My interactions with volunteers should always demonstrate respect, appreciation and encouragement. 

Over the years my passion has intensified as I have witnessed the great stories and sacrifice of those who volunteer their time.  I have come to find that at the end of the day, it is the selfless work of the volunteers that make the true impact.  I am merely a steward of the ever constrained resource of time and talent that is bestowed upon the community by these incredible people. 

Thank you to all of you who give of your time, talent, and treasure…you truly make a positive change in this world!

Looking for ways to make change?  Check out over 250 local volunteer opportunities on our website www.metrounitedway.org

General, Volunteering

By Jan Sherrell 

I am not one to make New Year’s Resolutions. It isn’t so much the notorious belief of ‘why bother – we’re just going to break them anyway.’  It is more that if I decide to do something differently, if I get to the point where I want to change direction of something, I am not going to wait until January 1^st to do it. 

All that said, this year I am spouting a resolution or maybe my new mission statement. I know it sounds so corporate and that is not my style. I am going to live with the statement some would call it resolution of “Make Every Moment Matter.”  

My dear sister-in-law suddenly passed away August 28, 2010 at age 46. There began my resolution to live life to the fullest. I’m working to give those hugs when the spirit moves me. I want to tell people they have done a great job raising their kids while I still have that chance. I have to push myself to some social outings and make plans to see friends and family and not let time slip pass. I want to use my time productively with no regrets. 

I’ve just recently finished my Bachelor’s degree.  I now have FREE EVENINGS! Not sure what to do with myself. “Make Every Moment Matter” resonates through my thoughts as I clean up dinner and have an evening stretching in front of me. I’m entertaining possibilities of being a Big Sister (realistically I qualify as a Big Grandma, but I don’t want to talk about it). I’m already on a Board so I really want the next opportunity to be more hands-on. I’ll find it. I’ll work to “Make Every Moment Matter.” 

Are you living your mission? Are you making every moment matter? I’m not encouraging a frantic pace; I am just suggesting you follow your heart and live with no regrets. Visit www.metrountedway.org/volunteer to explore volunteer opportunities.

General, Volunteering Live United, Volunteer

Judy Schroeder

Thanks-Living.  Did I get your attention?  I’m not trying to be cute. 

It just occurs to me that this wonderful holiday event of  Thanksgiving is small compared to the “thanks-living” opportunity we have every day of our lives.   

That might not be the best thing to say right now if you are running to get your house set up for the family or cooking the turkey and fixin’s all night! Quite big enough?  …YES, and much appreciated!

Just know that from here at Metro United Way we get to see the work y’all do all year long as volunteers, donors, and advocates for others.  You are so important!

The last time I was at Parkway Place Housing,  I saw the Dare to Care Mobile Pantry delivering staples. The delivery crew was down to only potatoes, but the remaining Somali-Bantu women gathered pounds and pounds of those up in the folds of colorful scarves and skirts, carrying them home wrapped on their backs like babies, planning the next few weeks’ meals. 

Yesterday I was there again in the home of the president of the Somali-Bantu Association, plotting how we could extend their self-help organization even further.  This time, I am even more impressed at how circles of caring people wrap around each other:   our broad community of donors, advocates and volunteers in business and labor ~ wrap around the donors, advocates and volunteers in our agencies and community efforts ~ which wrap around more donors,  advocates and volunteers in community organizations and families ~ who want to be strong enough again to “give back” as healthy, smart, hard-working community members.

That’s what I mean by Thanks-living, the caring community.  All year, every day that we work together is a way of giving thanks for gifts shared. 

So, prepare the feast!  Especially if, for now, it’s potato and turkey stew.  Eat United! LIVE UNITED!

General, Giving, Volunteering Community, community change, Giving, immigrants, Live United, Neighborhoods

By: Kelly Thompson Garvey, Director of Engagement Initiatives at Metro United Way

(Information provided by HandsOn Network)

Did you know that Metro United Way Volunteer Connection is one of the more than 240 HandsOn Network Action Centers across the United States? HandsOn Action Centers, also known as Affiliates, Volunteer Centers, or Cares organizations, are the engine through which HandsOn Network connects thousands of volunteers to meaningful service opportunities throughout the United States, and increasingly, throughout the world.

HandsOn Network was conceived by a group of individuals that wanted to make it easier for people to get involved in building their communities and helping their neighbors. Groups of like-minded individuals in New York , DC , Chicago and Atlanta got together and decided to formalize the beginnings of this partnership by creating Hands On Network – a national organization that would focus on bringing the Hands On approach to communities everywhere. This important movement made it to the Kentuckiana area when the Metro United Way Volunteer Connection became a Points of Light Foundation affiliate in 1990, and then became an official HandsOn Network Affiliate in 2008.

The Metro United Way Volunteer Connection operates regionally (including Louisville and surrounding counties, and Southern Indiana), supporting a variety of issues and needs. We build relationships with nonprofits, school, faith-based organizations, corporate partners and others; our Volunteer Connection plays a critical role in leveraging volunteer power to the fullest effect.  We help to inspire, equip, and mobilize individuals and groups to take actions that create positive change in our community. Last year alone we helped to connect nearly 18,000 volunteers to service in our community.

The Metro United Way Volunteer Connection, the volunteer center for our region, is leading people from impulse to action, turning their ideas for change into impactful projects, like tutoring and reading to children, serving meals to the hungry, and mentoring.

By visiting our website www.metrounitedway.org/volunteer, you will find that there is truly something for everyone who wishes to engage in volunteering.  If you don’t see something you like, let us help you design, develop and manage a project that meets your need to serve.

When you think of volunteering, think Metro United Way’s Volunteer Connection!

Call us anytime, we would love to help you volunteer today. 502-292-6152

Volunteering Community, community service, HandsOn Network, Louisville, making a difference, Southern Indiana, Volunteer, Volunteering

By Erin McMahon

Whether you’re celebrating or mourning the outcomes of yesterday’s elections, there’s one thing we can all agree on – and that’s LIVING UNITED by giving, advocating or volunteering through Metro United Way.

I want to thank Greg Fischer, Jackie Green and Hal Heiner for LIVING UNITED by lending their support to us through the production of the video below.

And – thank YOU, dear readers for sticking with us on this blog. Extra big thank-yous if you share this blog with someone today!

Advocacy, Giving, Volunteering Live United, Louisville Mayor-elect, mayoral candidates, mayoral race

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

Last week I was fortunate to attend the celebration dinner of the annual WLKY Bell Awards. This special event recognizes the outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals in our community who work hard to make a difference through volunteer service to others.

I have long been aware of this program and was thankful to have the opportunity to attend and shared the invitation with my daughter Mariah who is 16. My thinking was a little on the selfish side. I had noticed two youth awards would be presented and felt like this would inspire her as well.  I was hoping she would take a look at DePauw University where one of the Youth Service recipients Samuel Leist attends, and I was hoping she would want to volunteer. Don’t get me wrong. Mariah has a desire to give back. She volunteers when she can but has told me she wants to do more. I believe when her life is less-busy with an active volleyball season she will follow through.

We met at the Galt House, enjoyed a delicious dinner and watched the awards program unfold. We read the bio’s in our program of the deserving recipients and anxiously waited to hear from them when they shared personal messages at the podium. We noted in our program that the last award was going to Earl Wieting, a 91 year old volunteer who served in World War II, and continues to serve today by volunteering his time to deliver food to places including the Salvation Army. I have confessed before, I appreciate old people and he was so cute and well worth the wait to the end of the program to hear from!

After the ceremony, on our drive home,  I asked Mariah,”so what did you think?”
Then I was quiet as to not elicit any direction on what I was hoping to hear. Here is what she commented.

“Why were all the waiters and waitresses working at the dinner black? I think that was strange? That doesn’t make sense to me.”

“My favorite winnner was the lady in the purple dress. I really liked what she said when she got her award.”

“I heard several of the winners say they were able to do so much volunteering because of their position or husband or were wealthy. I sort of feel like that gives them an advantage -that they have the opportunity to do so much more because of that -and then they also are the ones who ‘get the award’.”

“I really want to do more.”

I won’t include my responses here but can tell you we shared a deeper quality discussion around each of her observations. Like my daughter, I came away ultimately wanting to find ways to do more. You don’t need to look far in our community to find people to help and at Metro United Way there are so many opportunities to help in ways that touch your heart and fit your schedule.

Isn’t that the real reward? Having a desire in your heart to want to help others and then doing it. Tell me about your last volunteer experience? Will you plan to do some volunteering for 85 days of Caring? You could even make it a family affair.

Tune in to WLKY TV on October 16^th at 8 pm and you can hear for yourself what retired attorney Susan Turner aka the lady in the purple dress had to say about volunteering and watch the 2010 Bell Awards Ceremony.

Volunteering Community, Louisville, making a difference, parenting, Volunteering, WLKY Bell Awards, youth