Since returning to the board a few years ago I have done a lot of listening. I have yet to encounter someone who doesn’t care about United Way. Enthusiasm and criticism, memories and current impressions all reflect thoughtful and engaged care for our community – for our non-profits and our vulnerable neighbors. People care about United Way and want it to change – to be bigger, better, stronger, different.
Now I stand in a different role, listen to new voices and appreciate different things. May I take a moment to say - our United Way staff is remarkable. Each is deeply committed, broadly engaged and professionally adept. What a team!
The Chippewa Valley shares a hope for United Way.
Leadership and influence through broad and vital network collaboration is United Way’s reason for existence and way of taking action. We understand the complicated, systemic nature of the problems we are working to solve. We make targeted decisions and take focused action with the expectation and hope of lasting impact.
Our network teams of expert and engaged community leaders and Program Partners is immense and breathtaking in their caring commitment. Beyond our United Way teams we enjoy trusting and effective relationships with school districts and counties, and non-profits who are not Program Partners but partner all the same – because they understand how the Chippewa Valley will rise.
We will rise together.
United Way shines brightly during this upsetting global pandemic. As of a week ago, donors have entrusted United Way with $424 million dollars in the US; $639 million globally. Locally, checks arrive continuously. Why are we trusted like this?
We are trusted because we already understand. We are trusted because our relationships are already in place. We are trusted because adapting is efficient and successful because service to the vulnerable is the only thing for which we have ever worked.
Thank you so much for putting your trust in us. It is our honor to be your partner. None of this is possible without you.
Here, and in future communications, we’ll tell you how we’re advancing the common good – together with you. In this newsletter you will read about our commitment to partnership during COVID response, our gratitude as we take an important moment to look back, and how hopeful we are as we look forward.
Yours for the Common Good,
