LIVE UNITED Y’All!

With school having just started back, education seems to be on everyone’s mind.  Getting over the anxieties and challenges of starting a new school year can be a big hurdle – especially if your child is entering kindergarten or a new school.  This year, my son is a 5^th grader at a school that he has attended since pre-school, but my daughter started at a new school as an incoming 6^th grader entering middle school.  At orientation, she remarked “This place is BIG!”  As a parent putting myself in her shoes, I couldn’t have agreed more.

When children have a supportive family and a stable home environment, doing well in school can still be a significant challenge.  Keeping up with all of their subjects, text books, assignment sheets, daily reading, and long-term projects can be a tall task!  However, there are much greater challenges being faced by large numbers of children in our community.

Last year, 10,555 students in Jefferson County Schools were homeless at some point during the year.  To me, that number is staggering, both in terms of volume, as well as impact for each child.  I think about how difficult it must be to try to focus on academics when you may not know where you are going to eat or sleep.  Even if you’re staying with another family, sleeping on a couch in the living room is a far cry from sleeping in the comfort of your own bed in a private space.  It’s also painful to think about the many situations which may have caused the unstable housing to begin with – the loss of a job, a serious illness or death in the family, a lack of financial resources, chemical dependency, mental illness, domestic violence.  Every situation is unique.

Fortunately for us, our community is thinking about some of these most challenged students and how we can support them to make sure they have a fighting chance in school.  Organizations like the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, the Coalition for the Homeless and systems like Jefferson County Public Schools, our Kentucky’s Department of Community Based Services (child welfare), and Family Courts are teaming up to discuss how we can better support homeless children and their families, and how all of our systems can work together to ensure all children have every chance to be successful, by addressing their holistic needs.  When organizations and individuals come together around common goals, amazing things can happen.

I invite you to consider what it would be like to be in a homeless child’s shoes trying to learn in the classroom.  What images does this evoke for you?  How could taking on this perspective help us all as a community to better support these children’s academic success and long-term stability? 

Education, General Add new tag, Children, Coalition for the Homeless, Education, future, homeless, Jefferson County Public Schools, Live United, Louisville, making a difference, Metro United Way, Metropolitan Housing Coalition, parenting, youth

Stakeholder Relationship Team shows what's important to them!

I remember as a kid there always seemed to be someone on my block who would always tell  my mother or father what I did or did not do.  That individual was called a tattle tale.  Tattle taling is passing information through “word of mouth.” The saying goes that a person will tell at least 10 other people about a good or bad experience they had with a company, organization or an individual. And more often than not, those 10 people may tell at least 10 other people. I know I have experienced both giving and receiving that type of information.

Think for a moment about “word of mouth” or WOM. The simple act of conversing with another is a powerful way to spread a message. 

The June 23, 2010 edition of The Agitator discussed how WOM is a powerful way for non-profits to spread their message and build relationships. 

 Here’s a report from Online Media Daily on an interesting Yahoo study that has attempted to drill into WOM behavior. It notes that 76% of all WOM still occurs face-to-face … however, increasingly it just might be that two individuals are sitting side-by-side talking about something they are viewing on their respective smartphones! The study says that 38% of all WOM conversations, however they occur, are informed by internet-derived content.

No one’s really examined WOM specifically as it works in the nonprofit space, but there’s no reason to expect the underlying principles would differ. In our own DonorTrends surveys, we’ve seen that 15-20% of donors self-identify themselves as individuals who have recommended a specific charity or cause group to someone else.

In building relationships we know that personal contact is the best way to increase the depth of the relationship. In today’s world of social media, i-phones, i-pads, email and yes, the old standby face-to-face conversations, their are unlimited  opportunities to talk about experiences, causes, ideas and really almost anything. 

How do we utilize our WOM opportunities to connect with people we know, meet with, talk on the phone with, Facebook with, are LinkedIn with to spread our Metro United Way message? In this past week there were at least two opportunities to WOM with others about helping others. First is the opportunity to Adopt Camp Kindergarten Schools and the second is the need for Volunteers to Drive Cancer Patients to Treatments. What wonderful opportunities to use the power of WOM.

What is the power of WOM. I think the power of WOM is best described by doing the math. We can use the earleir reference about one person telling 10 other people about an experience, idea, opportunity to calculate the power of WOM.

I tell 10 people about opportunities to adopt Camp Kindergarten classrooms and the need for volunteers to drive cancer patients. If those 10 people will tell 10 other people, we now have 111 people WOMing about these opportunities. If the last 10 we  WOM with tell another 10 we are up to 211 WOMers. This is the power of WOM and the power of 10.

As Metro United Way works to forge lasting relationships with our stakeholders, let’s use the simple act of WOMing to Change People’s Lives.  Give, Advocate, Volunteer! Be a WOMer today!

General Community, future, give, Live United, making a difference, Volunteer, youth

Photo Share by Untitled Blue via Flickr

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

Recently I was exploring volunteer opportunities with a company to identify fitting ways the employees could roll up their sleeves and experience what it means to LIVE UNITED first hand and hands on!

Obviously there are many choices, but they were keen on helping on something that aligns with their company expertise and values. We needed a “fit” that would allow them to bring their passion, resources and unique expertise to help get something meaningful done in our community.

Did you know that every November in our community Project Warm organizes the Project Warm Energy-Saving Blitz, in which hundreds of volunteers will plug air leaks and install plastic interior window covers in homes of seniors, low-income and disabled individuals?

Project Warm is certainly a big help for families struggling to make ends meet and offers real help for today for those served. Adhering to the belief that if you give someone a fish, you feed him or her for a day, but if you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime, it’s a nationally recognized program in energy conservation education. Programs include free weatherization materials and installation instruction for low-income families to learn how to continue to help themselves and others.
 

Recently, Project Warm in partnership with the Louisville Community Action Partnership (CAP), designed an experimental project called the “Energy Challenge” to reduce the utility bills of households in our community with the greatest need.  They marketed this challenge to homeowners who had required assistance from the CAP for help in paying especially high utility bills. Then in an effort to intentionally attack the victim-rescuer dynamic that can perpetuate a dependence on social services - they empower participating households to perform “sweat equity” and help complete the weatherization work on their homes.  They are teaching folks to fish. 

Want to weatherize homes, deliver meals, transport cancer patients to appointments, mentor a child? Can you support by Giving, Advocating and Volunteering?  You can help create lasting change and opportunities for a better life for all. Can you invite others to be a part of the change? That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.

General, Volunteering Community Action Partnership, Energy Conservation Education, Energy Saving, Live United, low income weatherization, Project Warm

By John Sands

It’s the weekend and you may be thinking it is time to get your “party” on.  There are so many options to choose from in our great city and certainly many that will provide you with great entertainment.  But what better way to party, than to party with a purpose? 

Tomorrow night the Louisville Urban League will host it’s annual Diversity Soirêe in the Galt House East Ballroom at 6pm.  In addition to honoring two men who have dedicated their lives and careers to community involvement and impact, they are also honoring E.-ON U.S.  for it’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of it’s operations. 

The event is being sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.   I don’t know if you caught this, but we have one of Metro United Way’s largest contributors sponsoring an event by a member agency (LUL) and honoring another outstanding contributor to Metro United Way (E.ON U.S.).  How exciting is that? 

The League has an exciting evening planned with an ecclectic mix of entertainment that ranges from Irish/Celtic and Flemenco dancing to Salsa and Gospel music.  Too fun!  And where could you find all of this in one evening? 

You’ll dance the night away with great music and other fine entertainment.  All the while knowing your ticket contributions will go toward helping the Louisville Urban League continue it’s work of building strong, economically stable families and successful school-aged children.

For more information on this great event and how you may purchase tickets, check out the League’s website at www.lul.org

So go ahead and get your “Soirêe” on!

Events, General Agencies, Live United, making a difference

Pictured, L to R: Wes Beckner, Don Gossman, Kent Oyler, Joe Tolan- Metro United Way President and CEO, Marsha Biven and Joe Brown. Not pictured: Leon Mooneyhan and Bob McIntosh.

To bring a perfect ending to Volunteer Month, Metro United Way named seven outstanding community volunteers as winners of the 2010 Presidential Service Award. With passions including healthcare and education, each Presidential Service Award recipient has worked tirelessly to make people’s lives better. One exceptional individual was chosen from each of the counties served by Metro United Way.

“I am extremely excited to present these awards and to thank these incredibly giving volunteers, says Wes Beckner, Group/State President-Kentucky BB&T and Chairman of the Board of Metro United Way. “All of them exemplify what it means to Live United: a tireless dedication to Metro United Way, and a selfless commitment to improving lives and making our community stronger for us all,” adds Beckner.

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was formed to recognize the valuable contributions of volunteers in local communities.  It created the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.  Each Metro United Way Presidential Service Award winner receives a letter of congratulations from President Barack Obama, an official Presidential Service Award lapel pin and a personalized certificate of achievement.

Two of the winners, entrepreneur Kent Oyler of Jefferson County, KY, and retired Marine Lieutenant Bob McIntosh of Clark County, IN, also received the Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award.

Check out this article on our website for bios on each of these remarkable volunteers!

Volunteering Live United, Presidential Volunteer Service Award

By Sommer Lally

What is a volunteer?

Is it the person who picks up trash on the side of the road for a few hours?  Someone who takes their time to paint a room at a local non-profit organization?  Is it a University of Tennessee sports team?

Yes and no. 

You see, all of those are examples of volunteers, but the word “volunteer” means more than we often picture in our minds. 

Here, I’ll give you an example.  As part of my job at Metro United Way, I manage our Student United Ways (campus chapters through which student leaders advance the common good, develop leadership skills and join the growing Live United movement).  Working with the student leaders at U of L and IUS is a wonderful experience.  I get to help them grow in their roles with the organizations and watch them gain a deeper knowledge of the community.  But I also witness their struggles and frustrations.

Both Student United Ways underwent the tedious process of becoming registered student organizations on their campuses this year.  The initial stages of establishing the groups took time.  As a result neither were able to organize as many events and activities as they had hoped. 

What does this have to do with volunteers?  Hang on!  You’re about to find out!

U of L Student United Way leaders volunteering with Blanket Louisville.

In a recent conversation with one of my student leaders she lamented “we haven’t really gotten to do much volunteering and that was the whole reason I wanted to join!”  Do you see what I’m getting at?

Volunteers aren’t just those who give of their time to do hands-on projects!  They’re also board members, committee members and . . . student leaders.  In my view, my student leader had been volunteering all year long through her leadership position with Student United Way.  Don’t get me wrong – I’ll help them plan more volunteer projects next year, but I also want them to feel good about their volunteer role with us and to know how appreciated they are!

So, to our Board members, committee members and Student United Way leaders, thank you for volunteering with Metro United Way.  You are so important to us and we are better because of you!

General, Volunteering Community, IUS, Live United, Student United Way, UofL

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

By David Caldwell

I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. I always figured that if you really want to make a change in your life you should just do it – don’t wait for a “special” day to make it happen. That changed for me last year.

Since college I’ve been a non-smoker…sort of. I’ve always been that guy who might have a pack of cigarettes in his truck while he tells you he doesn’t smoke. I know how horrible the habit is for your health – I saw the black lung in science class too. I know how addictive the practice is – my dad smoked for 30 plus years. None of that ever stopped me from “kinda” smoking. I justified it to myself because I wasn’t a “real” smoker. I just smoked when I drank, or was really stressed, or it was Tuesday – you know, just a little. I was the familiar stranger in the smokers’ circle.

As the ball drops this year, I’ll be kissing my sweetheart with smoke-free breath, and celebrating 365 days without a cigarette. My goal is a lot more years of the same, but for now I’ll celebrate the first one.

So what are you resolving to do this year? If you haven’t quite decided, let me make a suggestion. Make a resolution to make a difference in the life of a child.

You could donate some books to the child care center down the street. You could volunteer to teach an art activity at your child’s school. You could find a way to be a role model for the kids across town and across the street that need a few more caring adults in their lives. You could write a check to your favorite child focused agency. You could call your legislator and tell them to make children more of a priority when they make decisions.

Think about all you’ll have to celebrate after a year of working to improve the life of a child. If you want to give, advocate, or volunteer, you can visit our website. If you want a few more ideas or some help in making your resolution a reality, let me know. Have a wonderful holiday, and ring in the New Year in a meaningful way!

Photo Credit: maxxtraffic

Advocacy, Giving, Volunteering Children, Live United, making a difference, opportunity, Volunteer

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

I will admit that I love how Hank can bellow….Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? And, I am. I am ready and excited about the hiring of Coach Charlie Strong for the University of Louisville so I will attribute this seemingly football inspired United Way blog to this fact. The recent press conference introducing the new Coach won me over when he shared his heart and emotion over the joy of attaining his career dream of a head coaching position and the opportunity to lead a program. It was so easy to feel his sincerity when he spoke and now it will be even easier to pull for his success both on the field and in the community.

It continues to be an exciting time of year in NFL football also as the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals continue to rack up the W’s. While these two teams are perhaps the closest we have in our region to a home NFL team, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Colts fan or on the “Who-Dey” train right now, the NFL is deserving of recognition for the longstanding partnership and support of the United Way movement. Did you know that for 35 years, thispartnership has been a shining example of the tangible good that can be leveraged into a powerful vehicle for real change in people’s lives and the community?  Check out how the NFL LIVES UNITED and see if you can find one of your team’s favorite players too!

Yes, Tis the season for football and also for giving thanks and sharing. The words THANK YOU are two of the most powerful words you can speak, share and that you can hear. Thank you for helping make our community a better place to live and work.  If you gave in your campaign at work for United Way, thank you for caring and sharing to help change the lives of those who pass by you every day. The change we strive to create at Metro United Way doesn’t happen without you. Don’t just take my word for it….take a quick look at our recent field trip. It was a LIVE UNITED thank you tour. Check it out and you will see how we surprised a few loyal donors while they were working. I think you can imagine their surprise and you can also see the strong feelings created with an in-person and heartfelt thank you.

Advocacy, Events, General, Giving, Volunteering Charlie Strong, Common good, community change, Football, Live United, Louisville, NFL, passion, thank you, United Way

I know I’m not the only one who loves a coupon, with rising prices and economic uncertainty. We all are looking for a deal and making tough choices.

A while back, I mentioned here that the LIVE UNITED Club would be a new feature to the 2009 campaign.

So many people in our community step up year after year and we not only want to thank you but make it a little easier to keep giving. You can be a member if you

• Give a minimum of $156/year (or $3/week through your workplace) to Metro United Way and
• Provide your home address and personal e-mail address.

If you don’t already, visit Metro United Way’s website to give $156/year (or $3/week through your workplace) and join the LIVE UNITED Club!

Beginning in January, you will be e-mailed a pdf of your own LIVE UNITED Club card for you to print and place in your wallet. Simply show this card at participating local businesses… like Wick’s, Fantastic Sams, Republic Bank and many more…. to receive your discounts.  Check out the LIVE UNITED Club web page to see the great offers we’ve already lined up for you from local businesses that want to thank you for helping your community.

You will also receive discounts from national partners when you provide your personal e-mail address. You will be sent an access code for mycaringclub.org to receive special offers from national merchants. These discounts will be available only through this web site. Depending on the retailer, discounts may be printable coupons for in-store use or a promotional code for on-line use. Current discounts will be good through February 2011 and will be continually updated.

General, Giving Economy, Giving, Live United, LIVE UNITED Club