LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By Jan Sherrell

I’m not a big talker. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve usually got an opinion and am ready to offer it up, but in the grand scheme of things I can be very succinct when I speak. Okay, some might call it curt. I think I learned it from my dad. Dad was very direct, not a lot of chat, and to the point. Hurt my feelings a lot of times now that I mention it, but that is another topic.

I’m working on getting a little chattier, to listen better and encourage others to voice their opinions. But still, sometimes when the phone rings, I’m tempted to let the machine get it. Maybe the caller can just leave me a message and I can save that 10 minutes of my life for peace and quiet.

Maybe I over think things – especially for the more difficult conversations. Do you ever rehearse the conversations in your head? You’ve got the perfect script all worked out and when the moment arises for you to have that conversation it ends up with a muttered, “um I’m here if you need me, you know…if you ever do” or “um, I thought you were going to call me…..I waited for you….” Yep, I told them didn’t I?

I recently had some tough work conversations. I literally wrote down my thoughts and ordered them logically. It helped me make sure I covered what I needed to and helped me think through my word choices. Knowing my “to the point” nature it also allowed me to make sure I fully fleshed out my thoughts. The conversation went well. I felt better after addressing that tough conversation.

You know sometimes just showing the effort, making a pitch, be it inadequate or not, the attempt was made to open that conversation. Go ahead and take that phone call and use the “oh, the pizza guy is here, I have to go” line if the conversation runs too long. Extend a hand to someone even when you don’t exactly know what to say. Begin those difficult conversations, you can always go back and use your practiced speech the next time if the first time doesn’t work out.

Humans need that interaction. Offer a smile to a neighbor or coworker or youth and sharpen your social skills with some friendly small talk. Or really get your nerve up and broach the subject that has been on your mind, but do it kindly with good intentions, you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.

What is your way of dealing with tough conversations? How’s that working for you?

General Community, make change, opportunity

By David Caldwell

Think back to when you started kindergarten. If you didn’t go to kindergarten just think back to when you were a little kid. If you’re my dad, find someone who remembers when you were a little kid and ask them to remind you.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a paleontologist. I thought dinosaurs were the coolest things ever, and I wanted to dig up their bones. Over the years, my career aspirations have changed, but my desire to be something awesome has not. (I still think dinosaurs are just about the coolest things ever by the way.)

This year in Kentuckiana about 12,000 kids will begin kindergarten. How do you think they would answer that question? Probably the same way we did. Astronaut. Teacher. Fire Fighter. Rock Star. Doctor. President.

I bet that none of them said they wanted to be a drug dealer, or a prostitute, or living on the streets, or in jail. The reality is that some of them will end up in those situations and many more that we all would consider equally as horrible.

We can change that. We can turn those horrible realities into wonderful possibilities. We can give children hope. We can make them believe in themselves. We can give them the tools they need to be successful.

How? That’s what Metro United Way Success By 6 is working on. Our goal is that by 2018, all children will enter kindergarten prepared to be successful in school and life.

We need your help. What ideas do you have? What are you willing to work on? What support do you need? Let us know. Visit the website, give me a call (502-292-6157). Let’s make this happen – together!!!

Photo Credit: boynumber1

Advocacy, Education Children, make change, making a difference, Success By 6

By: Kerri Cokeley

So, Michael Jackson’s memorial service has now concluded. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most famous people in the world. His music has and will continue to influence millions all around the globe. My mom grew up with the Jackson 5 and I jammed to Michael’s solo tunes throughout elementary school (and perhaps a little longer…) Michael was able to cross generations, ethnicities, and countries with music.

As sad as this whole situation is (from many perspectives), it gets me to reflecting. At the risk of being cheesy, I want to share with you one of his songs that really hits home for me. Thank you Michael for teaching me my first lesson in community building, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change!”

Man in the Mirror

I’m Gonna Make A Change
For Once In My Life
It’s Gonna Feel Real Good
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right…

As I, Turn Up The Collar On
My Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin’ My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See Their Needs
A Summer’s Disregard
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man’s Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya’ Know
‘Cause They Got Nowhere To Go
That’s Why I Want You To Know

I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change

I’ve Been A Victim Of
A Selfish Kind Of Love
It’s Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No Home
Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me
Pretending That They’re Not Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred
Somebody’s Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya’ See
Cause They Got No Place To Be
That’s Why I’m Starting With Me

I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself And Then Make A Change

I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror-Oh Yeah!)
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While You Got The Time)
(’Cause When You Close Your Heart)
You Can’t Close Your…Your Mind!
(Then You Close Your…Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)

…

General change, make change, Michael Jackson

When I was growing up, I remember teasing my mother about how she only knew one way to get someplace.  She knew one way to drive to the big regional shopping mall which was located about 30 minutes from our home.  She always parked the car outside of the Carson Pirie Scott store, even if we were going to the Sears store on the other side of the mall.  “If we’re going to Sears, why don’t you park the car by Sears?” I’d ask her.  And she would answer that she had to park where she could see the purple water tower (the mall is located in Lombard, Illinois, known as “The Lilac Village” and boasts a water tower painted the color of lilacs), or else she’d get confused about which direction to go back home.  My dad’s running joke was that if she drove around the block backwards, she’d be lost.  As a result of my mom being directionally-challenged, once I started driving I determined that I wouldn’t be like her.  I’d find alternate roads.  I’d know more than one way to get places.

For the last several months, I’ve had a standing Tuesday night appointment in the east end of Louisville.  Leaving downtown after work, I’d always take the Interstate and always be frustrated by the slow-moving traffic heading out of the city.  Finally, I asked for help in finding an alternative route using the surface streets…amazing!  The drive may not be as direct, but I keep moving and don’t get stuck in rush-hour traffic.  As the weeks go by, I’ve tried to vary the route without getting lost, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t.

OK, you may be thinking, that’s a nice story, but what has it got to do with anything?  Well, I’ll tell you.  I think that a lot of times we can be like my mom in our problem solving efforts.  We know what’s worked in the past and so we keep right on doing the same thing, afraid that if we do anything different we’ll lose our way.  We keep driving down the Interstate because it’s familiar and a sure thing, even if it leaves us frustrated.  What if we explored a different way?  True, we might get a bit lost along the way but, if we ask for directions, we’ll eventually get to where we want to be.  It might take us longer to arrive, but we’ll have learned something new and maybe even discover something really cool along the way.  What do you think?  Are you ready to try a new way?

General alternatives, decision making, make change

We are proud to announce that the Live United advertising campaign was a Top 10 Ad Council Campaign for 2008. You have probably seen and heard advertisements around town on billboards, in print, and on the radio encouraging our community to “Give. Advocate.Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.”

As we move forward, our advertising campaign will evolve just a little. While we can’t give away all of the exciting details, I can tell you that the campaign will not only feature those famous white Live United t-shirts, but will also have a call to action: “I don’t just wear the shirt, I live it”.

How do you “live it”? The first three people to leave a compelling comment will win a Live United t-shirt to wear while you’re “living it.” We look forward to hearing your responses!

Advocacy, Giving, Volunteering advocate, give, Live United, make change, Volunteer

If you are committed to making change in your community, whether that means your neighborhood, city or a greater region, you could easily be attending the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States on January 20th. 

The Case Foundation is sponsoring the “Change Begins With Me” campaign, a challenge to Americans to “be the change” and commit to making a difference in 2009. All you have to do to participate is make your commitment to be the change in 2009 by visiting the Case Foundation’s website and completing the sentence, “Change begins with me… .” One lucky changemaker will be selected to receive a prize package that includes:

• 2 round-trip tickets to Washington D.C.
• 3 night hotel accommodations
• Participation in Washington D.C.’s MLK Day of Service
• 2 tickets to the Hawaii Inaugural Ball
• 2 tickets to the Inauguration
• A Flip video camera to record your experience!

Go share how you’re going to make change in 2009, and good luck!

Advocacy, General Case Foundation, Change the World, inauguration, make change