Join the campaign for better tomorrows

It must be fall – the leaves are turning, the air is crisp and United Way is asking for donations.  Taking the 2010 small increase as a signal, we’ve charged ahead with an ambitious, but realistic goal of $1 million for 2011.

We had more folks attend the campaign kickoff than I’ve seen in many years, but perhaps more importantly: we had more people attend the event for the first time than I’ve ever seen. I believe this is the result of increased engagement across the community through social networking, special events and volunteer development activities.

Our work to create lasting change that improves lives by addressing the education, income and health of everyone in our community resonates with people.  Further, it has become visible across the county as Born Learning Trails have been installed in public parks and Basket Parties have been held in homes.  Summer youth programs, youth mentoring, weatherization, tailgate food distributions, health care enrollment outreach, volunteer income tax assistance, financial literacy and other training opportunities have been possible through the direct involvement of hundreds of volunteers. 

Our nonprofit system is working together more than ever, reinforcing the message that together we can create change.  The Community Access Network, Covering Kids and Families Coalition, Homeless Task Force, Honor Our Children and other groups are bringing organizations together to address issues in more comprehensive and effective ways.

Of course there are challenges. Employment and housing remain flat; corporate donations have declined considerably while individual giving has grown very slowly – but it has grown. One of the greatest challenges of the United Way system – loss of donors as workplace campaigns declined –has been one of the greatest local issues. While we have added new donors every year, we have simultaneously lost a greater number of existing donors. Last year we saw significant decline in that trend, locally and nationally.

We have more ways to give than ever with online giving and text options added to the traditional payroll deduction, cash, check, bank draft and credit card options. We’re on FaceBook, Twitter and we’re getting ready to blog.  The call to change the world with a t-shirt that reads simply, LIVE UNITED, is bringing us together to create, well, better tomorrows.

And while I am generally optimistic about tomorrow, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a reminder that today there is great need across our community.  The challenge of meeting those needs even at the most minimal level is daunting. Add to that the challenge to change systems and create opportunity that ultimately builds self sufficiency for the future, and we’ve got our work cut out for us.

Those who work with me hear me say often: If it were easy, it would have been done by now. Developing and/or redeveloping a community, a family, an individual is a process that requires investment – giving, advocating, volunteering - by many.  Call 765-643-7493, text GIVEUWMC to 50555, log on to unitedwaymadisonco.org or send to P. O. Box 1200, Anderson, 46015.