Throughout the week-long series of meetings Brian talked about the many benefits, to all sectors, of investing in communities and people.  “Attention must be focused on creating both economic and human opportunities,” he said.  “There is no economic success, without long-term, enduring human success.  People must be the priority.”

He suggested that they are also essential to any solution.  “We need to get people back involved in creating community success. It’s the only way to create sustained change at scale.”

Brian is one of the Forum’s few Nonprofit/NGO sector leaders. Additional information on Brian’s sessions as well as the World Economic Forum can be found at www.weforum.org.

Myers grew up poor in Harlem.  His father was illiterate, but his mother read to him.  Kids would tease him when they saw him carrying books home from the library.  He wrote poetry at a young age, and, as he says in his biography, “I wrote well in high school and a teacher (bless her!) recognized this and also knew I was going to drop out. She advised me to keep on writing no matter what happened to me. I didn't know exactly what that meant but, years later … I remembered her words. I began writing at night and eventually began writing about the most difficult period of my own life, the teen years.”  Now Myers is a critically acclaimed author of young adult books.  According to this news story, as ambassador, Myers wants to encourage parents to read to their children when they are very young, and help remove the stigma from teenagers who can’t read well. 

Many factors have led to Myers success, but I was struck by how books and encouragement seemed to have played a central role.  Stories like his renew my resolve to meet our goal of inspiring 1 million people to become volunteer readers, tutors, and mentors.  While we can’t all be noted authors, we can be ambassadors for literacy, and for hope.

More:

New York Times Article

But after I’ve powered through third grade math exercises, reviewed book reports, lectured on the importance of reading, conflict resolution, listening to parents, paying attention in class and a whole host of other topics, I always come away with the same conclusion: It was well worth fighting past my Saturday morning indolence.

For four years now, I have been volunteering as a tutor and art enrichment teacher at a Saturday Academy in my local community. The several dozen students in the program range from kindergarten to 12^th grade and arrive on Saturday mornings for a variety of academic and disciplinary reasons. Almost all of them are minorities. Many of them come from working class families. A large percentage of them are foreign-born and are from families where English is not the primary language spoken at home.

Through the years, I have learned to treasure the small victories like when a student sounds out a difficult word on their own or recognizes the first steps to solve a math problem. I leave those Saturdays with a great sense of accomplishment but often with a lingering tinge of concern about my kids and their futures.

One particular Saturday, a few months back, I was tasked with helping tutor a third grader who I had never seen at the program before. He was very reserved and hadn’t brought any homework so I skillfully tried to pull as much information as possible from him about what he was learning in school and where he needed help. No such luck. 

As I paused to rethink my strategy, his mother came over to our table and put a stack of papers in front of him.  She did not speak English but turned to me and gave me the biggest smile signaling such gratitude and relief for helping her son. She spoke with him in Arabic, pointed to the papers and walked out the door.

I gestured to the papers, asking what his mother had said but only got an apathetic shrug in response. When I looked through the papers, I saw a handful of tests with failing grades at the top of the pages and red ink filling the margins. There was also a note written on a torn piece of paper from his teacher.

The note was addressed to “whom it may concern” and explained that my new student was severely below grade level in all subjects, failing all his assignments and needed intensive tutoring and support outside of the classroom or would not be promoted to the next grade.

My heart broke. I felt the weight of his future in my hands. As an education advocate, I knew the statistics, that if my little friend could not read by the end of the year, he would be four times more likely to drop out of school.

We studiously talked through all of his tests and I gave him problems to work on to make sure he fully understood how to correctly complete the test questions. I tried to make him laugh throughout the morning and even managed to get a few slight, barely-noticeable smiles. I told him that I wanted to see him next time so we could continue our progress.

When I went home that afternoon, I continued to think of my new student the rest of the day and for the following weeks thereafter. I agonized over how his, and many students like him, unattended academic challenges had led to a strong disinterest in school and aversion to schoolwork, which continued to contribute to his problems in the classroom.

I never saw that little boy again. But I wake up on my assigned Saturday mornings thinking maybe I’ll see him today. I can't give up on him. Sometimes all us tutors and mentors can do is relish in the small victories, bring a smile to a young person’s face and hope they keep coming back. It may not seem like a lot – but it might, just might, help break the cycle of poverty, crime and hopelessness.

Happy National Mentoring Month to all the tutors and mentors that make a difference in the lives of young people everyday. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, pledge to join United Way’s Readers, Tutors and Mentors initiative. If you are interested in supporting policies and programs that promote mentoring in schools, send a message to your congressional representative today.

MLK Day of Service provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of how ordinary individuals can volunteer their time to help make their communities a better place. Today, United Way is proud to join thousands of Americans on MLK Day of Service to renew our commitment to helping students succeed. Sometimes all it takes is a caring individual to make the difference between a graduate and a dropout. Take the pledge to become a volunteer readers, tutors or mentor today. 

United Way believes that education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. It is also critical in improving equality, social justice and economic opportunity -issues of great importance to Dr. King. In 2008, United Way launched a 10-year initiative to cut by half the number of young people who drop out of high school by 2018. Building on this work and in honor of MLK Day we invite individuals to take action today by learning more and pledging to join us in improving the education of America’s kids!

Communities across the country are getting involved today with United Way by hosting a variety of local volunteer activities such as the following:

Portsmouth, NH - United Way of Greater Seacoast is hosting a volunteer readers training to help get more caring adults engaged with young people.

Seattle, WA - United Way of King County is partnering on a number of local projects that will help improve the Seattle community through the support of more than a thousand volunteers. For example, volunteers will be helping to winterize and increase the energy efficiency for a local school.

Morrisville, NC - United Way of the Greater Triangle is hosting projects in Johnston, Durham, Orange and Wake counties to collect and sort diapers, new undergarments, gently used or new clothes and non-perishable food. Learn more here.

Santa Rosa, CA - United Way of the Wine Country is partnering with Americorps VISTA, the Volunteer Center of Sonoma, and Community Action Partnership of Sonoma to spread the word about our Earn It, Keep It, Save It, free tax preparation program.  Youth and adult volunteers will be canvassing two low-income neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, California with information about the tax prep program. Learn more here.

Columbus, OH – United Way of Central Ohio is hosting an event to help inform and invite community members to “Commit to the Dream” by considering a role as a volunteer mentor.

Silicon Valley, CA – United Way Silicon Valley is “Keeping the Dream Alive” on MLK Day with volunteers who will support K-12 teachers in the Bay Area and their students. Volunteers will participate in projects to help create hands-on literacy kits to use in the classroom that serve to engage and inspire children to learn.

Lancaster, PA – United Way of Lancaster County has helped coordinate volunteers across the County to assist with tasks, projects and special activities that answer Dr. King’s call to service. For example, individuals may help with fitness programs at senior care centers, tutoring children at a local women and children’s center, and much more.

Findlay, OH - United Way of Hancock County is sponsoring local partners to host “Plant a Dream – Grow a Community”, a project aimed to inspire children to be agents of change through service and volunteerism. Volunteers today will assist with a food drive and gardening activities for children.

National Collaboration for Youth-United Way Worldwide Congressional Briefing:

In February 2011, United Way Worldwide partnered with the National Collaboration for Youth to host a congressional briefing on children and youth issues in the 112th Congress.  The briefing highlighted the National Collaboration for Youth’s 2011 policy agenda: Building a Brighter Future. The speakers, which included David Johns, Senior Education Advisor for the Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee, focused on the major developmental aspects of a child’s life, from birth to 24 years, and how policies and legislation can improve the conditions of children and youth. 

United Way Education Town Hall:

In March 2011, United Way joined with moderator Soledad O'Brien, to host the United Way Education Town Hall in our nation’s capital. The top education leaders and advocates from across the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors attended for a candid conversation about our shared education challenges—and what we can do together to face them. Participants included U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes, and former CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service Patrick Corvington.

Building a Grad Nation Summit:

In March 2011, United Way played an active role in America’s Promise Alliance’s Building a Grad Nation Summit in Washington, DC. Commemorating the launch of the Alliance’s 10-year Grad Nation campaign, the Summit brought together community organizations, educators, local and state leaders, national nonprofit organizations, businesses, youth and others to not only share progress on the goal to end the high school dropout crisis but also catalyze additional action. 

Save AmeriCorps Call to Action:

Amidst threats that AmeriCorps would be eliminated in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget, United Way worked to mobilize individuals online and offline to preserve this critical program that employs thousands and leverages millions of volunteers. Fortunately, as a result of many of these efforts, AmeriCorps was preserved in the FY2011 appropriations bill.

United Way Hill Day 2011:

In September 2011, the United Way Worldwide Public Policy team hosted a policy training and Hill Day for United Way staffers and supporters from across the nation. The training focused on how United Way can better respond to state and local budget cuts and meet the needs of the communities we serve. Participants met with their representatives on Capitol Hill and advocated for United Way’s Education, Income and Health policy priorities. In particular, participants urged Congress to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and include programs and policies that support school readiness, middle school success and on-time high school graduation.

Business Community Outreach for Early Learning Funding: In response to potential funding cuts to early learning programs in the FY2012 budget, United Way partnered with the First Five Years Fund (FFYF) to lift up the influential voices of business champions. United Way worked with FFYF and several national organizations to invite major business leaders to sign onto a letter to members of Congress in support of investments in early childhood education. The letter was published in the print edition of Politico in October 2011. With the help of the business community’s support, early learning programs, including Head Start, the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), and the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, received significant gains in funding in the FY2012 appropriations bill.

As a new year begins, we look back at last year’s successes and lessons learned with pride and gratitude and look forward to advancing our goal to cut the nation’s dropout rate in half with many of our key national, state and local partners in 2012.

United Way knows that gaining access to a good education is a key factor contributing to future success. In fact, individuals with a high school diploma tend to earn 74% more than those who fail to graduate. United Way aims to help students start, stay in school and do their best. However, with more than one million young people dropping out annually we will need significant interventions. Research proves that when caring volunteers work with students of all ages, these young people will have a better chance at success! United Way's effort to recruit one million new volunteer readers, tutors and mentors is a way to connect volunteers with students who need the support. Each volunteer can make a critical difference in students life.

United Way and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. share a vision for a world where every individual is able to achieve their full potential. If we all work together we can help create the changes needed to help kids succeed! The best way to honor Dr. King on January 16 is by volunteering. Won't you join us?

Search additional volunteer opportunities for Monday January 16 here.

You don’t have to be a tax expert to help.  Many United Ways across the country offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a successful, proven strategy that mobilizes and trains volunteers to provide free tax service to working individuals and their families. VITA assists taxpayers who are struggling to make ends meet by saving them the cost of tax preparation and helping them claim all tax credits for which they are eligible.

For example, in 2011, United Way of Central Iowa VITA volunteers helped return a total of $4.3 million to its clients, in tax refunds and in refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child & Dependent Care Tax Credits. Each VITA client saved approximately $150 in tax preparation fees plus fees associated with refund anticipation loans.

Behind every return there is a story. Volunteers hear these stories and experience first-hand how they are making a difference every time they volunteer. Greeters, processors, tax preparers and quality review volunteers appreciate how their specific role contributes to these families’ financial stability.  All volunteers receive free training.

VITA is central to increasing the number of families who are financially stable and can have a ripple effect into the U.S. economy, as families that receive these funds typically spend them on the necessities of life.
United Way aims to cut by half the number of low-income families who are financially unstable by 2018.  Can you think of a better way to spend tax season next year? Contact your local United Way to learn more.  

Find your Local United Way

Kid’s Clothing: Most needed are warm winter clothes like jackets, hats, gloves, socks and boots. Baby items such as diapers and pajamas are always in demand.

Kids Toys, Books, & Activities: New or gently used books, puzzles, games, toys, DVDs, and art supplies.

Bus Passes: Transportation is often a challenge for individuals and families struggling to get back on their feet. Bus passes can help get someone to a job interview or class

Food: Many organizations accept non-perishable food items. Please contact the specific organization about their ability to accept perishable food items such as turkeys. Also, some organizations have seasonal needs which vary.

Gift Cards for Goods, Service & Activities: Gift cards are an easy way for organizations to distribute assistance to where it will do the most good, such as a birthday gift for a teen staying at a shelter or a gas card for a family experiencing a temporary shortfall.

Household Goods & Appliances: This could be a variety of items including water bottles, alarm clocks/radios, blankets, pillows, bedding, cleaning supplies, disposable paper products, pots/pans, lamps, bicycles and cameras.

Personal Care & Basic First Aid Supplies: Most needed items are diapers, personal hygiene pads, cotton swabs, tissues, towels, washcloths, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs/brushes, sewing kits, band aids, blood pressure cuffs, vitamins, gauzes, antibiotic cream, antacids, hydrogen peroxide, and ice packs. 

These are simple service projects that can be done throughout the holiday season, in any order you wish, to spread the joy of giving and volunteering!

Day 1

Toy Drive - Take part in a toy drive and contribute to local agencies serving children.

Day 2

Share the Warmth - Donate a coat or other winter clothing that you no longer use to the Salvation Army or another local agency and help keep someone warm this holiday season.

Day 3

Brighten Someone’s Day - Sometimes, all it takes is a kind word or gesture to improve someone's day!

Day 4

Make a Sweet Treat - There are so many local organizations that put a lot of time and effort into making a better holiday season for others. Show them your gratitude with some baked goods for the staff.

Day 5

Write a Holiday Card - Write a greeting card to your family, a friend, or a vetera to wish them a happy holiday season! Consider those who may not be receiving many cards this year or who have no local family members. 

Day 6

Dinner with a Family - Find a family to enjoy a meal with. Share the joy of a home cooked dinner with someone you don’t often get to spend time with.

Day 7

Care for the Planet and Environment - Carpool with somebody on your way to work or school and make sure you’re picking up after yourself!

Day 8

Go Grocery Shopping - When you’re in the grocery store, buy an extra can or two and donate it. Share a meal with someone less fortunate this holiday season!

Day 9

Go Online - Visit your local United Way website to learn more about local needs and programs you can support by Giving, Advocating, and/or Volunteering.

Day 10

Wish List - Find a wish tree or a wish list at local nonprofit and buy a gift for someone less fortunate.

Day 11

Share a Holiday Story / Special Memory - Find a loved one or a younger child and read a holiday story or share a special holiday memory from your childhood.  

Day 12

Lend a Hand - Do something without being asked. For example, help someone by carrying their groceries or hold the door open for a stranger. 

I cried passionately when I read about the civil rights struggles of African Americans in The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes and laughed out loud at the stories of sibling rivalry and love in Little Women. These books taught me about the resiliency of the human spirit and fostered a curiosity about the world around me.

Unfortunately, not all children have the opportunity to enjoy a good book this holiday season. In 2009, “The Nation’s Report Card” showed that only 33 percent of fourth graders read at a proficient level. Early literacy proficiency is critical in laying the foundation for student success. Failure to read on track by the end of third grade not only has negative consequences for children and their families, but it also has significant economic implications for our nation, leading to increased costs for remediation and special education.

To ensure that our young people receive critical literacy development and support services, we must make literacy a priority in the federal budget. The Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program, which is the only targeted federal literacy funding for birth through grade 12, is at real risk of being eliminated.

It provides for a strong federal investment in high quality literacy instruction that helps states improve programs to strengthen the literacy skills of all students. Striving Readers did not receive any funding in the last appropriations bill and is on the chopping block for funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 appropriations bill.

Through Striving Readers, forty-eight states received formula funding in 2010 to create state literacy teams. In a competitive grant process in 2011 that built on that initial investment in preparing states for effective leadership, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas were awarded implementation grants. Without renewed funding in FY 2012, the Department of Education may not be able to continue funding the existing grantees, much less provide resources to additional states.

As Congress considers appropriations for FY 2012, join us in urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) to fund Striving Readers at $183 million – the level approved by the Senate’s LHHS Appropriations Committee. Help us give the gift of literacy to children this year and many years to come.

Send A Message

Send A Message to Chairman of the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee Denny Rehberg:

Tweet: Hey @DennyRehberg  Pls support funding for Striving Readers at the senate level of $183 million. Help our #KidsWin

Write a message on his Facebook wall: Hello Congressman Rehberg, Please fund Striving Readers in the House appropriations bill - at the senate level of $183 million. The ability to read and write is the foundation for all other education. We need to make literacy a national priority.  

So as an increasing number of families turn to the Safety Net for assistance, federal spending goes up. “Entitlement” programs like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP and others are counter-cyclical. That is, spending on entitlements goes up as the economy goes down. They are specifically designed to serve families who fall into eligibility during down economic times not only to provide for these families in difficult times of need, but also to stabilize the economy and our nation overall.

But the root of our problems is not so much that federal spending has gone up for the Safety Net – spending on the Safety Net is both a symptom of the real root problem AND part of the solution. Rather, during a time of unprecedented wealth and a widening wealth gap, the root of our problem is that more and more Americans are struggling and working hard in an economy that simply isn’t working for them.

So while our leaders battle over a grand solution to today’s economic stratification, United Way advocates to maintain and strengthen the Safety Net that is keeping an increasing number of American families afloat. CHIP provides health care for children whose families earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private health insurance on their own. And the Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) is an extraordinarily flexible program that can help families with rent, utilities, food and other staples in their time of need.

Please support these vital federal programs by contacting your Members of Congress through liveunited.org  today, and ask them to protect and strengthen these key programs. It’s a start. 

Today, December 5th is United Way Worldwide Day of Action and was launched to galvanize volunteers and organizations worldwide around education, financial stability and health issues.  It connects the international network and aligns with the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day, which also occurs on December 5th each year. International Volunteer Day celebrates and thanks volunteers worldwide while increasing awareness of the value of volunteers.  

This year, United Ways in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Guatemala, Honduras,  India, Panama and the United States will take action to address critical local needs in education, financial stability and health by providing strategic volunteer opportunities that connect individuals and organizations to make a difference in communities.  Some examples of what's happening around the world include:

• a Volunteer Walk-a-thon in Kolkata, India
• a Worldwide Week of Action for corporate volunteers in Argentina to paint classrooms, sort food or plant trees.
• Launching LIVE UNITED campaigns in Guatemala, Chile and Panama
• Facilitating a critical neighborhood assessment in Belleville (Paris), France
• “Stuffing the Bus” full of winter clothes to be donated to vulnerable youth in Calgary, Canada

These efforts will support United Way’s commitment to community impact and will also generate excitement for people worldwide to give, advocate and volunteer in their communities.  We hope you’ll take a moment today to support Worldwide Day of Action and add extra visibility around the world by following us on twitter: @live_united, hashtags #UnitedWay or #2011Action, or post messages at on Facebook.

By Yeni E. Peña
Chemist, National Starch 

As the sunshine warmed up the morning on this October day, the Systems Design & Measurement team worked as “one” outside the offices and labs of National Starch, for the first time.

The United Way Healthy Kids Zones-Driven by GMC provided my colleagues and me the opportunity to create a playground to keep kids active and healthy at the Learning Gate Daycare in Bridgewater, NJ.  As we landscaped and carried mulch in wheelbarrows, we were all elated to hear the sound of kids playing in the background. Even more warming than the sun above us, was to hear a 4 year-old yell out, in his sweet voice, “Look! They are building a new playground for us!” and to hear his classmates respond with laughter, smiles, and a few jumping up and down yell “yay!” 

This program is part of United Way’s nationwide effort to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018. Our involvement in the community to support healthy living and building a healthy play space for kids, exemplifies living united. LIVE UNITED, how can two simple words be so meaningful?

Imagine the mayor, superintendent of schools and other key community leaders gathered around the table to co-create a brighter future for your community. Through the two and a half day Harwood Public Innovators Lab, held at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center in Alexandria, Virginia, United Way CEO’s, staff and community leaders are learning to make opportunities like that a reality. The first step of that process, they are realizing through the lab, is adopting the tested method of “turning outward” and authentically listening to their communities.

“We’re launching this initiative at an important time for United Ways - and for the country,” Rich Harwood says in a video welcome which explains this unique learning experience came to be. 

Many in the United Way network have already found the lab to be valuable in helping them achieve their mission, which is why United Way and The Harwood Institute have joined together to co-host this event next week on December 5-7.

United Way is proud to continue the tradition of quality learning at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center. Stay tuned for outcomes from this important event. 

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteering, including the mobilization of volunteers. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. It values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteering.

UNV is inspired by the conviction that volunteering can transform the pace and nature of development and by the idea that everyone can contribute their time and energy towards peace and development. With partners, UNV advocates for volunteering, integrates volunteering into development planning and mobilizes volunteers. The enormous potential of volunteering is an inspiration to UNV and to volunteers around the world.

The very first State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program will be launched on December 5, 2011 in many countries around the world with the main launch being held in New York.  The report examines important contributions in diverse fields such as sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, social cohesion, disaster risk reduction, governance and political participation. By suggesting how volunteering can be taken forward, the SWVR also provides an alternative vision of a better society. The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report shows that, in most societies around the world, volunteers make significant contributions to economic and social development. 

In addition to making donations or volunteering, today you can be an advocate for people who need help by supporting the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. And your advocacy now will help people year round.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program began in 1983. The program was created by Congress in response to the economic recession at the time to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.  EFSP is designed to supplement private donations to basic-needs charities.   As EFSP has demonstrated success, Congress has increased funding during the last several decades to $200 million in Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.   

During its 28 years of operation, the program disbursed over $3.7 billion to over 14,000 local service organizations in more than 2,500 counties and cities.   Each community, represented by local charities, determines how EFSP funds are allocated to families and individuals for:

• Food, in the form of served meals or groceries.
• Lodging in a mass shelter or hotel.
• One month's rent or mortgage payment.
• One month's utility bill. 

Unfortunately, the combination of private donations and EFSP funding has not been sufficient to meet the needs during this extended economic crisis.  Additionally, in 2011, Congress reduced funding for the program from $200 million to $120 million.  And the gridlock in Congress earlier this year meant that the funds were not distributed to local communities for months later than normal. 

Your U.S. Senators and Member of Congress need to hear from you that EFSP funding is critical for supporting needs in your community.  Ask your federal representatives to restore EFSP funding to $200 million for 2012.  In addition, Congress must pass a funding bill for 2012 by December 16.  If it is a temporary funding bill, then Congress must direct the Department of Homeland Security to release the full EFSP funding immediately.  People who need food and shelter cannot wait for politics.

Email your representative today. 

Family volunteering teaches positive values to children and can help create a new generation of dedicated volunteers and engaged citizens. Volunteering as a child or youth increases self-esteem, responsibility and an interest in learning, and helps kids develop new social skills. Children who volunteer are less likely to become involved in at-risk behaviors and can develop empathy and learn that one person can make a difference.
 
So think about the difference your family can make during the holiday season.  It is not too late to make a difference in 2011.  

Change won’t happen without you – and your family.  

I was disappointed when the hubbub about Nickelback performing at this year’s Thanksgiving Day halftime show in Detroit hit the internet a few weeks ago. It was a distracting and mean-spirited message that overshadowed the fact that, beyond the halftime show, Nickelback has stepped up and partnered with United Way on two initiatives designed to raise additional funds and volunteers for our work in education.

Nickelback Fan Contest for the Community: Nickelback and United Way are offering fans the opportunity to win a trip to the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game by pledging to become a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor. Fans can enter to win at liveunited.org/nickelback. One lucky winner will receive two suite-level tickets to the game, roundtrip flights (2) and hotel accommodations (1) as well as a meet and greet opportunity at the dress rehearsal and an opportunity to see the halftime show from the field. The deadline to enter is Monday, November 21 at 8:00 AM ET.

Nickelback Gives a Quarter Back: Additionally, Nickelback is supporting United Way is in its effort to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors by contributing $.25 for every pledge (up to $100,000) to volunteer as a reader, tutor or mentor at liveunited.org/nickelback through December 31, 2011.

See, Thanksgiving is a BIG DEAL at United Way. More than just simple entertainment, our halftime show at the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game is the single, largest opportunity we have all year to get a very important message out. We don’t do it alone, of course. Without our partners - the NFL, the Detroit Lions, E2K and the halftime performers – this could not happen.

Thing is, I know the NFL, the Detroit Lions and E2K are committed to the work of the United Way. The halftime talent? Well, you just never know…

Every year, I hold my breath and cross my fingers that the talent that is chosen to perform at the halftime show will get "it." That they will understand and support the idea that they have the unique opportunity to spread a very important message on a very large scale.

Some years are better than others. We’ve had halftime performers that are all in – donating extra time and money, volunteering with us prior to the show, co-hosting media events with us, etc. And we’ve had halftime performers that came to Ford Field not interested in doing anything more than what they are contracted to do – perform. Simply put, some get “it” and some don’t.

Let me tell you – Nickelback gets “it.” From the time they signed on to perform at this year’s halftime show, they have been working with us to lift up the very important work of United Way and its volunteers. And, no, Nickelback is not a local band. And, no, their music does not appeal to everyone. But, in the end, Nickelback is committed to the Common Good. They have been gracious, they are putting their notoriety to good use for a great cause and they have completely, without question, stepped up to the plate in support of this community.

So, in response to the question, "Do we really want the rest of the US to associate Detroit with Nickelback?" I, for one, respond with a resounding, YES! The support Nickelback has shown this city is the very essence of what it means to be a part of this community. If you care for the people and plight of this city, and are willing to put your talents and passion behind it, you are a Detroiter. Nickelback has proven that they are every bit as much of a part of metro Detroit as me or you.

Detroit, embrace your own!

Join me in celebrating with Nickelback on Thanksgiving Day and join Nickelback in volunteering to help those in our community in need. Pledge now to become a volunteer reader, tutor and mentor for a metro Detroit child in need.

When it comes to the health of our nation, United Way cares about ensuring that everyone has health insurance, that folks eat well, and that Americans remain active and energized.

Specifically for children, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program provide vital health care to children whose families don’t receive coverage from their employer, or who don’t earn enough money to afford coverage on their own.

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) commissioned a survey by Lake Research Partners interviewing over 1,900 families at 250% of the federal poverty level or less. One-third of the families had children covered by Medicaid; a third were covered by CHIP; and a third received coverage through their employers.  The intent was to measure perceptions of these programs from families who are eligible for it; find what works and what doesn’t work about the program; and learn what strategies work best in terms of connecting kids to coverage.

Some of the key findings were as follows:

• Families whose children were covered by Medicaid or CHIP were more satisfied with their care than those receiving employer-sponsored care
• The top reason why families enroll their children in Medicaid or CHIP is for “peace of mind.”  Families also like the programs because they are affordable and due to the menu of services provided to their children
• The top barriers to enrollment were the perceptions that enrollment is hard, and that families think they earn too much to qualify.  Families didn’t know whom to call or where to turn to learn information about the programs
• English speakers tend to prefer to enroll online or via post, whereas Spanish speakers tend to prefer enrolling at government agencies
• The most trusted messengers about Medicaid and CHIP are doctors and nurses
• A great majority are satisfied with the enrollment process
• For English speakers, it’s important to emphasize the eligible income range; that enrollment is available online; and to arm doctors and nurses with outreach and enrollment information
• For Spanish speakers, it’s important to provide information in Spanish, emphasize affordability, and inform them that in-person assistance is available

View the Survey Topline 

Tweet About It

If you’d like to DO something to support Medicaid and CHIP, tweet about it!  As the ‘Super Committee’ (Congress’ Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction) considers ways to reduce the deficit, many are concerned that kids could get cut when it comes to their health and well-being.  So register your support for Medicaid and CHIP by tweeting “Medicaid and CHIP work!” with the hashtags #dontcutkids #kidswin #jsc #medicaid #chip.  

CLICK TO TWEET NOW

Fall can also be a time to simplify and derail holiday stress before it happens!  Volunteering as a family gives you a way to reaffirm your values, strengthen family bonds and even improve communications.  Learn more about volunteering as a family.  Having trouble convincing the kids?  Arm yourself with the compelling reasons they’ll enjoy their time as a volunteer.

Volunteering as a family provides quality time for busy families and positively impacts local communities across the nation.  Learn more about opportunities near you.
   

On a national level, United Way of Acadiana’s 2011 Women’s Leadership Council video recently won top honors in the Literacy Awareness category of the Literacy Powerline and Literacy Funders Network video contest.

Literacy Powerline and Literacy Funders Network conducted a national search for literacy visionaries looking to build a better future. The contest was open to video entries about innovative ways to build a more literate community.

United Way of Acadiana’s short video won the Literacy Awareness category due to its ability to “inspire and motivate the community to join in the literacy effort,” according to the official award letter.  The video captures the importance of early grade literacy in a heart-tugging show of children reading, parent testimonials, and beautiful imagery. It also highlights the Women’s Leadership Council work with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Watch the Award Winning Video

Local Recognition

On a local level, United Way of Acadiana’s United Way Readers Program was highlighted in the local newspaper, The Advocate.  The article specifically highlights part of the program where 1st and 2nd graders were paired with high school students to read together once a week. Read the Article

Congratulations to the United Way of Acadiana on this recognition of their great work!

You too, can help kids learn to read – pledge to be a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor today.

As Congress moves to rewrite the No Child Left Behind bill, debate is heating up about how to reform our education system to raise student achievement in our classrooms and prepare the next generation to succeed in the 21^st Century. While we can all agree that far too many students drop out of school before graduation, there exists a tension between providing greater school accountability and flexibility, and our young people are caught in the crosshairs.

American Education Week (Nov. 13-19) is an opportunity for us to honor those individuals that work everyday to make a difference for children in local communities across the nation. Do we need to fix the flaws of No Child Left Behind? Yes. Do we need to better ensure all our children have access to a high-quality education? Unequivocally yes. And while it’s imperative that our nation has a serious debate about how to achieve these goals, it’s also important to take a moment to honor those who are working tirelessly to prepare our young people for success in college, career and life.

Too often, the debate about our education system focuses only on the problems we face, and falls short of celebrating the many unsung classroom heroes. Every day there seems to be another article exposing the horrors of our education system, and not nearly enough spotlighting the devoted teachers, competent principals and parents that will do whatever is necessary to make certain our children succeed. We believe that a tear in the fabric anywhere weakens the entire cloth. We’re all in this together.

At the same time, we have a long way to go to fix the significant educational disparities between zip codes  America has some of the best schools in the world, providing cutting edge learning environments that prepare students for success in life.  But in many communities, schools need our help to catch up. Low graduation rates, rundown facilities, and low literacy rates create an unfair disadvantage for students without access to a good education.   

As countless individuals rise to the challenge and seek to improve our education system and create opportunities for all, we must also recognize the great work and sacrifices of so many teachers and professionals who are leading the way. These are the individuals that are often forgotten in the debate between accountability and flexibility.  

As United Way Worldwide works to influence the policy process on Capitol Hill and advocate for a reauthorized bill that advances the common good, we also want to take the time to thank the millions of educators, school administrators and volunteers that help create a brighter, stronger future for the children we serve. 

Video edited and produced by Kory Woods

Community Blog

By Jason Johnson
Senior, Eastern Michigan University

Since 2007, 12.4 percent of Michigan children have suffered from childhood obesity. Many have pegged this problem as an epidemic given it has serious consequences if not addressed properly. The causes are genetics, lack of knowledge about good nutrition and the benefits of physical activity. But the lack of finances also has to be taken into consideration. Choosing the healthy options over less expensive fast food makes the fight to live healthier hard for some. However, great effort is being put forth in Detroit, Michigan to offer kids healthier options and increased opportunities to play.

Saturday, October 8 kicked off GMC’s Monday Night Football Tour in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. To wrap up this four-day tour, a day of service was planned on October 11 to help Detroit kids live a healthier life with a United Way Healthy Kids Zone—Driven by GMC.

It took approximately 50 volunteers working together to complete the play space in a matter of hours. I, being one of those 50, truly enjoyed constructing the Healthy Kids Zone. It is absolutely amazing the things that can be accomplished when dedicated people come together to achieve a goal. The day started early with a bare ground that had a few pre-drilled holes in it. Volunteers huddled up, a play was drawn, and we were off wrenching away to complete the build. No penalty flags were thrown as the weather was nothing but perfect.

As the sledge hammers were swinging, Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew stopped by to lend a helping hand. He was instrumental in the construction efforts and his high level of determination was felt by everyone. Brandon displayed great teamwork skills and even provided us with a pep talk during a break. In addition to Brandon, GMC’s Vice President of Marketing, Tony DiSalle, shared a few words of encouragement. In my opinion, it was great to see how sincere he was about playing a key role in promoting healthier living among Detroit children. Many other notables, like representatives from the Detroit Department of Recreation made appearances to gives thanks for the great gift.

Timing is everything. This project was started after the area children went to school and reached completion just before school was dismissed. To see how the space was transformed gave me a great sense of fulfillment. I can only imagine the look on the kids’ faces as they walked home from school that evening. Building the Healthy Kids Zone proved that phenomenal things happen when people come together for good. My hat is off to United Way and GMC for helping to make our communities better.

We are thrilled to be teaming up with Tickets-for-Charity® to offer our supporters an exciting opportunity to access incredible lower level, 50 yard-line seats for all upcoming Vikings home games to benefit United Way! These seats are in sections SOLD OUT at the box office, including 5 rows back from the Vikings bench:

• Nov. 20 vs. Oakland Raiders
• Dec. 4 vs. Denver Broncos
• Dec. 18 vs. New Orleans Saints
• Jan. 1 vs. Chicago Bears

Here’s your chance to see Adrian Peterson, talented rookie Christian Ponder, and all the Minnesota Vikings action up close with incredible seats. Visit Tickets-for-Charity to get your tickets today!