"Still Left Behind"

The year 2014 is the deadline set by the 'No Child Left Behind' law for schools to close the test-score gaps between minority and white students. News articles over the past two weeks indicate that a half dozen recent studies reveal that little progress has been made towards that goal over the past five years.

The reports tell us that the test score gaps between black or Hispanic students and whites appear in KINDERGARTEN and worsen through 12 years of education.

Recently, I was with several United Way volunteers visiting Madison, Wisconsin to learn more about how Dane County has closed the racial achievement gap over the past ten years. Where there once was a 20% difference in performance in schools, the community now finds itself essentially having eliminated the gap.

As I read the recent articles on the lack of progress across the country and in Southeastern Michigan, I thought about what happened in Dane County. Ten year's ago, this community announced publicly that it was going to eliminate the racial achievement gap. This wasn't just a school issue. Rather, it was everyone's issue. They realized that gap couldn't be solved by just the schools. So they started down a new path --- one that required a 'collective approach' to foster progress.

The media was invited in to observe and report on the messy work that was going to take place over the coming months....years. The three sectors of the community -- public, private and non-profits --- got focused on the goal. Volunteers were recruited to begin working with children on their reading. Corporations and local citizens contributed money to help with the project. Parents were provided a network to ensure that they all realize a fundamental truth: a parent is a child's first and most important teacher.

There will be much debate in the months ahead on what is required to see the nation make greater progress on closing this gap. I don't presume for one minute there is a clear cut answer. But I do believe this issue is solvable. Why? Because over and over you find pockets of success. You see the necessary alignment of resource, tools, talent and focus. Moving that success to scale is the next frontier of development. One of the key first steps to that frontier will be changing the optics from 'it's the school's issue' to 'it's our issue.'

Someone once told me that when you think the problem is out there, that's the problem. Progress will only take place when there is a community will for results and the necessary leadership to do the heavy lifting for the long haul.

If you are interested in learning more about the recent findings, go to the New York Times magazine article.

Thanks for reading, pass it on.

Michigan's most willing volunteers are women

Nearly half of Michigan adults raised their hands last year to volunteer, and the hands raised most were those of women.

About 54% of women surveyed recently by Michigan State University said they donated their time, compared with 43% of men surveyed.

It's during the season of giving that many Michiganders want to give their time.

Read More

To find a volunteer opportunity in your area, click here.

United Way surpasses 2006 Torch Drive goal, raising over $61 million

PRESS RELEASE

Media Contacts
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

COMMUNITY UNITES TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT IMPACT LIVES

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan reported that it has surpassed its 2006 Torch Drive goal of $61 million, raising $61,071,767. The announcement was made by 2006 Torch Drive Chair Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO, American Axle & Manufacturing. More than 600 volunteers and contributors representing labor, nonprofits, individuals, and workplace campaigns gathered to hear the results. Emcees for the event were WDIV Local 4 anchors Guy Gordon and Rhonda Walker.

Dauch referenced the challenge of raising contributions in a struggling economy, noting 120,000 fewer jobs in the automotive and manufacturing sectors alone.

“This has been one of the most challenging Torch Drive campaigns but I’m not one to walk away from a challenge,” confirmed Dauch. “We set the bar high because we wanted to ensure the current and future stability of our region’s health and human service network for all those who rely on it.”

Dauch continued, “I am so proud of the incredible effort made by every volunteer, corporation and business, members of organized labor, agencies and the media who worked relentlessly to help us achieve our $61 million goal. Even with the challenges of our economy, we stayed focused on our mission and the task before us. The dedication and passionate commitment of this year’s Campaign Cabinet never wavered. They are true champions for our community.”

The event highlighted the work of volunteers and contributors including: reports from the DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corp., organized labor, the Combined Federal Campaign, Leadership Giving and Major and Midsized accounts.

“Today is a time to give thanks for the generous commitment of thousands of volunteers and the incredible leadership of Dick Dauch,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Dick is an extremely motivated and determined leader and we are very grateful for all that he and the Campaign Cabinet have done to serve the people of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

“Supporting this campaign is about more than helping those we’ve traditionally considered ‘needy’. This campaign is really about securing the future of our region – finding ways we can all work together for the sustained success of all those in southeastern Michigan.”

Other highlights featured at the event included:

• 104 companies ran a Torch Drive campaign or gave a corporate gift for the first time.

• Leadership Giving Initiatives, like the Virgil H. Carr Society and the Women’s Initiative, foster philanthropic participation, encouraging new and increased leadership gifts of $1,000 and above. Currently, Leadership Gifts make up 23 percent of the overall Torch Drive total.

• The Tocqueville Society Matching Gift Program sponsored by DaimlerChrysler Corp. and Ford Motor Company Fund matches one-to-one gifts to maximize new leadership gifts of $10,000 or more, as well as increased Society gifts. As of Nov. 15, there are 46 new Tocqueville members. In the last seven years, this has generated nearly $25 million in investments from new leadership givers.

• Companies whose corporate and employee gifts total more than a million dollars as of Nov. 15 were recognized for their generosity. They include Comerica Incorporated, DaimlerChrysler Corp., DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corp., and Lear Corporation.

Elizabeth Bunn, Secretary Treasurer, International Union, UAW, expressed her gratitude to the men and women of organized labor. “I’m extremely proud to represent the 1.2 million active UAW members and retirees and the nine million members of the AFL-CIO across the nation. These dedicated men and women understand the importance of United Way and no where is that more evident than right here in southeastern Michigan.” Bunn said, “Many high-profile companies in our region are struggling right now. As a result, a growing number of families who have always been self-sufficient are finding themselves in need of a hand, including our union families. The members of organized labor work with United Way and its member agencies to assist those in need.”

Dauch passed the torch to the 2007 Torch Drive Chair, Troy A. Clarke, GM Group Vice President and President of GM North America.

United Way’s Torch Drive officially ends Nov. 15, but contributions will still be accepted at www.onewaytohelp.org or by calling the United Way 2.1.1 or 1.800.552.1183. Torch Drive contributions help support hundreds of programs and services at more than 150 partner agencies throughout the tri-county area.

United Way’s Victory Celebration was made possible through contributions provided by United Way’s Meeting Sponsorship Pool, allowing donor contributions to go directly toward services.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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United Way’s 2006 Torch Drive Results, Nov. 15

The following totals include dollars raised as of Nov. 15 in the 2006 Torch Drive Campaign.

MILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGNS

Automotive Manufacturer Units, led by Auto Vice Chair G. Richard Wagoner, Jr., Chairman & CEO, General Motors, report results of the automotive employee campaigns as follows:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation total contributions: $8,210,892 (includes contributions from hourly and salaried employees and DaimlerChrysler Corporate Fund) This figure does not include an additional $380,000 contributed to New Detroit.
Chair: Thomas LaSorda, CEO, The Chrysler Group
DaimlerChrysler Corporate Fund: $2,044,300 (already included in the total above)

Ford Motor Company total contributions: $11,650,641 (includes contributions from Ford’s hourly and salaried employees, and Ford Fund.) This figure does not include an additional $380,000 contributed to New Detroit.
Co-chair: Cisco Codina, group vice president, Ford Motor Company; and Mark Fields, president of the Americas
Ford Fund: $2,000,000 (already included in above total)

General Motors Corporation total contributions: $6,166,287 (includes contributions from GM’s hourly and management employees. This figure does not include an additional $350,000 contributed to New Detroit.
Chair: Jill Lajdziak, general manager, Saturn Division, General Motors
The General Motors Foundation: $1,172,250 (already included in the above total)

Other million-dollar campaigns include:

Comerica Incorporated total contributions: $2,555,766
Total includes Comerica’s corporate gift, as well as contributions from local area employees.

DTE Energy total contributions: $1,503,375 (reported-to-date)
Total includes contributions from DTE Energy hourly and management employees, as well as the corporate gift, which is a 50% match of the employee giving.

Lear Corporation total contributions: $1,305,580
This includes $1,076,580 in contributions from Lear Corporation’s hourly and management employees.

Combined Federal Campaign total contributions raised: $3,372,628
Includes all federal campaigns, military, civilian and postal campaigns.
Vice Chair: Michael Wheeler, director, Medical Center Veterans Affairs


LEADERSHIP GIVING AND FOUNDATIONS: Total contributions raised: $1,878,504
Includes contributions from Tocqueville Leadership Giving members who contribute $10,000 and above, company retirees, local foundations and individuals giving outside the traditional workplace campaign.
Chair: Tom Dekar, regional managing partner, Deloite & Touche


MAJOR ACCOUNT UNITS: Total contributions raised: $22,801,741
Includes industrial, commercial and service accounts.
Vice Chair: Tim Manganello, chairman & CEO, BorgWarner

Industrial Accounts, chair, Tony Brown, group vice president, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Co.: $6,653,183

Commercial Accounts, chair, Glenn C. Hansen, senior vice president, Federal Reserve Bank $5,745,556

Service Accounts, chair, David Hunke, CEO, Detroit Newspapers Partnership and publisher, Detroit Free Press $6,512,928

Professions Accounts, chair, Steven Roach, practice group leader, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, $3,890,074

MIDSIZE ACCOUNT UNITS, SMALL BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL: Total contributions raised: $4,930,964

Vice chair: W. Frank Fountain, senior vice president, External Affairs & Public Policy, DaimlerChrysler

Industrial Accounts (Ford), chair, Andrew Hinkly, executive director of Americas, Ford Motor Co., $591,851

Industrial Accounts (Lear), chair, Joe Sefcik, vice president, Global Purchasing, Lear Corporation, $557,478

Commercial Accounts, chair, Greg Kosch, president & CEO, Fifth Third Bank, $586,305
Service Accounts, chair, Jennifer Shroeger, vice president, Metro Detroit District, United Parcel Service, $591,071

Professions Accounts, Joseph Vitale, Jr., partner, Deloite Consulting, $597,870

Nonprofit Accounts, co-chair, Richard Williamson, executive director, Boy Scouts of America; and Raquel Thueme, president & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Metropolitan Detroit, $813,527

Public Sector Accounts, co-chairs, L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive; Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive; and Hon. Nancy White, chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners, $543,785

Direct Mail/Telemarketing, Eresteen Williams, $543,366

NEW DETROIT FUND: Total contributions raised: $1,975,850
This campaign raises funds for operating costs for New Detroit Inc. whose area of focus are youth development, economic equity and racial justice and cultural collaboration.
Chair: John Rakolta, chairman and CEO, Walbridge Aldinger

Total raised in the 2006 Torch Drive Campaign as of Nov. 15: $61,071,767

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Six Southeast Michigan Civic Organizations Coordinate Efforts for Transforming Region

Unprecedented collaboration will develop a one-vision, one-plan blueprint to achieve transformation in the areas of economic prosperity, educational preparedness, regional transit, race relations, regional cooperation and quality of life.

DETROIT, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Previous efforts to achieve significant transformation of the City of Detroit or any single part of Southeast Michigan have lacked two important factors -- sufficient collaboration between organizations which together can make transformation possible, and a scope that encompasses the entire Southeast Michigan region working as a whole.
This is according to the leaders of six Southeast Michigan community organizations who announced today that they have joined forces to form a unified group called One D: Transforming Regional Detroit to ensure the region works together to achieve measurable goals in six areas of priority: economic prosperity, educational preparedness, regional transit, race relations, regional cooperation and quality of life.

The region's top civic organizations over the past year have conducted extensive studies to assess the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of Southeast Michigan. These studies have included interviews with thousands of concerned citizens and civic, business, entrepreneurial and academic leaders throughout the region. Among the civic organizations leading this process have been New Detroit, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renaissance, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan. These organizations work to meet specific objectives of their own, but they recognize that they have a collective responsibility to the region as well.

The research findings to-date will be announced over the next few months and further input will be obtained from other organizations within Southeast Michigan that aren't currently part of One D: Transforming Regional Detroit. Some specific initiatives intended to address one or more of the six priority areas are further developed than others, and those will be announced by One D over the next few months. Input and data gained from the community, government officials and other organizations outside of One D are extremely important factors in the success of this unprecedented transformation effort, and will be used by One D to build a one-vision, one-plan blueprint for transforming Southeast Michigan. The final blueprint is expected to be unveiled at the 2007 Mackinac Policy Conference.

New Detroit President and CEO Shirley Stancato said, "One D is unique because each member has a specific area of responsibility that must be addressed if this region is to move forward. New Detroit's area of responsibility is the racial divide that has been such an impediment to this region for so long. We made a very significant step forward in confronting the racial divide at our recent summit on race and look forward to working with the other members of One D to continue the momentum we established at our recent race summit."

Richard E. Blouse, Jr., president and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber, said, "The community is uniting to meet the unprecedented challenges affecting the region, including diversifying our economy, creating jobs and overcoming the political and racial divisions in Southeast Michigan. Like never before, business and community leaders are working together to ensure that our region is a great place to live and work."

"We have shown that the region can work together and rally behind a common cause," said Larry Alexander, president and CEO, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We proved this as gracious hosts of the Ryder Cup, All Star Game, Super Bowl and World Series. Those recent events and a string of major conventions held in metro Detroit each year contribute to the health of our local economy. We are pleased that the second-largest industry in the state -- tourism -- is represented at this table."

Detroit Renaissance President Doug Rothwell said, "This level of coordination and collaboration has never occurred to this extent in Southeast Michigan, and never before has such an effort been focused on Southeast Michigan as a whole. One D: Transforming Regional Detroit will rollout specific elements of its regional plan in the weeks ahead. The strategies and tactics will be highly focused, manageable and measurable."

United Way for Southeastern Michigan's President and CEO Michael Brennan said, "After many months of reviewing data and obtaining valuable input, each of our organizations has joined together in a way that has never been done in Southeast Michigan to develop and implement one vision and one plan that ensures coordination, consistency and comprehensiveness. This was a long-time coming and will greatly enhance the likelihood of this transformation effort to succeed."

Maud Lyon, counsel for the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, said, "The challenges facing the region create an opportunity to work together in a new way, bringing all of us together as a unified region. One D will communicate extensively throughout Southeast Michigan so those in the region can learn about the specific strategies, tactics and barometers of success that will help transform the region with many diverse organizations making important contributions to our quality of life."

Among the first opportunities for Southeast Michigan residents to hear directly about One D: Transforming Regional Detroit will be a 30-minute special broadcast on WTVS-TV56 at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 20, and subsequent programs over the next few months. [Source]

Related

• One D: Transforming Regional Detroit?
• One D offers hope for regional solutions
• 6 civic groups team, promise regional change
  

United Way needs YOU NOW

United Way needs your immediate help in meeting our 2006 goal in order to offer assistance to a growing number of needy people in our area.

It's easy for you to give. Simply visit onewaytohelp.org.

All online donations will be matched, up to $10,000. This match will double your gift, making now the best time to donate!

Or, call in to WDIV Local 4 at (313) 298-WDIV on Monday, November 13, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to contribute as part of Rescue 4 the United Way day.

With your donation of $10 or more, United Way will send you the Together, We Matter! wristband. Wear the wristband to show your love to people who are counting on you.

Together, we can do this!

Campaign is in the home stretch; online donations will be matched

United Way’s staff and volunteers are in the final days of the campaign, meeting with coordinators, helping with campaign kickoffs and events, and picking up donations. The organization is reporting a total of $30.4 million as of Nov. 6 with additional dollars coming in every hour.

“Every dollar counts! So your donation – no matter how large or small – matters,” said Richard E. Dauch, 2006 Torch Drive general chair and co-founder, chairman and CEO, American Axle & Manufacturing. “Get involved now and help make a difference in the future of Detroit and the surrounding region by contributing to United Way. Together, we can accomplish so much more than any individual could alone.”

If you haven’t contributed yet, it’s simple to do so. Click on www.onewaytohelp.org or call 313-226-9300. As an added incentive, any donation made online will be matched, up to $10,000. This will double your gift, so log on and contribute today!

Campaign Update for the week of November 06, 2006

• Campaign is in the home stretch; online donations will be matched
• Plante & Moran’s 2006 UWSEM Campaign Resounding Success!
• Local nonprofits support United Way
• Direct mail campaign finds new ways to engage donors

Regionalism: An Urgent Step

I have encountered many discussions, experiences and initiatives that scream out for greater cooperation throughout the region. As globalization connects directly to the issues we face locally, the opportunity to move forward with a different capability--- to act regionally--- has become more evident and urgent.

A CEO of an automotive parts supplier recently said to me, "when you begin to travel to other countries as I have for business, you are left with no doubt that our world, our region, and our industry has become global. Many residents here in Michigan don't know it because they have never seen it. We need to move forward because the world outside of us is."

I heard from a small suburban community leader not long ago: "we---in the suburbs--are now experiencing the issues that many of our cities have faced."

A school principal says to me, "my job is to get these kids ready for their world --- the global one."

Regionalism---the closer integration of the communities of Southeastern Michigan on issues that effect all---begs the need for more collective action, for people and communities to act together to solve common problems.

What separates successful regions from others is not just a resource gap, but a knowledge gap. Whether it has been the report from Michigan Future or recently the Brookings Institution, the importance on investments in educational readiness, technology and research becomes the difference makers.

We have a fragmented, uncoordinated system of responding to regional issues without regional governance or government. We have an array of institutions and working initiatives that are striving to address regional issues (transportation, economic development....) without clear alignment and accountability. In the near term, residents will begin to hear about concrete steps to address this issue as private civic organizations are working to a cooperative blueprint for success.

Most of us will always live locally --- in our own neighborhoods and communities. But globalization has meant that we are, at the same time, part of a larger community --- our globe, our country, our state and our region.

While we live locally, we increasingly will need to think and act more regionally. This dual responsibility -- to my immediate community and to the larger whole---is a mindset shift for us here in Southeastern Michigan.

Clearly, if we are to make progress as a region, a change in mindset will be essential. A pro- region or anti-region ought not be the debate. Rather, we ought to have greater focus on the positive potential of a stronger regional approach. We ought to seize the opportunity to recognize that only some issues (education, mass transit...) can be addressed when we act on our collective responsibility. When we align our mutual resources, talent and aspirations, progress will be made.

This progress will ask that all participate. The development of our capacity to work as a region involves every aspect of society: free market enterprises, government, not for profits and citizens at large. All are needed, all are welcome and the time is now.

Real Detroiters

The Detroit Tigers’ recent appearance in the World Series was the latest in a pretty impressive string of high profile events the city of Detroit has hosted over the past 12 months. In fact, the Super Bowl and MLB All-Star Game held earlier this year are arguably the two largest one-day international sports spectaculars around.

But I think the greatest event the city hosts is the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank marathon. The course is designed, in part, to showcase some of the city’s most attractive, eclectic enclaves. Yet the event is also international, multicultural and regional all at once. And for the last 29 years, the race has consistently gotten bigger and better.

The 2006 version featured more than 15,800 runners, walkers and hand-cyclists, competing in the full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon and 5k events. According to the Free Press, this represents an 18.7 percent increase from last year's record field and a 332 percent increase from just 2000. That’s pretty impressive growth.

The race started this year on Washington Boulevard, and even at 7 a.m. on a frigid, blustery Sunday morning, the newly landscaped street teeming with runners was a sight to behold. And as they ran down Michigan Avenue, through Corktown, into Mexican Town and eventually across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, loved ones, friends and spectators were there to shout encouragement and snap photos.

Many of these supporters are residents who camp out in front of their homes for a few hours each year, making an event out of the race. Most are people from other Michigan counties and faraway cities. They hold up signs, blow horns or whistles, and are incredibly nice.

Some supporters are more over the top. In Corktown, an Irish band typically serenades runners. In Mexican Town it’s a mariachi band. In Indian Village it’s jazz and lounge singers (don’t know why exactly, but some guys just like standing on the lawns of their mansions singing medleys to runners) and in Greektown, the sound is distinctly Middle Eastern. There’s a comedian at the Ambassador Bridge welcoming runners into Canada (“where your times are 60 percent faster”), and as runners make their way along the Windsor shoreline, a group of bag pipers wails away.

The point is people turn out en masse to offer encouragement, and if there are 15,000 runners, then there are easily 45,000 spectators. There aren’t many stretches of the course where well-wishers can’t be seen, and it’s only on the part of the course that takes runners beneath the Detroit River that they can’t be heard. Which is why, I think, a thousand people pack the exit of the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel to cheer as runners re-enter the country, lining Jefferson Avenue all the way to Cobo Center in the process.

An equally large number pack the entrance to Ford Field where the race winds up, simultaneously motivating participants to finish strong and congratulating them for making it. Another throng of supporters fills seats inside the stadium, loudly welcoming runners as they cross the finish line.

The cool part here is that most of these folks turn out to enthusiastically root for people they do not know -- for several hours, in brisk wind and despite cool temperatures.

There were a couple of thousand volunteers who handed out water, Gatorade and caffeine shots, collected hordes of discarded paper cups and manned stations along the route in various capacities. It was encouraging to hear a runner here or there thank volunteers while they were making their brief pit stops.

The Detroit police do a great job of managing the event, keeping everyone safe, directing traffic -- and a runner or two, on occasion – and pitching in to help volunteers when needed.

You know, I often joke with friends from the area by suggesting that they are not “real” Detroiters until they’ve either paddled underneath or run across the Ambassador Bridge. But I may have to amend that. Because those who came out Sunday represent all that is good about Detroit.

In the hours during and surrounding that event there was no city versus suburbs, no concern for anyone’s color, or physical ability, or age or religion. There were no petty differences over which to bicker, no turf issues or border trouble. People were just there to pull for others in an incredibly selfless way.

Some may disagree, but it is for these reasons that I think the marathon is the easily the greatest event the city hosts, and I hope more people have a chance to experience it -- either from the course or the sidelines.

Rodd Monts
Editorial Services Project Leader
Brand Identity & Communications
United Way for Southeastern Michigan