Student United Way Annual Report
y a W d e t 0 --2011 i n Uort 201 t n p e d l Re a u u St Ann
Student United Way GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. UnitedWay.org/student
Annual Report 2010 --2011
Young people across the country are helping to improve their local communities by giving, advocating and volunteering in the areas of education, income and health. This powerful force called Student United Way is a network of studentled organizations committed to advancing the common good. Students who participate gain: valuable leadership skills; knowledge about critical community issues; new perspectives on what role they can play as individuals to create positive community change; genuine, lasting relationships with their United Way colleagues; and much more. As these students become leaders for their peers and on their campuses, they develop an appreciation and become catalysts for the United Way movement. When they graduate, student leaders join an alumni network to keep them involved in long-term community change.
Student United Way has engaged thousands of students by creating opportunities to give, advocate and volunteer in their communities. The size of the movement itself has grown to 62 clubs in institutions of higher education in 32 states across the United States which includes: four-year colleges and universities, junior and community colleges, technical and trade schools, and high schools. There are also 55 United Ways working with Student United Ways in communities of all sizes. During the 2010–2011 academic year, the Student United Way movement, engaged 195 officers and 1,680 club members and received 41 sponsor and 6773 individual donations, the Student United Way movement also:
R Raised more than $112,916 R Organized 248 service projects R Participated in 239 service projects hosted by other agencies olunteered for 32,257 hours, equaling 1,344 days of service and leveraging R V $689,000 in human capital R Recruited 6,348 volunteers R Reached over 62,855 individuals through advocacy efforts Student United Way has mobilized community members to give, advocate and volunteer exponentially. For every individual who donated to Student United Way at least one volunteer engaged in more than four hours of active service. For every volunteer that engaged in service, Student United Way reached ten more individuals through advocacy efforts.
RESULTS
As students become leaders for their peers and on their campuses, they develop an appreciation and become catalysts for the United Way movement. To support this individual engagement and the growing movement of Student United Way, student leaders, United Way representatives and campus advisors can take advantage of the following signature programs when exploring more ways to LIVE UNITED.
Student United Way Leadership Retreat Each year, the Student United Way Leadership Retreat offers student leaders, campus advisers, and United Way representatives from across the country a chance to connect with other schools, build skills and share promising practices. Anyone interested in Student United Way is invited to attend, creating a great mix of new and seasoned student leaders, United Way staff and campus advisors every year. The retreat, held each September at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicates more than half the agenda to direct interaction and club sharing. Students are able to ask questions and share their knowledge, ideas and experience with one another. Participants also: Build leadership skills
“I feel so inspired to take back so many ideas from other campuses and make our own Student United Way grow.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PRESIDENT
Attend hands-on workshops from campus-organizing pros Develop relationships with student leaders, United Way professionals and campus advisors Get an inside look at United Way and start (or grow) their own Student United Way Learn how students can LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering Why should you consider attending? Inspiration, networking and idea sharing Training tips and techniques, ice-breaker ideas as well as materials for use Workshops on club management, member recruitment and retention, social media L earning about Student United Way goals, objectives and ways to get involved with signature programs eeting new student leaders and learning new ideas, brainstorming, collaborating and M connecting with other students sharing the same purpose For current information on the upcoming Student United Way Leadership Retreat visit unitedway.org/student.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in the Student United Way Leadership Retreat. We feel so fortunate – the event was amazing and we each gained so much from the experience. The connections we made are important and we truly came away with the understanding that United Way Worldwide staff are accessible and eager to be engaged in the local work. More importantly, we left with a greater understanding of the power of the movement as a whole and our interconnectedness.” – UNITED WAY REPRESENTATIVE 2
Join United Way to Recruit One Million Volunteer Readers, Tutors and Mentors Today, two-thirds of American fourth graders can’t read at grade level and more than 1.2 million students drop out of school before graduation each year, reflecting over $300 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetime. How can Student United Ways address this challenge? By getting involved. United Way launched an ambitious goal to recruit and mobilize one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors because research shows that volunteers who engage children in reading have a direct impact on their academic success. Reading together creates a fun learning opportunity and Student United Ways are finding new and creative ways to contribute to this effort as individuals and as a school. To explore ways that your Student United Way can get involved visit unitedway.org/ suwvolunteer, take the pledge to become a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor, find valuable stories, research and tools on how to engage, like the United Way resource: Tools and Tips for Reading with Children, and check out our online tool to search for volunteer opportunities near you.
United Way Alternative Spring Break
“The most valuable part of this retreat was meeting other people who are interested in advancing the common good.” – STUDENT
For more than seven years, United Way has provided students with an opportunity to give back during their spring break. Through this unique collaboration between United Way and Deloitte, nearly 2,500 students have traded in their swim suits for tool belts and participated in Alternative Spring Break in dozens of communities across the country, contributing more than 77,000 hours of volunteer service. In 2011 alone, nearly 500 students provided 13,500 hours of service valued at more than $288,300. Participating students indicate that the Alternative Spring Break experience has inspired them to improve their communities, as a leader and volunteer, when they return home. It has also been the catalyst for the development of numerous Student United Ways and continues to support student participation in this unique program. For information on upcoming United Way Alternative Spring Break opportunities visit unitedway.org/asb.
3
Student United Way, on more than 60 campuses across the country, is working hard to advance the common good by giving, advocating and volunteering. All of this hard work has not gone unnoticed. Academic institutions have recognized Student United Way members as exceptional student leaders on campus and communities have recognized Student United Way for its active promotion of the movement to LIVE UNITED. This is why in March 2011 United Way Worldwide launched its inaugural awards program to draw attention to the collective efforts of every Student United Way across the country and to highlight: outstanding individual leadership; exceptional Student United Way organizations; savvy social media skills; and successful program efforts that bring LIVE UNITED to life. Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, presented Student United Way Awards at the annual United Way Staff Leaders Conference on Friday, May 6, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. More than 1,800 local representatives from the United Way network were present to witness the inaugural awards presentation.
2011 STUDENT UNITED WAY AWARD WINNERS Student United Way Campus Organization of the Year.....Cornell University (NY) Student United Way Leader of the Year.............................Alexandria Lee, Saint Louis University (MO) Student United Way Campus Advisor of the Year..............Kathy Kotecki, Montana State University Billings (MT) Innovation Award...............................................................Kansas State University (KS) LIVE UNITED People’s Choice Award..................................1st Place Binghamton University (NY) ...........................................................................................2nd Place Sault Area High School (MI) LIVE UNITED in Action Awards.......... EDUCATION INCOME HEALTH GIVE ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER
Montana State University Billings (MT) University of Florida (FL) University of Florida (FL) Florida State University (FL) University of Louisville (KY) Northern Michigan University (MI)
4
RECOGNITION
With the union of today’s young leaders’ energy, talent and innovation and United Way guidance, resources and support, Student United Ways have organized novel events that not only engage a diverse range of community groups in efforts to give, advocate and volunteer, but also make significant contributions to advance the common good in their communities. EDUCATION In the focus area of education the Student United Way of Montana State University Billings (MT) created the innovative “Jacket Pals” program. Student United Way members forged relationships with a few local elementary schools and corresponded via email throughout the semester with the school children – 3rd and 4th graders, and kids with special needs. In creating the Jacket Pals Program, the Student United Way of Montana State University Billings focused on encouraging higher education and better communication skills at a young age, in hopes of lowering the community’s high school drop-out rate in the future. INCOME and HEALTH The Student United Way of University of Florida creatively focused on the areas of income and health, by leading production of low cost cradles made from affordable items proven to be safe sleep alternatives to traditional more pricey cribs. The cradles were then donated to expecting parents for the purpose of curbing the doubling of infant deaths in Alachua County in the last two years caused by unsafe sleeping conditions. University of Florida also helped feed elementary school children, whose parents otherwise have difficulty affording a sufficient nutritious diet over the weekends,
with a Weekend Hunger Backpack Program. Student United Way of University of Florida volunteered to stuff backpacks on Wednesday mornings on a biweekly basis year-round, also helping to raise funds and collect 216 pounds of food. GIVE The exemplary fundraising efforts of the Student United Way of Florida State University contributed to the well-being of the community. As a result of their various GIVE programs held throughout the year, the Student United Way of Florida State University has managed to raise their own campaign dollars from students on campus which it then disburses to campus and local agencies. One signature GIVE program, now in its second year, was the Krispy Kreme Challenge – a fun donut-eating challenge that engaged a few hundred volunteers and raised more than $5,000. ADVOCATE The Student United Way of University of Louisville (KY) had a unique approach to spreading the word and gaining public awareness for their causes with the 4FTIN Challenge, which stands for 4 Free Tickets in November. This social media contest used Facebook to encourage students at the University of Louisville to advocate and spread the LIVE UNITED
message on campus. The students who participated in the contest had the opportunity to earn points to win four free tickets to a University of Louisville Men’s Basketball game and limo ride to and from the game. As a result of the Challenge, more than 350 students became fans of the 4FTIN page on Facebook and over 70 students were involved in the contest. It grew membership in the Student United Way significantly and increased the awareness of LIVE UNITED and Student United Way on campus. VOLUNTEER The Student United Way of Northern Michigan University has demonstrated its devotion to ongoing and consistent efforts to make a difference in the community through various activities throughout the year promoting volunteerism. Though there are several noteworthy examples, one of the first initiatives this Student United Way became involved in was at a veteran’s facility. Northern Michigan University donated old laptop computers to the facility, and Student United Way volunteers would visit to help teach the veterans how to get online and receive and send email. To an elderly veteran, living alone and with little family contact, this was life changing for many of them.
5
United Way Day of Action United Way Day of Action is a strategic volunteer program created to help advance the common good on issues of education, income and health. It mobilizes volunteers on the same day every year, June 21, in a highly visible way, to inspire people to channel their passion into lifelong action. It is an opportunity for United Ways to build on their strategies to improve education, income and health. Day of Action allows people to make the connection between their efforts – whether it’s reading to children, improving financial literacy, or getting more kids in motion – and how it will lead to a stronger community. The vision of one person, volunteering on one Day of Action, and being inspired to take action on other days throughout the year, is powerful. The idea of thousands of people in hundreds of communities being inspired to action is how we LIVE UNITED. This past year marked the fourth annual United Way Day of Action with a specific focus on education and the official launch of United Way’s goal to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors to help improve the academic success of young people across America. 258 United Ways across 50 States participated in Day of Action, engaging more than 20,000 participants with more than 1,235 community projects and activities in education, income and health. More than 240,000 individuals benefited from United Way Day of Action. Mark your calendar for June 21 and register an event, or to learn more about how your Student United Way can get involved visit online.unitedway.org/dayofaction. Be sure to register to get counted.
6
Student United Way continues to inspire young people across the nation to LIVE UNITED. They not only learn about issues affecting their communities, but they make a difference in the lives of the people within the communities, while developing as leaders of tomorrow. United Ways that work with the Student United Way have formed genuine relationships with them in advancing the common good, and assisting them through guidance and volunteer engagement. For more information or to access additional resources: Email [email protected] Visit the public webpage at unitedway.org/student or online.unitedway.org/student Follow Student United Way on Facebook at facebook.com/studentuw
“I feel so inspired to take back so many ideas from other campuses and make our own Student United Way grow.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PRESIDENT
7
Start a Student United Way The following are five easy steps to help you start a Student United Way club on a campus near you.
STEP LEARN MORE
Go to online.unitedway.org/student where a number of resources are available for download to help you start and register your club. Resources include: Starting Your Student United Way Guidebook, Student United Way Recruitment Guide and the Student United Way Annual Report 2011 to name a few.
❑ At any point in the process feel free to reach out to United Way Worldwide for help with brain-storming, trouble-shooting and to answer questions at: [email protected].
❑ Access the public webpage unitedway.org/student.
❑ Follow Student United Way on Facebook at facebook.com/studentuw to stay informed.
STEP START PLANNING ❑ PREPARATION - Consider how young people can become active contributors to advance your community objectives. Student United Ways are most successful when they are integrated in the big picture and then engaged appropriately. ❑ BRAINSTORM - Conduct mini-focus groups with students to gauge their interest and perspective on how they can contribute through Student United Way. ❑
RESOURCES - Determine the types of resources needed to develop and sustain a Student United Way. Get creative – leverage volunteers, interns, Americorps and sponsorships to establish your program. Student interns and volunteers are a proven asset when it comes to providing insight, offsetting resource constraints while gaining valuable staffing resources.
STEP IDENTIFY LEADERS ❑ Identify a lead staff person at your United Way, who is inspiring and energetic, to support the student group. ❑ Identify a student leader(s) who are enthusiastic, organized and passionate to help lead the charge in establishing a Student United Way on their campus. ❑ Help the students identify a potential advisor on campuses by leveraging your local relationships.
STEP REGISTER
The students will need to conduct research at their school to determine how to establish an official campus club. This can take more time than expected so anticipate two semesters before registration will be complete.
Once this is accomplished, register the newly founded Student United Way with United Way Worldwide. By doing so the Student United Way will be included in national records; networked with other Student United Ways across the country; get plugged in to ongoing communications and exclusive opportunities. Go to online.unitedway.org/student and click on “Register a Student United Way.”
STEP ONGOING SUPPORT
Provide ongoing support to your newly established Student United Way including: help with
marketing, promotion and student recruitment; as well as program and volunteer ideas that advance local community impact goals.
2010--2011 Student United Ways COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
CITY
Athens State University The University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California, Riverside Aims Community College University of Northern Colorado Albertus Magnus College American University Wesley College Santa Fe College University of Florida Florida State University Spelman College University of Iowa College of Lake County Joliet Junior College Augustana College Lincoln Land Community College Anderson University Indiana University Ball State University Purdue University Kansas State University University of Kentucky University of Louisville Eastern Kentucky University University of Michigan University of Michigan Dearborn Northern Michigan University Sault Area High School St. Cloud State University University of Missouri Harris-Stowe State University Saint Louis University Washington University in St. Louis The University of Mississippi Vicksburg High School Montana State University Billings University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Fayetteville State University East Carolina University North Carolina State University University of Nevada-Reno Binghamton University Tomkins Courtland Community College Cornell University Ithaca College The University of Akron University of Cincinnati The Pennsylvania State University University of Rhode Island College of Charleston Middle Tennessee State University University of Mary Hardin-Baylor West Texas A&M University University of Texas at El Paso Texas Tech University Stephen F. Austin State University Brigham Young University James Madison University Roanoke Valley High Schools University of Wisconsin - Marinette Milwaukee School of Engineering University of Wisconsin - River Falls Concord University
Athens Tuscaloosa Tucson Riverside Greeley Greeley New Haven Washington Dover Gainesville Gainesville Tallahassee Atlanta Iowa City Grayslake Joliet Rock Island Springfield Anderson Bloomington Muncie West Lafayette Manhatten Lexington Louisville Richmond Ann Arbor Dearborn Marquette Sault Ste. Marie St. Cloud Columbia St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis Oxford Vicksburg Billings Chapel Hill Fayetteville Greenville Raleigh Reno Binghamton Dryden Ithaca Ithaca Akron Cincinnati University Park Kingston Charleston Murfreesboro Belton Canyon El Paso Lubbock Nacogdoches Provo Harrisonburg Roanoke Marinette Milwaukee River Falls Athens
STATE AL AL AZ CA CO CO CT DC DE FL FL FL GA IA IL IL IL IL IN IN IN IN KS KY KY KY MI MI MI MI MN MO MO MO MO MS MS MT NC NC NC NC NV NY NY NY NY OH OH PA RI SC TN TX TX TX TX TX UT VA VA WI WI WI WV
UNITED WAY United Way of Athens- Limestone County United Way of West Alabama United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona United Way of the Inland Valleys United Way of Weld County United Way of Weld County United Way of Milford United Way of the National Capital Area United Way of Delaware United Way of North Central Florida United Way of North Central Florida United Way of the Big Bend United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta United Way of Johnson County United Way of Lake County United Way of Will County United Way of the Quad Cities Area United Way of Central Illinois United Way of Madison County United Way of Monroe County United Way of Delaware County United Way of Greater Lafayette United Way of Riley County United Way of the Bluegrass Metro United Way United Way of the Bluegrass United Way of Washtenaw County United Way for Southeastern MI United Way of Marquette County United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula United Way of Central Minnesota Heart of Missouri United Way United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County United Way of West Central Mississippi United Way of Yellowstone County United Way of the Greater Triangle United Way of Cumberland County United Way of Pitt County United Way of the Greater Triangle United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras United Way of Broome County, Inc. United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Summit County United Way of Greater Cincinnati Center County United Way United Way of Rhode Island Trident United Way United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties The United Way of Central Texas, Inc. United Way of Amarillo & Canyon United Way of El Paso County Lubbock Area United Way United Way of Nacogdoches County United Way of Utah County United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County United Way of Roanoke Valley Tri-city Area United Way United Way of Greater Milwaukee United Way St. Croix Valley United Way of the Virginias
“It is so refreshing and encouraging to see people involved and have drive for this cause. It really fuels and motivates me to go back to my school and get ready for action.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PARTICIPANT
9
701 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 U.S.A. UnitedWay.org/student
For more information contact: MEI COBB Vice President Volunteer and Employee Engagement United Way Worldwide [email protected] KIREN BANSAL Director Volunteer and Employee Engagement United Way Worldwide [email protected]
© 2012 United Way Worldwide | VEE-1211
United Way Worldwide
Student United Way GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. UnitedWay.org/student
Annual Report 2010 --2011
Young people across the country are helping to improve their local communities by giving, advocating and volunteering in the areas of education, income and health. This powerful force called Student United Way is a network of studentled organizations committed to advancing the common good. Students who participate gain: valuable leadership skills; knowledge about critical community issues; new perspectives on what role they can play as individuals to create positive community change; genuine, lasting relationships with their United Way colleagues; and much more. As these students become leaders for their peers and on their campuses, they develop an appreciation and become catalysts for the United Way movement. When they graduate, student leaders join an alumni network to keep them involved in long-term community change.
Student United Way has engaged thousands of students by creating opportunities to give, advocate and volunteer in their communities. The size of the movement itself has grown to 62 clubs in institutions of higher education in 32 states across the United States which includes: four-year colleges and universities, junior and community colleges, technical and trade schools, and high schools. There are also 55 United Ways working with Student United Ways in communities of all sizes. During the 2010–2011 academic year, the Student United Way movement, engaged 195 officers and 1,680 club members and received 41 sponsor and 6773 individual donations, the Student United Way movement also:
R Raised more than $112,916 R Organized 248 service projects R Participated in 239 service projects hosted by other agencies olunteered for 32,257 hours, equaling 1,344 days of service and leveraging R V $689,000 in human capital R Recruited 6,348 volunteers R Reached over 62,855 individuals through advocacy efforts Student United Way has mobilized community members to give, advocate and volunteer exponentially. For every individual who donated to Student United Way at least one volunteer engaged in more than four hours of active service. For every volunteer that engaged in service, Student United Way reached ten more individuals through advocacy efforts.
RESULTS
As students become leaders for their peers and on their campuses, they develop an appreciation and become catalysts for the United Way movement. To support this individual engagement and the growing movement of Student United Way, student leaders, United Way representatives and campus advisors can take advantage of the following signature programs when exploring more ways to LIVE UNITED.
Student United Way Leadership Retreat Each year, the Student United Way Leadership Retreat offers student leaders, campus advisers, and United Way representatives from across the country a chance to connect with other schools, build skills and share promising practices. Anyone interested in Student United Way is invited to attend, creating a great mix of new and seasoned student leaders, United Way staff and campus advisors every year. The retreat, held each September at the Mary M. Gates Learning Center in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicates more than half the agenda to direct interaction and club sharing. Students are able to ask questions and share their knowledge, ideas and experience with one another. Participants also: Build leadership skills
“I feel so inspired to take back so many ideas from other campuses and make our own Student United Way grow.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PRESIDENT
Attend hands-on workshops from campus-organizing pros Develop relationships with student leaders, United Way professionals and campus advisors Get an inside look at United Way and start (or grow) their own Student United Way Learn how students can LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering Why should you consider attending? Inspiration, networking and idea sharing Training tips and techniques, ice-breaker ideas as well as materials for use Workshops on club management, member recruitment and retention, social media L earning about Student United Way goals, objectives and ways to get involved with signature programs eeting new student leaders and learning new ideas, brainstorming, collaborating and M connecting with other students sharing the same purpose For current information on the upcoming Student United Way Leadership Retreat visit unitedway.org/student.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in the Student United Way Leadership Retreat. We feel so fortunate – the event was amazing and we each gained so much from the experience. The connections we made are important and we truly came away with the understanding that United Way Worldwide staff are accessible and eager to be engaged in the local work. More importantly, we left with a greater understanding of the power of the movement as a whole and our interconnectedness.” – UNITED WAY REPRESENTATIVE 2
Join United Way to Recruit One Million Volunteer Readers, Tutors and Mentors Today, two-thirds of American fourth graders can’t read at grade level and more than 1.2 million students drop out of school before graduation each year, reflecting over $300 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetime. How can Student United Ways address this challenge? By getting involved. United Way launched an ambitious goal to recruit and mobilize one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors because research shows that volunteers who engage children in reading have a direct impact on their academic success. Reading together creates a fun learning opportunity and Student United Ways are finding new and creative ways to contribute to this effort as individuals and as a school. To explore ways that your Student United Way can get involved visit unitedway.org/ suwvolunteer, take the pledge to become a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor, find valuable stories, research and tools on how to engage, like the United Way resource: Tools and Tips for Reading with Children, and check out our online tool to search for volunteer opportunities near you.
United Way Alternative Spring Break
“The most valuable part of this retreat was meeting other people who are interested in advancing the common good.” – STUDENT
For more than seven years, United Way has provided students with an opportunity to give back during their spring break. Through this unique collaboration between United Way and Deloitte, nearly 2,500 students have traded in their swim suits for tool belts and participated in Alternative Spring Break in dozens of communities across the country, contributing more than 77,000 hours of volunteer service. In 2011 alone, nearly 500 students provided 13,500 hours of service valued at more than $288,300. Participating students indicate that the Alternative Spring Break experience has inspired them to improve their communities, as a leader and volunteer, when they return home. It has also been the catalyst for the development of numerous Student United Ways and continues to support student participation in this unique program. For information on upcoming United Way Alternative Spring Break opportunities visit unitedway.org/asb.
3
Student United Way, on more than 60 campuses across the country, is working hard to advance the common good by giving, advocating and volunteering. All of this hard work has not gone unnoticed. Academic institutions have recognized Student United Way members as exceptional student leaders on campus and communities have recognized Student United Way for its active promotion of the movement to LIVE UNITED. This is why in March 2011 United Way Worldwide launched its inaugural awards program to draw attention to the collective efforts of every Student United Way across the country and to highlight: outstanding individual leadership; exceptional Student United Way organizations; savvy social media skills; and successful program efforts that bring LIVE UNITED to life. Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, presented Student United Way Awards at the annual United Way Staff Leaders Conference on Friday, May 6, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. More than 1,800 local representatives from the United Way network were present to witness the inaugural awards presentation.
2011 STUDENT UNITED WAY AWARD WINNERS Student United Way Campus Organization of the Year.....Cornell University (NY) Student United Way Leader of the Year.............................Alexandria Lee, Saint Louis University (MO) Student United Way Campus Advisor of the Year..............Kathy Kotecki, Montana State University Billings (MT) Innovation Award...............................................................Kansas State University (KS) LIVE UNITED People’s Choice Award..................................1st Place Binghamton University (NY) ...........................................................................................2nd Place Sault Area High School (MI) LIVE UNITED in Action Awards.......... EDUCATION INCOME HEALTH GIVE ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER
Montana State University Billings (MT) University of Florida (FL) University of Florida (FL) Florida State University (FL) University of Louisville (KY) Northern Michigan University (MI)
4
RECOGNITION
With the union of today’s young leaders’ energy, talent and innovation and United Way guidance, resources and support, Student United Ways have organized novel events that not only engage a diverse range of community groups in efforts to give, advocate and volunteer, but also make significant contributions to advance the common good in their communities. EDUCATION In the focus area of education the Student United Way of Montana State University Billings (MT) created the innovative “Jacket Pals” program. Student United Way members forged relationships with a few local elementary schools and corresponded via email throughout the semester with the school children – 3rd and 4th graders, and kids with special needs. In creating the Jacket Pals Program, the Student United Way of Montana State University Billings focused on encouraging higher education and better communication skills at a young age, in hopes of lowering the community’s high school drop-out rate in the future. INCOME and HEALTH The Student United Way of University of Florida creatively focused on the areas of income and health, by leading production of low cost cradles made from affordable items proven to be safe sleep alternatives to traditional more pricey cribs. The cradles were then donated to expecting parents for the purpose of curbing the doubling of infant deaths in Alachua County in the last two years caused by unsafe sleeping conditions. University of Florida also helped feed elementary school children, whose parents otherwise have difficulty affording a sufficient nutritious diet over the weekends,
with a Weekend Hunger Backpack Program. Student United Way of University of Florida volunteered to stuff backpacks on Wednesday mornings on a biweekly basis year-round, also helping to raise funds and collect 216 pounds of food. GIVE The exemplary fundraising efforts of the Student United Way of Florida State University contributed to the well-being of the community. As a result of their various GIVE programs held throughout the year, the Student United Way of Florida State University has managed to raise their own campaign dollars from students on campus which it then disburses to campus and local agencies. One signature GIVE program, now in its second year, was the Krispy Kreme Challenge – a fun donut-eating challenge that engaged a few hundred volunteers and raised more than $5,000. ADVOCATE The Student United Way of University of Louisville (KY) had a unique approach to spreading the word and gaining public awareness for their causes with the 4FTIN Challenge, which stands for 4 Free Tickets in November. This social media contest used Facebook to encourage students at the University of Louisville to advocate and spread the LIVE UNITED
message on campus. The students who participated in the contest had the opportunity to earn points to win four free tickets to a University of Louisville Men’s Basketball game and limo ride to and from the game. As a result of the Challenge, more than 350 students became fans of the 4FTIN page on Facebook and over 70 students were involved in the contest. It grew membership in the Student United Way significantly and increased the awareness of LIVE UNITED and Student United Way on campus. VOLUNTEER The Student United Way of Northern Michigan University has demonstrated its devotion to ongoing and consistent efforts to make a difference in the community through various activities throughout the year promoting volunteerism. Though there are several noteworthy examples, one of the first initiatives this Student United Way became involved in was at a veteran’s facility. Northern Michigan University donated old laptop computers to the facility, and Student United Way volunteers would visit to help teach the veterans how to get online and receive and send email. To an elderly veteran, living alone and with little family contact, this was life changing for many of them.
5
United Way Day of Action United Way Day of Action is a strategic volunteer program created to help advance the common good on issues of education, income and health. It mobilizes volunteers on the same day every year, June 21, in a highly visible way, to inspire people to channel their passion into lifelong action. It is an opportunity for United Ways to build on their strategies to improve education, income and health. Day of Action allows people to make the connection between their efforts – whether it’s reading to children, improving financial literacy, or getting more kids in motion – and how it will lead to a stronger community. The vision of one person, volunteering on one Day of Action, and being inspired to take action on other days throughout the year, is powerful. The idea of thousands of people in hundreds of communities being inspired to action is how we LIVE UNITED. This past year marked the fourth annual United Way Day of Action with a specific focus on education and the official launch of United Way’s goal to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors to help improve the academic success of young people across America. 258 United Ways across 50 States participated in Day of Action, engaging more than 20,000 participants with more than 1,235 community projects and activities in education, income and health. More than 240,000 individuals benefited from United Way Day of Action. Mark your calendar for June 21 and register an event, or to learn more about how your Student United Way can get involved visit online.unitedway.org/dayofaction. Be sure to register to get counted.
6
Student United Way continues to inspire young people across the nation to LIVE UNITED. They not only learn about issues affecting their communities, but they make a difference in the lives of the people within the communities, while developing as leaders of tomorrow. United Ways that work with the Student United Way have formed genuine relationships with them in advancing the common good, and assisting them through guidance and volunteer engagement. For more information or to access additional resources: Email [email protected] Visit the public webpage at unitedway.org/student or online.unitedway.org/student Follow Student United Way on Facebook at facebook.com/studentuw
“I feel so inspired to take back so many ideas from other campuses and make our own Student United Way grow.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PRESIDENT
7
Start a Student United Way The following are five easy steps to help you start a Student United Way club on a campus near you.
STEP LEARN MORE
Go to online.unitedway.org/student where a number of resources are available for download to help you start and register your club. Resources include: Starting Your Student United Way Guidebook, Student United Way Recruitment Guide and the Student United Way Annual Report 2011 to name a few.
❑ At any point in the process feel free to reach out to United Way Worldwide for help with brain-storming, trouble-shooting and to answer questions at: [email protected].
❑ Access the public webpage unitedway.org/student.
❑ Follow Student United Way on Facebook at facebook.com/studentuw to stay informed.
STEP START PLANNING ❑ PREPARATION - Consider how young people can become active contributors to advance your community objectives. Student United Ways are most successful when they are integrated in the big picture and then engaged appropriately. ❑ BRAINSTORM - Conduct mini-focus groups with students to gauge their interest and perspective on how they can contribute through Student United Way. ❑
RESOURCES - Determine the types of resources needed to develop and sustain a Student United Way. Get creative – leverage volunteers, interns, Americorps and sponsorships to establish your program. Student interns and volunteers are a proven asset when it comes to providing insight, offsetting resource constraints while gaining valuable staffing resources.
STEP IDENTIFY LEADERS ❑ Identify a lead staff person at your United Way, who is inspiring and energetic, to support the student group. ❑ Identify a student leader(s) who are enthusiastic, organized and passionate to help lead the charge in establishing a Student United Way on their campus. ❑ Help the students identify a potential advisor on campuses by leveraging your local relationships.
STEP REGISTER
The students will need to conduct research at their school to determine how to establish an official campus club. This can take more time than expected so anticipate two semesters before registration will be complete.
Once this is accomplished, register the newly founded Student United Way with United Way Worldwide. By doing so the Student United Way will be included in national records; networked with other Student United Ways across the country; get plugged in to ongoing communications and exclusive opportunities. Go to online.unitedway.org/student and click on “Register a Student United Way.”
STEP ONGOING SUPPORT
Provide ongoing support to your newly established Student United Way including: help with
marketing, promotion and student recruitment; as well as program and volunteer ideas that advance local community impact goals.
2010--2011 Student United Ways COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
CITY
Athens State University The University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California, Riverside Aims Community College University of Northern Colorado Albertus Magnus College American University Wesley College Santa Fe College University of Florida Florida State University Spelman College University of Iowa College of Lake County Joliet Junior College Augustana College Lincoln Land Community College Anderson University Indiana University Ball State University Purdue University Kansas State University University of Kentucky University of Louisville Eastern Kentucky University University of Michigan University of Michigan Dearborn Northern Michigan University Sault Area High School St. Cloud State University University of Missouri Harris-Stowe State University Saint Louis University Washington University in St. Louis The University of Mississippi Vicksburg High School Montana State University Billings University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Fayetteville State University East Carolina University North Carolina State University University of Nevada-Reno Binghamton University Tomkins Courtland Community College Cornell University Ithaca College The University of Akron University of Cincinnati The Pennsylvania State University University of Rhode Island College of Charleston Middle Tennessee State University University of Mary Hardin-Baylor West Texas A&M University University of Texas at El Paso Texas Tech University Stephen F. Austin State University Brigham Young University James Madison University Roanoke Valley High Schools University of Wisconsin - Marinette Milwaukee School of Engineering University of Wisconsin - River Falls Concord University
Athens Tuscaloosa Tucson Riverside Greeley Greeley New Haven Washington Dover Gainesville Gainesville Tallahassee Atlanta Iowa City Grayslake Joliet Rock Island Springfield Anderson Bloomington Muncie West Lafayette Manhatten Lexington Louisville Richmond Ann Arbor Dearborn Marquette Sault Ste. Marie St. Cloud Columbia St. Louis St. Louis St. Louis Oxford Vicksburg Billings Chapel Hill Fayetteville Greenville Raleigh Reno Binghamton Dryden Ithaca Ithaca Akron Cincinnati University Park Kingston Charleston Murfreesboro Belton Canyon El Paso Lubbock Nacogdoches Provo Harrisonburg Roanoke Marinette Milwaukee River Falls Athens
STATE AL AL AZ CA CO CO CT DC DE FL FL FL GA IA IL IL IL IL IN IN IN IN KS KY KY KY MI MI MI MI MN MO MO MO MO MS MS MT NC NC NC NC NV NY NY NY NY OH OH PA RI SC TN TX TX TX TX TX UT VA VA WI WI WI WV
UNITED WAY United Way of Athens- Limestone County United Way of West Alabama United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona United Way of the Inland Valleys United Way of Weld County United Way of Weld County United Way of Milford United Way of the National Capital Area United Way of Delaware United Way of North Central Florida United Way of North Central Florida United Way of the Big Bend United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta United Way of Johnson County United Way of Lake County United Way of Will County United Way of the Quad Cities Area United Way of Central Illinois United Way of Madison County United Way of Monroe County United Way of Delaware County United Way of Greater Lafayette United Way of Riley County United Way of the Bluegrass Metro United Way United Way of the Bluegrass United Way of Washtenaw County United Way for Southeastern MI United Way of Marquette County United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula United Way of Central Minnesota Heart of Missouri United Way United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County United Way of West Central Mississippi United Way of Yellowstone County United Way of the Greater Triangle United Way of Cumberland County United Way of Pitt County United Way of the Greater Triangle United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras United Way of Broome County, Inc. United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Tompkins County United Way of Summit County United Way of Greater Cincinnati Center County United Way United Way of Rhode Island Trident United Way United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties The United Way of Central Texas, Inc. United Way of Amarillo & Canyon United Way of El Paso County Lubbock Area United Way United Way of Nacogdoches County United Way of Utah County United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County United Way of Roanoke Valley Tri-city Area United Way United Way of Greater Milwaukee United Way St. Croix Valley United Way of the Virginias
“It is so refreshing and encouraging to see people involved and have drive for this cause. It really fuels and motivates me to go back to my school and get ready for action.” – STUDENT UNITED WAY PARTICIPANT
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701 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 U.S.A. UnitedWay.org/student
For more information contact: MEI COBB Vice President Volunteer and Employee Engagement United Way Worldwide [email protected] KIREN BANSAL Director Volunteer and Employee Engagement United Way Worldwide [email protected]
© 2012 United Way Worldwide | VEE-1211
United Way Worldwide
