Conversations

Perhaps its a little early in this Blog's short history to ask much of its readers. But when you have a tagline as auspicious as "What Matters Most" you're setting some high expectations. I'd like you're feedback on what you'd like to hear from United Way.

A friend of ours just today shared the following quote that really struck a chord with me:

"I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again. Simple, honest, human conversation. Not mediation, negotiation, problem-solving, debate or public meetings. Simple, truthful conversations where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard, and we each listen well." (From Margaret Wheatley's Turning to One Another -- Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future)

In my view, conversations connect us to each other in important ways; its how we build empathy and understanding. And we all know communicating effectively is a perpetual challenge. So much so because we genuinely want to feel we are understood and understand others. Its true for individuals as much as it is for organizations, especially places like United Way.

I'm curious what you think. How can we better engage in conversations with you and the communities we serve?

Thanks for your feedback.

The Community Voice

It has been sometime since we've posted on this blog which started as an outgrowth of our community action survey. We thought we'd be back sooner ... but we couldn't believe the response and have had to be more thoughtful with how we share the results in an easy to digest manner.

My oh my, did that survey ever take off. It unleashed a response unlike anything I've ever seen ... with no other incentive than because you and others like you cared, over 6,000 people took the time to fill it out and tell us what mattered most to them.

When was the last time 6,000 people did anything without an incentive like a free rock concert or a chance to win a car?

It rarely happens. Atlanta had 4,000 people respond in their Metro Voices Metro Choices, which was a great collaboration between Coca-Cola, United Way and the Ad Council. Seattle spent $50,000 on a random digit dial survey for almost 1,000 respondents.

Here in the Metro Detroit -- the genius of the survey was it was open and accessible to all -- through our 2-1-1 line, the web and even on paper -- everyone could share their voice. And by leveraging the technology available and our trust and respect for the regional voice, we did it for less than $10,000. At less than 50 cents per response, we received a priceless set of data and input from thousands that so rarely get heard.

Frankly, our jaws began to drop as the numbers poured in. At first it was only a few hundred, then a 1,000 after the first week. Then suddenly, it tipped. Almost 300 responses a day and thousands of visitors to our website. 5,000 people in three weeks ... and over 6,200 in a month. Incredible.

We have to thank our great media partners who helped spread the word. The real gift though was people like you. Everyone it seems kept passing the message forward, encouraging friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to take the time to share their voice as well.

Over 19,000 individual comments on key partners, barriers to success and thoughtful ideas for civic and regional action were provided.

And the kicker ... Over 85% said they "Expect people in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties to work together and provide resources to help achieve" the action items you cared about.

We're still figuring out the best ways to return this gift back into the community. We appreciate everyone's patience. Look for many more opportunities to read about the results and to share your voice again in the weeks and months ahead.

We now know for certain that the region wants progress and will not sit silently nor idly by to wait for it to happen. It means so much to us here at United Way. We will continue to partner with you to ensure we make progress together right here in Southeast Michigan.

And know that we still want to hear your voice! So please, send us an email, go to our website, or register for our monthly newsletter.