By: Jerilyn Stowe
Marketing and Communications Director

United Way has changed. Why? Because our communities have changed, problems are more complex, and our donors have changed. It’s a different world today then when we were established more than 100 years ago and really, it’s a different world than just 10 years ago (and even just 2 years ago!).

Today, we are about solutions. We care about creating opportunities for a better life for all. How do we do this? We recruit others with passion, expertise, and resources to work with us to solve the problems facing not just poor people, or sick people, or homeless people, but all of us.

We work on Education, Income, and Health because we know that for a building to be stable for the long term, it must have a strong foundation. The same is true in a community, and the building blocks for a solid community are a strong education system, economic prosperity, and good health.

Our goals are bold, but doable. We want to help kids build a strong foundation of early learning, help people gain the income and financial tools to thrive, and improve childhood health and promote healthy behaviors. Because, we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are healthy and productive.

As we embark on the new era of United Way, we invite everyone to Live United and join us. You can help us make positive changes that will have long lasting results. Volunteer to be a mentor, a tutor, tax preparer, or financial coach. Advocate and lend your voice to a cause you care about, join us on Capitol Hill, talk to your co-workers, your Facebook friends, your family.  Give your time, give your money, give your ideas.

Whether or not you know a child on the other end of town, it matters whether that child grows up to be a contributing member of our community. We all have a responsibility to do our part. Together, we can influence the conditions for all of us.

We need you! Visit UW.ORG to learn how YOU can Give. Advocate. Volunteer. And tell us your story….how are you Living United?