Tiffany Beaudry, Alternative Spring Break 2008 Detroit alum
Tiffany Beaudry, Alternative Spring Break 2008 Detroit alum, is featured in this month's issue of United Way Students in Action. The national e-newsletter provides highlights, updates, volunteer opportunities, information on campus engagement programs like Student United Way and Alternative Spring Break, and job postings across the country for young adults.
I enjoy impacting people’s lives in positive ways through giving my time. ASB (Alternative Spring Break) has given me the opportunity to be a team leader which helps me show others the importance in giving back and life-long volunteering. It is really neat to see the ASB volunteers bring this back to their own community and improve the areas they live in. I impact my community through mentoring a little girl in efforts to help her reach her potential. Read more.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan recently completed selection of new agency partners for the funding cycle 2008-2011. These partnerships represent the best of the best programs we could have selected to help us fulfill our mission of creating lasting, measurable results through our Agenda for Change and focus on education, income and basic needs.
Last year, we issued a request for proposals (RFPs) and subsequently received more than 360 responses, from 199 agencies and 91 collaboratives across southeast Michigan who were interested in working with us. The process of evaluating proposals and considering future partners for our Agenda work took a tremendous amount of effort on the part of United Way staff and over 130 volunteers representing the nonprofit, business, labor, faith-based, education and government sectors, among others, who served on 23 review committees.
Help United Way win the Facebook Cause Challenge and $2500!
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is one of 48 United Way branches competing nationwide in a Facebook Cause Challenge. If we recruit the most members to our Facebook Cause by June 27th, our national sponsors will award us $2500 to use towards youth and campus programs.
Leadership Next creates meaningful community impact
As volunteers with United Way's Leadership Next program, we partner with residents and community organizations interested in improving the physical and social qualities of their respective neighborhoods. And while impacting the region is our primary goal, Leadership Next also provides us a number of opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and to learn about other organizations, communities and initiatives.
We had a chance to experience all of this and more when we helped the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation in April with a community revitalization project. About 25 volunteers put shovels, rakes and others tools to use while rejuvenating Stoepel Park, on Detroit's west side. We helped ensure that 600 area kids have adequate ball fields for their summer little league season.
Tom Goddeeris, executive director at GRDC, thanked the group for its contribution to the project, and also provided an overview of his group's work in the community.
Leadership Next would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked through the dreary, drizzling morning at Stoepel Park. The fields looked great after you were done. For those who missed the event, don't worry, more opportunities to make a difference are on the horizon.
We will continue to increase our involvement and seek to engage in similar projects across the region regularly, so stay tuned. Through these efforts we are confident that Leadership Next will make communities stronger and enhance the vibrancy of our region.
Six individuals and two groups were honored with awards during United Way’s annual Volunteer Recognition Program May 20. The awards recognize volunteers from organized labor, youth, young adults, groups and companies who have made a difference in southeast Michigan.
Exemplary Group Service Award Chrysler Women’s Forum, for its work helping children get their basic needs met and preparing them to succeed in school
Heart of Gold Award Terry Grahl, for helping women in transitional housing facilities enjoy a better living environment
Heart of Gold Award Bob York, for helping families get their basic needs met after a devastating house fire
Outstanding Business Award UPS, for numerous services provided to St. Francis Family Center in Southfield
Outstanding Youth Award Lauren King, for helping individuals and families prepare their tax returns, and claim important refunds and credits in the process
Young Adult Award of Excellence Adam Harris, for volunteer leadership during United Way’s Alternative Spring Break projects in both Louisiana and southeast Michigan
For the first time, all nominees had to submit a short video, in which they discuss their volunteer service and explain why they should be considered for an award. The nominations were narrowed down to two semi-finalists in each category and then featured on United Way’s Web site. The community was invited to view the videos and to help select winners. During National Volunteer Week, more than 3,500 votes were cast.
United Way Invites Community to Vote for Outstanding Volunteers Online
Press Release
MEDIA CONTACTS: Cara I. Belton, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 520-8454 Laura L. Rodwan, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 477-2750
Community-wide Volunteer Recognition Program to raise awareness
DETROIT –What better way to kick off National Volunteer Week, April 27- May 3, then to cast your vote for an outstanding volunteer or group? On Monday, April 28, United Way is inviting everyone to log on to the Internet and help select the winners of the 2008 annual Volunteer Recognition program. To vote, simply log into www.uwsem.org/volunteer2008.
This is the first time that United Way presented the nomination and voting process online. Voters now have the opportunity to view brief two-minute videos, submitted by the nominees to showcase their volunteerism in six categories that honor youth, young adults, and retirees as well as outstanding businesses or groups who volunteer.
United Way’s 2008 Volunteer Recognition program is designed to honor individuals who volunteered in the areas of the organization’s Agenda for Change: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs.
“Volunteer service is so critical to a thriving community, and yet often the many men and women who give their time and commitment become unsung heroes,” said Michael Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “For over 40 years, United Way has worked to bring recognition to those who uplift the community through their care and concern. It is tradition that we are proud to continue.”
The nomination process began on March 18, and provides an opportunity for individuals to nominate either themselves or another tireless volunteer. The award ceremony will take place in May, recognizing those who enrich the community through volunteerism.
National Volunteer Week is about inspiring and encouraging people to seek ways to engage in their community. It’s about showing the nation how to meet challenges not as isolated individuals but as members of a true community, in which everyone works together. During National Volunteer Week individuals and communities can be at the center of social change as they discover their power to make a difference.
President Richard Nixon signed an executive order in 1974 establishing National Volunteer Week as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every year since that time, each U.S. president, along with many governors, mayors and other elected officials, has signed a proclamation promoting the week.
National Volunteer Week is our time to not only recognize and celebrate volunteers, but also to encourage more of them to share ideas, practices and stories, and to shape a movement that re-imagines the notion of citizenship for the 21st century.
United Way Extends Nomination Deadline for Volunteer Program
Press Release
MEDIA CONTACTS: Cara I. Belton, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 520-8454 Laura L. Rodwan, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 477-2750
Community-wide Volunteer Recognition Program to raise awareness of volunteer impact in Southeast Michigan
DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan has extended the nomination deadline for its annual Volunteer Recognition program to Friday, April 18 at 11:59 p.m. The annual program provides an opportunity for individuals to nominate either themselves or another tireless volunteer, committed to improving the community around him or her. The award ceremony will take place in May, recognizing for those who enrich our community through volunteerism.
This year, the nomination and judging process will include a video contest that allows nominees to showcase their volunteerism, and engages the entire community to select the winners by voting during National Volunteer Week, April 27- May 3 at www.uwsem.org/volunteer2008. Each volunteer must submit a two-minute video about their volunteer service and why they feel that they should be honored to win one of the eight awards. Nominations are being accepted in six categories that honor youth, young adults, and retirees as well as outstanding businesses or groups who volunteer. The event honors individuals whose volunteer efforts in the areas of the United Way’s Agenda for Change: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs.
To obtain nomination guidelines and tips for creating a video, please log on to www.uwsem.org/volunteer2008 or contact United Way’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center at 313-226-9430, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The award categories are as follows:
Bernie Firestone Award – Recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union dedicated to community service in one or more of United Way’s focus areas: Education, Financial Stability, or Basic Needs. A $1,000 donation is given to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Exemplary Group Service Award – Recognizes families, couples or groups who strive to improve their community by volunteering in on or more of United Way’s focus areas. A $500 donation will be made to an agency of the winning group’s choice.
Heart of Gold Award– This has become one of the most distinguished volunteer recognitions in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Winners are a select group of individuals whose efforts, enthusiasm, and immeasurable commitment to volunteerism in one or more of United Way’s focus areas. Awardees receive a 14 karat gold heart in tribute to their dedication. Two individuals will be recognized with the Heart of Gold award this year.
Outstanding Youth Award – Recognizes youth ages 12-18 who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism in one of more of United Way’s three focus areas. In honor of the award, a $250 donation to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Young Adult Award of Excellence – Recognizes adults ages 19-25 who represent the highest standards of service in one or more of United Way’s three focus areas. In honor of the award, a $250 donation will be made to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Outstanding Business Award – Open to small, medium or large businesses. Those recognized by this award excel in and are committed to community involvement through volunteering in one or more of United Way’s focus areas. A $1,000 donation will be made to a nonprofit of the honoree’s choice.
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 Campaign, 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.
United Way Seeks Nominations for Outstanding Volunteers by April 11
Press Release
MEDIA CONTACTS: Cara I. Belton, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 520-8454 Laura L. Rodwan, (313) 226-9484 or (313) 477-2750
Community-wide Volunteer Recognition Program to raise awareness of volunteer impact in Southeast Michigan
DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan is seeking nominations for its annual Volunteer Recognition program. The nomination process begins on March 18, and provides an opportunity for individuals to nominate either themselves or another tireless volunteer, committed to improving the community around him or her. The award ceremony will take place in May, recognizing for those who enrich our community through volunteerism.
This year, the nomination and judging process will include a video contest that allows nominees to showcase their volunteerism, and engages the entire community to select the winners by voting during National Volunteer Week, April 27- May 3 at www.uwsem.org/volunteer2008. Each volunteer must submit a two-minute video about their volunteer service and why they feel that they should be honored to win one of the eight awards. Nominations are being accepted in six categories that honor youth, young adults, and retirees as well as outstanding businesses or groups who volunteer. The event honors individuals whose volunteer efforts in the areas of the United Way’s Agenda for Change: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs.
“Volunteer service is critical to a thriving community,” said Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “That is why we are launching a community-wide volunteer recognition program to build awareness about the impact volunteers make in southeast Michigan. Whether you are tutoring children, or helping low-income families prepare their tax returns, it all matters. Even something as simple as driving your elderly neighbor to her weekly doctor’s appointment is an act of volunteerism, so be creative and nominate yourself or someone you know today,” he added.
To obtain nomination guidelines and tips for creating a video, please log on to www.uwsem.org/volunteer2008 or contact United Way’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center at 313-226-9430, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nominations must be received at United Way no later than 11:59 p.m., April 11, 2008.
The award categories are as follows:
Bernie Firestone Award – Recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union dedicated to community service in one or more of United Way’s focus areas: Education, Financial Stability, or Basic Needs. A $1,000 donation is given to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Exemplary Group Service Award – Recognizes families, couples or groups who strive to improve their community by volunteering in on or more of United Way’s focus areas. A $500 donation will be made to an agency of the winning group’s choice.
Heart of Gold Award– This has become one of the most distinguished volunteer recognitions in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Winners are a select group of individuals whose efforts, enthusiasm, and immeasurable commitment to volunteerism in one or more of United Way’s focus areas. Awardees receive a 14 karat gold heart in tribute to their dedication. Two individuals will be recognized with the Heart of Gold award this year.
Outstanding Youth Award – Recognizes youth ages 12-18 who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism in one of more of United Way’s three focus areas. In honor of the award, a $250 donation to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Young Adult Award of Excellence – Recognizes adults ages 19-25 who represent the highest standards of service in one or more of United Way’s three focus areas. In honor of the award, a $250 donation will be made to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Outstanding Business Award – Open to small, medium or large businesses. Those recognized by this award excel in and are committed to community involvement through volunteering in one or more of United Way’s focus areas. A $1,000 donation will be made to a nonprofit of the honoree’s choice.
Young business professionals maintain a pretty hectic pace in order to advance their company’s business objectives while building their credentials. This hectic pace is a common, justifiable barrier to volunteering in the community. To help business professionals rationalize a time commitment to community initiatives, here is a new perspective on the value of volunteering and a tip on how to do it more efficiently.
Volunteering can involve as little as taking a neighbor to a weekly doctor’s appointment or as much of a commitment as becoming a mentor to a troubled youth. United Way for Southeastern Michigan believes all acts of volunteerism, large and small, should be recognized and we need your help to honor those people and groups who give back through community service.
Now through April 11, United Way is accepting nominations in six award categories. To nominate someone, you must create a video that tells the audience -- in two minutes or less --why the volunteer being nominated should be honored with an award and submit a nomination form. United Way will also be involving the community in the award selection process, allowing individuals to view videos of the top three volunteers in each category and vote for who they believe should win each award.
"We didn't give up spring break, we took advantage of it."
The mere mention of spring break causes most of us to conjure up images of lazy days in the sun or wild parties on far-away beaches. But for 60 young volunteers from across the United States and Canada, the break they had this year was something completely different from any they have ever experienced -- thanks to United Way's Alternative Spring Break.
ASB is a two-year-old project that brings together young people interested in spending their spring break completing community service projects, and for the first time Detroit was included among the list of cities hosting volunteers. From Feb. 23 to March 1 ASBers spent their days either working outside in single-digit weather or sweating away on maintenance projects inside, at a number of nonprofit agencies across the region. And while it doesn't sound very glamorous or much like a break, a good time was had by all. In fact, we were hard-pressed to find a single one of them who wouldn't do it all over again.
"At the end of week, I realized that I'd been part of something that will have no end; something that caused a magnanimous spirit to rise within all of the participants and onlookers that hopefully remains vibrant and fervent within us in our respective communities; something that I hope we can all use to ignite the same sprit of unity and selflessness in those around us."
DETROIT -- For Adam Harris, cleaning up nearby neighborhoods is just as critical as traveling across the country to rebuild areas destroyed by natural disasters.
As a veteran participant of the United Way Alternative Spring Break program, the University of Michigan-Dearborn senior has spearheaded an effort that's made Detroit the pilot city for this year's firstoutreach project beyond hurricane relief efforts.
Since 2006, the alternative break program has drawn about 400 college-age volunteers to hurricane-ravaged regions in Mississippi and Louisiana; now they have come to Detroit.
"I threw the idea out we can revitalize Detroit during this economic downturn," said Harris, 21, of Southfield, who approached his local United Way chapter about the opportunity last March.
"If we are working here in the city, people will begin to care and come together socially."
This week, more than 60 students ages 16-26 from Michigan, California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Illinois are working with Metro Detroit service agencies, rehabilitating homes and building ramps for disabled individuals. The projects, in Detroit, Pontiac and Dearborn, serve as the kick-off for Alternative Spring Break 2008.
"Detroit is a great example of the first community outside the Gulf to have young leaders working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better tomorrow," said Sally Fabens, spokeswoman for the United Way of America.
"Once the young people see first-hand the issues communities face they want to bring their involvement home to make changes where they live."
Five teams with about 10 students each are splitting their time between beautification projects and cleaning parks and removing graffiti.
Virgle Story III, a part-time student at Southwest Community College in Memphis, Tenn., who also works for program sponsor FedEx, said the experience has been humbling.
"I wanted to come and experience the lifestyle of Detroit. I'm getting to know who I'm helping," said Story, 23. "This is a good city that needs rebuilding."
Mobilizing the caring power… Throughout February, more than 150 volunteer community leaders from across Southeastern Michigan, with varying areas of expertise and diverse backgrounds, are helping United Way to make thoughtful decisions as to where to place resources in the areas of educational preparedness, financial stability and basic needs.
What an honor it is to work directly with these individuals and to witness the extent of their knowledge, their command of our complex process and funding criteria and guidelines, passion for our community and commitment to creating positive change.
Improving communities and individual lives… Did you know that UWSEM serves more than 125 communities within Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties and the City of Detroit? Although each area of our region may be unique, most of challenges we face are not.
As the Senior Director of Operations in our Community Investment and Partnerships (CIP) Department, I am fortunate to be part of a team that actively works to engage these local communities. We strive to learn about their unique assets, challenges and opportunities. Then, with the help of local volunteers, we convene stakeholders to build collaboration and to leverage UWSEM assets and resources. All of this with one goal in mind: to make progress on what these communities care about most.
Choose work you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Alternative Spring Break kicks off in just a little over 24 hours
Over the last two years, United Way has teamed with local communities across the Gulf Coast to mobilize the power, energy and dedication of young adults to help rebuild after the devastation of Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina and Rita. This year, we continue to build on the groundswell of compassion and commitment of Gen Y. United Way and young adults from across the country will converge on communities not only along the Gulf Coast, but in Detroit, Michigan as well.
In all three host communities, Volunteers will dedicate a week of their lives to helping rebuild communities. Whether struggling to recover from the devastation of incredibly powerful hurricanes or combating the economic challenges the prevent our nation’s inner cities from realizing their potential, United Ways across the country are harnessing the power of young people to make a meaningful difference over their Spring Break in 2008.
You can follow the journey of our Detroit ASB'ers by subscribing to their blog at http://uwsemasb.blogspot.com/. Here is what our volunteers have had to say so far:
With overwhelming economic woes, political scandal and an uncertain future, Detroit is a city where a little sunshine is long overdue. Luckily, it's coming this month.
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is coming to the Motor City, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn will play host to the volunteers from Feb. 21 through March 1.
Since working as a volunteer for Super Bowl XL, I periodically have had opportunities to volunteer for other events in the Detroit area. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to work as a volunteer for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) for their recent annual induction ceremony. The MSHOF has been honoring former professional and amateur athletes, coaches and members of the media since 1954.
This year’s inductees included Steve Yzerman from the Detroit Red Wings, Desmond Howard and Glen Rice from the University of Michigan, Ray Scott, a former player and coach of the Detroit Pistons and broadcaster Frank Beckman from WJR radio.
One of the best highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the MSHOF’s Tony Filippis Courage award to Cheryl Angelelli. She is paralyzed from the chest down as the result of a diving accident during swimming practice when she was fourteen. Now competing as a Paralympic swimmer, she is a double world gold medalist and is preparing to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.
The MSHOF is presently looking for a permanent home in the Detroit area to be able to display permanent exhibits honoring athletic achievements of professional and amateur athletics at all levels in Michigan. Plaques honoring those who have been inducted are currently being displayed on walls in Cobo Cener.
Bob Jacobs Accounting Specialist Finance Department United Way For Southeastern Michigan
Almost 2 years ago I started my journey as a Campaign Associate for Resource Development. I spend my days helping to raise dollars through workplace campaigns in Schools and Municipalities. 60% of the time you will find me on the road meeting with my Employee Campaign Coordinators. They are the real hard and supportive workers. They really help me bring the United Way message to their staff.
I have also had the oppurtunity in the last 2 years to work closely with our Volunteer Center to help form partnerships with different Schools and Municipalitites by engaging them and their students through volunteer oppurtunities. One program that I am very proud of is our engagement with Alternative Spring Break. Last year I was able to spend a weeek in Lake Charles, LA as a Team Leader to help with Rita ReBuilding. It was truly a wonderful experience. This year we are proud that Detroit will be the first pilot for an Urban program with Alternative Spring Break. Detroit will be invaded by 50 participants from all over the country to work on several voluteer projects in Metro Detroit. That has really kept me busy the last couple of months. It hasn't happened yet but already the community and internal support have been amazing.
I have learned so much working for United Way for Southeastern MI that you would be reading a very long blog. The most important element that is that I have found my place in the non-profit world. I really am proud of the work we do and that makes my job easier at the end of the day.
Approximately 50 college students from across the nation will invade Detroit for spring break this month, but they aren’t here to relax. They’re here to serve the community.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan will host the students, who are participating in a national effort called Alternative Spring Break, sponsored by United Way of America, Deloitte, FedEx and thinkMTV. UWA is also sending volunteers to Hancock, Miss., and Lake Charles, La., to complete service projects.
Leadership Next member Chris Uhl, a commercial banker at Comerica, is lending his time and talent to United Way for Southeastern as a volunteer on an important process for the organization.
As United Way moves forward its Agenda for Change for the region, requests for proposals from area organizations interested in partnering in the future are currently being reviewed. It is a painstaking process involving a core group of key volunteers -- who make a considerable commitment -- providing subject matter expertise in support of United Way staff. Uhl has stepped up and says he is excited to participate.
Under the circumstances... I feel a need to write this Blog in an "informal" style. Unfortunately, too many professional politicians, lawyers, and others have made the understanding of politics and public policy too confusing and complex for most people when, in reality, it's all very simple.
Let us first review the definition of "Public Policy": 1. the fundamental policy on which laws rest, especially policy not yet enunciated in specific rules. 2. the principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for setting aside, or denying effect to, acts or transactions.
So, why then, are numerous acts, laws and resolutions that affect so many residents introduced, discussed and passed that are disliked by so many residents? And, when thinking of the comments that are said by many of those residents referring to the actions of legislators, it seems that there is a misunderstanding of the role and status of elected officials. Thus, there becomes a need to help people to remember that other human beings are not elected to "govern" us; they are elected to "represent" us.
As a Public Policy Associate, I recognize the need to remind my audience of this prior to most of the presentations I may make to them. Otherwise, if I did not, as I encourage the members of the audience to contact the elected officials of their districts and express their concerns and/or positions, there would become a silence and a look of hopelessness throughout the room. People have come to believe that they are at the mercy of their elected officials. Many seem to have forgotten (or, were never taught) that it was the desire of the majority of the constituency that caused representative to vote to change laws that gave all adults equal voting rights and fair wages for labors rendered regardless of race or gender - thus, the Equal Rights Amendment and Child Labor Laws.
As a Public Policy Associate, I deliver messages to elected officials from those whom they represent who are too busy doing other duties to earn wages to support themselves and their families. I relate to the elected officials that as more and more of their constituents are becoming less and less able to manage their income-to-expense ratio that they are asking for passages of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act and the Savings for Working Families Act.
As a Public Policy Associate, I try to remind constituents and legislators that it is not the duty of elected officials to "speak for the people"... they are chosen to speak "on behalf of the people." It's an ongoing task that starts all over again with the start of every New Year. And, I love public relations and I love challenges so... I must REALLY love my work as a Public Policy Associate.
The idea that the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. was alive and well at the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Monday was something no one would contest. With a turnout of over 400 volunteers in its 15th year, it was the biggest MLK Community Service Day the campus has hosted to date.
Martin Luther King Jr. sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important human rights issues. On Jan. 21, millions of Americans will honor his legacy by taking part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - a wide range of community service projects including food drives, beautification projects, youth mentoring, and delivering meals to homebound neighbors.
You can help honor King’s memory by participating in one of these organized service projects in your area or volunteering at other service agencies throughout metro Detroit.
It’s the New Year and many of us are making (and some of us are breaking) yearly resolutions. One resolution United Way hopes you keep is your commitment to giving back to the community, and we have a great new opportunity that will allow you to do just that.
Operation ABC is a region-wide collaboration aimed at getting more children to read at grade level by third grade. To do this, United Way is recruiting 1,000 volunteers to serve as reading tutors in first and second grade classrooms across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. These individuals will play a critical role in helping children build their literacy skills through reading and other learning activities that augment current curriculums.
Week of events at UM-Dearborn will honor the life, legacy and achievements of the late civil rights leader
DEARBORN / Jan. 9, 2008---To commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the University of Michigan-Dearborn will host a week of programs and events dedicated toward nonviolent social improvement, the development of positive communities and regional reconciliation.
The week will kick off with a Freedom March at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15 beginning at the University Center circle drive. The march, presented by campus’s Black Student Union and the National Society of Black Engineers, is a student-led initiative that will conclude with a gathering at the Social Sciences Building.
On Monday, Jan. 21, volunteers from campus and the surrounding community will spend the day helping others in honor of the 15th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Day, which commemorates the achievements of the late civil rights leader.
The campus is collaborating on the event with United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Henry Ford Community College and Madonna University.
Volunteers will be dispersed throughout the metropolitan Detroit area to support local community agencies. Among the activities, volunteers will assist Bridging Communities Inc. with elder home beautification initiatives in Southwest Detroit; work hand-in-hand constructing affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity; renovate abandoned homes with Motor City Blight Busters; and partner with Gleaners Community Food Bank to sort/pack donated food items to be delivered to local charities and shelters.
The community service event was established in 1994 by UM-Dearborn and United Way Community Services. Last year, over 400 volunteers visited sites around metropolitan Detroit, including nonprofit agencies, soup kitchens, senior centers and schools.
On Tuesday, Jan. 22, the Women’s Resource Center at UM-Dearborn will present its second annual MLK Noon Day Observance Program from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Kochoff Hall. The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and include a performance by members of the UM-Dearborn gospel choir.
On Wednesday, Jan. 23, the Mardigian Library will host a special session of its Read, Eat and Discuss (READ) book club program in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. from noon to 1 p.m. in Kochoff Hall. The group will discuss the reading A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Following the book club discussion, the campus will host “Meeting Martin and Malcolm,” an interactive character portrayal of the meeting between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Kochoff Hall.
On Thursday, Jan. 24, the campus’s Civic Engagement Project will present “Academic Service-Learning: The Academic Side of Service” from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 1225 of the University Center. Participants will learn about the Academic Service-Learning Faculty Fellows program and the variety of courses now available on campus that utilize community-based service as a way of enhancing student learning and complementing the learning objectives of the course.
Later that evening, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a fundraising dinner to benefit the development and construction of the King Monument in Washington, D.C. The dinner will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Quad E of the Fairlane Center North Building.
For more information about MLK Day, visit http://www.umd.umich.edu/mlk/ or call the Student Activities Office at 313-593-5390.
"Joe the dragon didn’t breathe fire, he breathed sushi. He had a crazy, curly mustache that was five miles long. Joe loved playing catch with cinderblocks, and he collected dragon stamps ..."
You can get to know Joe in The Adventures of Joe the Dragon and Zegwen the Talking Bologna, a tale written by students in a program run by 826 Michigan, the Ann Arbor non-profit devoted to teaching students age 6-18 the art of creative and expository writing. It's one of many Detroit-area volunteer corps, large and small, that invigorate communities by picking up where schools, private enterprise, and governments leave off.
Many, whether through teaching or other means, are volunteer-bound. Over 32% of Michigan residents offer their time and expertise, gratis, for an average 37 hours annually, per a 2007 Corporation for National and Community Service report.
"Financial resources are important, but putting money behind an issue isn’t the only way you're going to make change," Patricia McCann, director of the George W. Romney Volunteer Center at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, believes. "It's really the human capital that makes a difference, that's going to change community conditions."
Pass the pen
While most educational organizations supplement school literacy efforts through reading tutorials, 826 Michigan focuses on the art of writing. After all, its parent, 826 Valencia, was founded in 2002 by Dave Eggers, author of the best-selling A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and former teacher Ninive Calegari. With the addition of the Ann Arbor chapter in 2005, 826 has grown to seven locales nationwide. The belief? One-on-one attention will help develop strong writing skills that are fundamental to future success.
Musicians, lawyers, teachers, and university students are among 826 Michigan's 125 active volunteer scribes set on passing their passion for the pen to the younger generation. "I think why some of us do it is it sort of takes you back a little bit," explains tutor and University of Michigan graduate student Rachel Lieberman.
The group offers unrestricted free drop-in tutoring and workshops for students to put ink to subjects not normally covered in the classroom: the killer college essay, comedic playwriting, and horror writing not being the least of them. Some students even see their names in print, in either their own books or the group's annual teen-edited book of scribbles, aptly titled Vacansopaporosophobia – "fear of a blank page."
Each year, tutors also visit about 20 schools dealing with sub-par written test scores. Contrary to expectation, assistance isn't only in English classes. Often, "we'll be in a science classroom and we'll let the teacher teach the science lesson and then we step in and help [students] write about that subject in a creative, engaging way," says 826 Michigan's Executive Director Amanda Uhle.
The group plans to expand school programs, now primarily in Ypsilanti, deeper into Wayne County and beyond, says Uhle. "That is such a powerful thing for students to feel they are competent in the writing area and also what they write is valued by their communities, teachers, parents, and other adults that are mentoring them," she explains. "It's about expressing themselves and being confident in that way and opening up more possibilities for their careers and their lives. We see that a lot – we see kids who learn to call themselves writers and that's exciting."
A legacy of help
The organization most synonymous with charity is, of course, the United Way. The organization is a community leader and invaluable resource, matching thousands of volunteers with 300 to 400 other agencies in the tri-county area. A recent search for Detroit area opportunities on its website yielded nearly 400 choices.
The non-profit also places thousands annually in its own programming to fill areas where business and government fall short. Its earned income tax credit program recruits volunteers to become certified tax preparers and places them at free income tax assistance sites for low and moderate-income families, many of whom are unaware of their eligibility for the credit. Accordingly, raising their purchasing power puts green back into the local economy – to the tune of $1 million in 2006, says McCann, who characterizes the 100 volunteer effort as "another way in which people are using their skills or learning a new skill to make change in a community."
Full house
Nowhere is a volunteer heritage more evident than at the 75-plus year-old Community House in Birmingham. It's best known for offering 800 educational classes per year, with content running from the intense – Chinese language; to lighter fare – "Face Reading For Singles".
Last summer, over 30,000 metro Detroiters passed through the doors of this exemplary local fixture – an undeniable part of Birmingham's vitality. President and CEO Shelley Roberts says, "I know when people move into town, the realtors point out what the Community House has to offer … it definitely adds something to the community and I think the [city manager and mayor] would be the first to agree."
Thousands of citizens donate upwards of 10,000 hours annually to coordinate classes and plan events like the Jazz fest, art show, and youth theater performances. The non-profit also runs several respected community outreach programs – in 2005, its Race Relations and Diversity Task Force received the Closing the Gap award from New Detroit, a race issues leadership coalition.
Volunteers bring "all kinds of skills from people in the garden club who come and help pull weeds to retired executives who come and help us do our business forecasting," says Roberts, adding that the scale and scope of the Community House's programming is unparalleled in the local area – and nationally admired as well. "I get calls all the time from all over the country from people who would like to copy it in their communities."
Wild and free
Those yearning to serve outside walled confines will find the wild at close hand in local parks.
"At various times, and it's just when they've done master plans for parks and recreation, [cities have] always had nature programs – and the city doesn't put tax dollars into them," Bob Muller, program director and founding member of the Royal Oak Nature Society, explains. Hence, the society formed in 2001 to handle programming, trail maintenance, and infrastructure projects in Royal Oak's Tenhave Woods and Cummingston Park.
Muller credits the society's efforts with bringing locals in to walk and jog the formerly deserted parks, where 300 different plants and 45 members of the arbor family, including the Hop-hornbeam and the tree-of-heaven, grace the grounds.
Last year, nearly 1,600 people enjoyed the free year-round programs. Frequent naturalist-led weekend and nighttime nature walks include activities both academic – wildflower identification; and charming – owl hoots to coax replies from the great horned and screech owls lurking in the trees. And speakers present topics on all earthly levels, ranging from the underground fossils of the Middle Devonian Michigan basin to the celestial bodies glittering in the night skies high above.
"If you want someone to do volunteer work, you look for the busiest person around and ask them because busy people are stupid enough to do more," advises Muller, a model volunteer. The General Motors engineer guides most of the society's nature walks and boasts 40 years of Boy Scout leadership to boot.
"With less than 20 [volunteers] we're putting on this kind of program, which I think is phenomenal. It doesn't take a lot sometimes, it just takes several individuals," Muller says. "People have to do everything from reading to the infirm to having baseball for kids to having this nature society to all of these things that flesh out and add the real bulk to a community and to our society – those aren’t done with tax dollars .... It's people that just enjoy doing it and want to do it."
Tanya Muzumdar is a regular contributor to metromode. Read her previous article Double Lives: Aliccia Berg & Bob Zabor.
My parents met during World War II when my father, who was in the Army, was stationed in Belgium. Whether it was the chocolate, the stockings, or his incredible good looks, Lore Richter fell head over heels for him and left her country and family in April of 1946 to travel to New York City, where they were wed, and then on to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they set up residence. In January of 1947 (it was 9 months and 2 days later for those of you who are counting) they were joined by a 6 lb. 14 oz. baby boy. It was that event that solidified my place in the first month of the second year of what was to be called some years later - the Baby Boom.
Being kind of a founding member of the “greatest generation” (sorry, I think Tom Brokaw already gave that moniker to an earlier cohort) and assuring you younger folks that the 60’s were GREAT, my interest is always piqued by articles that talk about us.
I came across some research the other day that combines the baby boomers with volunteerism – what I would consider the DAILY DOUBLE. The research explores the question:
As the first wave of the 76 million-strong baby-boom generation begins turning 62 and receiving Social Security benefits January 1, will they create a massive army of willing and able volunteers?
While I hope you will take time to peruse some of the studies, allow me to give you a few of the findings:
The vast majority of adults who volunteer while working also do so after retirement. What’s more, a significant share of older adults who don’t formally volunteer give it a try after retiring. (I will have to part of the first sentence because I don’t see retirement as a possibility for years to come.)
Volunteers who put in many hours over many years and who are married to volunteers tend to volunteer the longest. Non-volunteers take the leap more often if they have been uninvolved for relatively few years and their spouses volunteer. “These results point to the need to focus efforts on retaining older volunteers to maximize volunteer engagement during later years,” the researchers conclude.
Despite older adults’ relatively high rates of engagement -- defined as paid work or formal volunteering -- researchers see enormous potential for recruiting more older adults into the workforce or nonprofit volunteer forces.
The upside of longer work lives, the researchers point out, includes increased retirement incomes, greater tax revenues, and reduced net Social Security payouts. The payback from increased volunteerism includes enhanced health status, potential reductions in the cost of government health programs, and benefits to those receiving services.
While that soldier passed away in 1979, his Belgian wife, now 87 years old, taught elementary school French until well into her 60s. She still lives in Cincinnati and runs circles around me as she volunteers 2 days a week, attends exercise and water aerobics classes, participates in book clubs and a number of cultural activities, and cheats at crossword puzzles. What could be better than that?
If you are interested in the research, here are the links to each of the reports.
Today I got a chance to speak to incoming Freshman and transfer students at The University of Michigan-Dearborn. After receiving many questions on how these students can become involved, I realized that at the core of every person there is the desire and hope for individuals to see their community doing well and thriving. Some of these students I was able to elaborate in great detail about my ASB experience and I told them how life-changing it was for me.
I am very excited for Alternative Spring Break because I hope it will be that life-changing experience for someone else. I have learned so much from being with United Way that I can't tell you how much the practical learning has developed me into a caring citizen of my community. Working along side Angela Walker, Patricia McCann, Kira Putt, Brad Frost and many others has allowed me to gain organizational experience as well as organizational values that contribute to building a great team and organization. I am very blessed and I have United Way for Southeastern Michigan to thank for such a great experience.
As I enter into my last semester at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, I hope that the people of United Way and the community can learn as much from me as I am learning from this moment. There is still hope and a need for a better metropolitan Detroit, and I believe that the members of this community are really eagered to join in to support the effort. However, we must continue to provide opportunities for others to be engaged and experiences that will take others outside of their social circles. I look forward to Alternative Spring Break Detroit doing just that and I still believe in a new Detroit.
After an amazing experience in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I am very excited that Alternative Spring Break will be offered here in Detroit, Michigan. In a meeting that was initiated by United Way, in which former ASB participants from Detroit attended, the idea of bringing an Alternative Spring Break to Detroit was born. We understood that Detroit had not necessarily been devastated by a hurricane, however the economic downturn leaves the community with high foreclosure on housing, disparity between education systems, and job opportunities leaving Detroit. These pressing issues have brought about a drought to Southeastern Michigan and have the citizens crying out for help and attention.
I am very thankful to Angela Walker and Patricia McCann who strongly supported the dream of ASB coming to Detroit. Personally, I would like to apologize for bugging them all the time about it but I was very passionate about students being able to realize the opportunities that still exist in the Detroit area. Looking at the news can be very depressing because the media portrays the city to be a horrific place to live and I realize that this negative perception reaches out to the entire country.
To me Alternative Spring Break Detroit is not just an option for students to participate in during the college Spring Break, it is a learning experience and direct implementation of the “Agenda for Change.” The city of Detroit has so many exciting things going on such as the new river walk, the progress and excitement of the professional sports teams, and the historical architecture that makes this city a wonderful place to visit. So to anyone reading this blog, I hope you do not feed into the hype of a lost Detroit because after a depression always comes an upturn, and I believe a new Detroit is not to far off.
I am honored to be asked by Ursula Adams of United Way for Southeastern Michigan to be a guest blogger for this week. For those who might not know me, my name is Adam Harris and I am a student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. My involvement with United Way came this past March during Alternative Spring Break 2007. Students from the University of Michigan-Dearborn as well as myself, traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana to experience a week of service for the post devastated area of Hurricane Rita. It was a life changing experience for all of us and for me; it brought a sense of motivation to hopefully bring energy and positive change to Southeastern Michigan.
Coming back from Alternative Spring Break, I wanted to learn more about United Way and how they planned to make a difference to the Southeast region. When I began to do research on United Way for Southeastern Michigan, I realized that they are implementing a new “Agenda for Change,” that will impact the community through Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability and Basic Needs. This agenda came about after using surveys, research and participants of the community to find the true existing problems that are depriving the citizens of Southeastern Michigan. After reading the entire report and thinking about the issues that our community faces, I was convinced to believe that the “Agenda for Change” can do exactly that, bring change.
So I must say that these past few months have been very exciting for me. I have had the privilege to spend much time with many United Way representatives who have shown me that a care for your community is the one and only way that we can envision a new Detroit. Working directly with the George W. Romney Center and having an opportunity to see the 2-1-1 Center, showed me that United Way is not only visioning a new Detroit but is acting upon the belief that a new Detroit is not to far off. I am honored and blessed to be apart of a group of people who care about our community and I look forward to helping United Way make change to Southeastern Michigan.
If one word can convey a lot about your state of mind, just think how much three words can express. What three words would you choose to express yourself? Join us each day this week as members of United Way's Volunteer Center express the volunteer experience... in three words.
Everyday we, hopefully, wake up. Hopeful that today our kids will do well in school, hopeful that the war will end soon, hopeful that whatever burdens we silently carry will be lightened. Some of these things are in our control, some are not. Everyday, we have the power to make the road a little easier for others, we have the power to change the community conditions around us through engagement, we have the power. You may never know the chain of reactions that you set off by one act of kindness, but know that inaction will yield nothing. One small act through volunteerism can change the world. Are you the one to make that change?
Patricia A. McCann Director, Volunteer Services United Way for Southeastern Michigan George W. Romney Volunteer Center
During this time of year, we begin to think about the gifts that we will give to those we love and the gifts that we will receive. At a recent volunteer project, I received a gift from a stranger. The United Way's volunteer center, in partnership with Panera Bread, organize monthly service projects for the community. While completing our fall clean up at First Step, I was chatting with a young woman named Kimberly, who by sharing her story with me, gave me the gift of renewal - a reminder of our larger purpose. Her story is below:
"It was a pleasure volunteering with you this past weekend. As I mentioned to you, this was my first experience volunteering and I feel so wonderful about it. I have always had good intentions and am empathetic to people's pain, but I know that my good intentions mean nothing without action. So, signing up to volunteer was my birthday gift to myself. I know that the time and work spent may not impact a large group of people, but it meant so much to those we worked with. It meant that the staff could better utilize their time to counsel people over the phone and to interact with the families that they serve. What I didn't mention to you that day, is that being there was even more personal. First, I know of women that have needed to retreat to a women's shelter. And second, when my mother died she was homeless and living in a shelter. So, making that connection was good for my soul.
I hope to be able to do more with the United Way. Thank you for the opportunity."
Kimberly said that volunteering was a gift to herself, she also gave of herself. Please think about sharing all of the gifts you possess to make a difference by volunteering.
Patricia A. McCann Director, Volunteer Services United Way for Southeastern Michigan George W. Romney Volunteer Center
Setting the Table: Weaving a Social Fabric (Part III)
A Look at your Hometown
I would encourage each of you to look a bit deeper at your hometown. Do you truly understand your community’s asset? Make a new years resolution to go to a school board or city council meeting. Can you identify the formal and informal leaders in your neighborhood district? What is the strength of your community developmental district or your block organization?
It is my point of view that as United Way staffers we need to “walk our talk” by translating the theory of community building into each of our own lives. Simply bridging the style of our language of community work with the substance of individual action.
My attention in Pontiac centers on working in little and big ways to reform the cities public institutions to meet the requirements of the new economy and a belief that its manageable size can serve as a model for other historic urban centers in Michigan including Detroit.
Currently I am serving on the steering committee for the first community wide visioning plan since the early 1990’s. MSU and its Land Policy Institute serve as our facilitators in developing an asset-based economic development strategy.
We have been exposed to placemaking as the primary strategy for cities in the new economy along with the concept of smart growth. Target areas are assessed for the intangible characteristics of a place, such as sociability, cleanliness, walk-ability, pride, attractiveness and evidence of volunteerism. These qualities can all be measured. Smart Growth tenets such as walkable neighborhoods are nicely outlined in the website address of www.smartgrowth.org.
The process has uplifted 10 strategies for prosperity in the new economy followed by a prioritization process and action steps. Look at the following strategies and rate your own community against the 10 items below.
World-Class education
Connect to the New Economy
Great place to Invest
“Destination” downtown
Create local entrepreneurs
Polish the image
Healthy, safe and attractive neighborhoods
Quality community services
Leverage public and private partnerships
High-performance government.
Weaving the social fabric is a recipe of individual involvement, directed at small wins, one neighborhood at a time. Our 100 plus staff members have the ability to influence the quality of life of our service area. Move from an observer to a participant in the civic life of your community.
Rick David, Vice President Strategic Relations United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Setting the Table: Weaving a Social Fabric (Part II)
Development of a 21st Century Human Service Delivery System
History buffs will recall when the world evolved from WWII into the world of the “Cold War” new institutions were required to win the hearts and minds of Europe. The Marshall Plan, The United Nations, The World Bank and the International Fund were developed to provide leadership as a result of the new challenges from the East -- namely the Soviet Union. Today new institutions are again required in the contest with terrorists and others who attempt to defy the normal protocols of our world. Those new institutions are still on the drawing boards for work in the early 21st century.
Likewise, I believe that the 20th century design of our public and private provider community must be redesigned for a 21st century world. We have accumulated a fragmented system of services; designed from and made for middle class values, that is truly difficult to navigate for consumers and is based on the human service economic interests. Most of all it is perhaps the only industry that seldom listens to our customers yet claims to incorporate the best of the private sector learnings.
The weaving of a new public/private compact to better serve the consumers of service is an example of an opportunity for United Ways leadership in the 21st century.
What would it be like to truly listen and act on the wishes of the consumer of services? What would it be like to truly develop an integrated public/private system of caring? Is system building truly possible? Who is the customer for a community impact United Way? What kind of service delivery platform can we truly afford in a 21st century where the standard of living for the next generation, currently living in Michigan and in the United States, will not match their parents? How can Michigan citizens better recognize that a regional response is the pathway for our collective future?
It is my point of view that the golden age of United Way is before us. That United Way for Southeastern Michigan has the scale and trust to lead our region and the state in answering the above questions and to help shape the required 21st century Human Service delivery system of caring.
Rick David, Vice President, Strategic Relations United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Setting the Table: Weaving a Social Fabric (Part I)
America at the beginning of the 21st century is pining for a sense of community and civic engagement in both thriving and more distressed cities across our landscape. Successful interventions require an equally designed recipe of targeted physical and social organizational building efforts.
I believe that the clear emphasis on the physical dimensions of community building such as permanent fixtures like Ford Field and the periodic events such as Arts, Beats and Eats in Pontiac or the All Star game; and the needed welcoming of new business centers in downtown Detroit appear to be solutions but in fact have a mirage-like impact in turning around historic urban centers like Detroit and Pontiac.
In many ways this focus on the physical dimension is reflective of the “surge” in Iraq. It temporarily adjusts the playing field -- but only temporarily. For real change to occur in Iraq or in any community an equally strong focus is required on the social organizational efforts -- strengthening of a “community voice” and collective action by individual citizens, one block at a time.
The weaving of the social organizational fabric can be our call to action in capturing United Way’s 21st century mission and vision. It can be the answer to my continual question: “What do we want to be famous for?” It will also require a sea change in our work.
One example of this “sea change” is noted in the Aspen Institute research and in their Voices from the Field.
Non-Profits tend to think they are the community, because their boards are made up of the community people or their staff. But really, as a whole, non-profits are not the community. They may be the keepers of the vision…but their decisions aren’t necessarily the right decisions unless they’re community driven…You need to look at the people who are living there (in the neighborhood) every single day. The systems and the provider levels must get out of the way and let the informal leaders find their own voices or nothing happens in a sustainable way.
To set the table for this discussion, I would call your attention to the writings of William Julius Wilson and his 2006 book, There goes the Neighborhood. This is a great primer in better understanding change and social organization through the research in four Chicago neighborhoods.
Social organization depends, in Wilson’s research, on residents who “collectively supervise community activities, take responsibility for addressing problems, and actively participate in volunteer and formal organizations.”
There are no silver bullets in “weaving this new community mosaic.” It requires a cross-generational effort. An appreciation for the gifts of all people and the willingness to move beyond an observer culture to one of participation. A generation-long view accented with patience, cultural understanding, listening skills, and a strong dose of common sense.
This is indeed a tall order for any community. In future blogs I will share opportunities for United Way along with personal stories illustrating this social journey.
Rick David, Vice President, Strategic Relations United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Our ancestors, and our friends, who dreamed the best for future generations
And upon whose lives our lives are built
And with thanksgiving, we call upon them to
Teach us and show us the way
Every Tuesday morning our Great Lakes Green Initiative group begins our meeting with a Chinook Blessing, taken from the book Earth Prayers. In the passage above, we acknowledge our debt to those who have gone before us. The baby boomers were raised by a generation who eventually became known as 'The Greatest Generation', cited for their courage during such difficult times as the Great Depression and World War II. I am a baby boomer, and although we have had our sets of challenges, I wonder about the legacy we are leaving our children.
We have, many of us, achieved material success and have accomplished much in the workplace. We are richer and more educated than any generation in the history of the United States. The world our children will inherit, however, is a great source of concern, with a growing divide between the rich and the poor, burgeoning population growth, increasing scarcity of natural resources, and a world seemingly connected but sadly lacking in mutual understanding. Now, as many of us are retiring, is an opportunity to use our acquired knowledge, skills and wisdom to hand down to our children a better world than the one they are currently living in. The way I see it, we have a choice: We can pursue the traditional retirement plan, move to gated communities and play golf, or perhaps we can give some thought to what we might contribute, given the extraordinary richness of our backgrounds.
So I am calling out to all of you boomers to consider what you want do with the final third of your life. We have had unprecedented freedom in choosing our paths so far, and there is no reason we cannot do the same now. As I said in a previous post, we are all unique, talented individuals, and if we miss this opportunity, the world - our children's world - will be all the poorer for it.
I'm thinking now about what the history books will say about my generation. What great contribution did we make? How did we change the course of history for the better? How did we help those in need? How did we help heal the earth? Will our children be proud to have been raised by such a courageous, committed group of people? Right now I'm not sure about the answers to these questions, but we still have the opportunity to write ourselves a legacy.
There are a million and one ways to make a difference, and I can guess most of you are already contributing in your own unique way. If you are not sure how your skills can be best used in our community, however, I'll suggest one simple thing to consider today: Call 2-1-1, United Way's community help line, and talk with someone about volunteering in an area of interest to you. I can attest to the fact that volunteering with this organization can make a difference in your life. Perhaps we will, finally, be remembered as "..ancestors…who dreamed the best for future generations."
I think most of us want to engage with our communities but have lives that already seem overly full. If we could fit a community-volunteering activity seamlessly into our lives, we would probably do so right away. If you feel I'm speaking to you, read on.
My message for you today: I'd like you to challenge the notion of what civic engagement is all about. I have participated in the traditional forms of civic engagement for decades now, and continue to do so gladly. I have volunteered at school, at church, in my neighborhood, and am currently working with small groups at United Way to address Web 2.0 technologies and early childhood literacy. All wonderful stuff.
But there is something else I'm doing that I'll call Civic Engagement 2.0. I'll call this a form of societal volunteering by example. It takes almost no effort, no time, and I think it might have quite a powerful impact on my community over time. This might be something for you all to consider who have over scheduled lives.
First, though, a little background: When my husband retired a few years ago, we decided to follow our passion and work in the area of environmental sustainability. We formed a community called Great Lakes Green Initiative in 2005, and have worked, in weekly and monthly meetings, at understanding our impact on the environment and subsequently making changes to our lifestyle. Some of our changes have been big, such as installing a geothermal heating/cooling system, but most have been small, such as changing light bulbs in our home to compact fluorescents. My C.E. 2.0 story has to do with a very small change - a bag.
I had learned a couple of years ago how to shop at the grocery store with reusable bags, but was still bringing bags home from other shopping places, such as the mall. No big deal, but we have learned in our work that even the smallest changes can make an impact - why use resources unnecessarily? So I found a nice reusable bag and started taking it to the mall with me. I was surprised at the reaction I got. Everywhere I went, salesclerks asked me about it, as did others in line with me. I didn't feel the need to educate people on the waste of paper and plastic bags, and when they inquired, 'Saving the earth, huh?' I just said, 'Yep.'
Well, that's the story. Not too dramatic, and that's the point. I'll never know if I have inspired anyone else to change to reusable bags, but I'm betting that I have planted a seed. And we all know how powerful those planted seeds can be. So I would ask you expand your notion of what it means to be civically engaged, and understand that we can be a force for change by our smallest actions.
In my last post I spoke to the truth that engaging in your community can change who you are forever. Of course, there is a flip side: it will also change your community forever. We live in the United States, a country founded on the principles of freedom and independence. This is wonderful and necessary, yet there is a downside to this way of life. Independence without tapping into our communities can lead to quite a narrow life. We can live in our small worlds, isolated in our ever-expanding homes, sliding into the garage at night, and never experience the larger world around us. This type of existence can work, but it has a shallow feel.
The truth is, an important component of a great social experiment such as the United States is the fact that a knowledgeable, committed populace is essential to making it work. We are free to reap the benefits of individual hard work, but we work within communities, and if our communities are not alive and healthy, it will eventually affect our own individual plans.
So with our freedoms come responsibilities. If there is a need in the community, someone steps forward to fill it. In a healthy community, people look out for each other and offer what skills they have. When my husband was working out of town for many years, I was grateful to all of the parents who coached my kids in sports. I was able to use my background in education to volunteer in our school libraries and reading programs. And when my husband retired, we were able to coach our Engineering Club's robotics team.
One of my daughter's high school teachers said it well when, in his syllabus, he addressed the issue of participation: If you attend class but choose not to participate, we are all the poorer for it. You are a unique individual - no one is like you or thinks like you - and your contribution is not only welcome but essential. We are all responsible for fashioning the society we want - our contribution is essential.
I've been asked to write a few posts this week about the importance of civic engagement. I agreed without too much hesitation because, having turned 53 this summer, I feel like I probably have enough life experience to say something on the subject that just might resonate with others. In any case, I appreciate the opportunity to share a few ideas that have grown in meaning for me over the years.
The idea for today: engaging with your community can change who you are forever. I know this to be true because it has certainly happened to me. Believe it or not, I was forever changed by my very first experience with community volunteering. I happened to attend Marian High School in Birmingham, and in 1968, when I was a freshman, I joined the Future Teacher's Club. Membership in the club required that every Saturday morning we all meet in Marian's parking lot, hop in a van and make our way down to Detroit to tutor children at one of the elementary schools.
I don't remember the name of the school or where it was, nor any of the kids, nor the specific subjects I tutored, but I can't forget the feel of the school. I remember that the school was worn and tired looking. I remember the halls were dark. I remember the desks were in poor condition, and that we had to share old copies of dated books for tutoring. I also remember that the kids who came were fed breakfast. I thought about the breakfast that I had had that morning in my brightly lit kitchen, the clean, comfortable school I attended, the expensive language labs, the gleaming gym floor.
I'd like to say that I immediately became an advocate for equality in education, but I didn't. I registered what I saw - that is all. One day, however, many years later, while taking child development classes for my Speech Pathology degree at Central Michigan University, a thought struck me that has passed through my mind on a regular basis since: Those kids didn't have a chance to compete with me. I began to understand quite clearly that it was no accident that I was at a university getting a higher education, while others were not. I had the privilege of a comfortable home, plenty of food, an excellent school and the companionship of others who were just like me. When thinking about the kids I had tutored, I could not imagine that many of them would end up in my college classes with me. How, I thought, would they have done on their college entrance exams, given the lack of rigor in their academic curriculums and other poverty-related challenges? This, I thought, didn't seem fair.
Once this understanding really set in, I discovered I was changed. My political leanings began shifting left. Discussions of affirmative action engaged me. I'd also like to think that I became more compassionate in my work, both paid and volunteer. This experience set me on a course to observe other cases of societal inequality - you might say it opened my eyes - and I haven't been the same since.
"How did you get so involved in community," Leslie Murphy--one of the regions most impactful civic volunteers-- was asked. She replied, "follow your passion and just start walking down the path of volunteering."
(Leslie Murphy)
Follow your passion.
Don't stand still and wait for it to come to you. Reach out---start walking down the path of involvement. Move from being a spectator to a participant.
Last Saturday morning Jeff Love, President of Baker College, and I spoke to 150 Baker College students about leadership, the health and human service sector, and the huge transition in leadership that will take place over the next ten years: 600,000 executive's in the US will retire from the non-profit sector. Who is prepared to lead non-profit organizations in a 2.0 world?
They asked, "how do we get those jobs that are becoming available?"
(Jeff Love)
Follow your passion.
Don't stand still and expect the organization to create the great job for you. Create your own plan of action. Be the author of your work. Develop the skills inside the organization and outside the organization. Don't be a spectator in an organization. Become a full participant.
About 20 individuals from United Way's Leadership Next --- next generation leaders in SE Michigan --- met with Tony Earley-- Chairman of DTE for an informal dialogue on leadership last night.
"It seems to me that those who have successful careers and lives are people who get involved. I have been involved with community for over 35 years, and it is through that involvement, that I have learned new skills and met some of the best people", Tony reflected.
"Identify what you are interested in ..... and just start getting yourself involved."
(Tony Earley)
Find your passion.
Don't stand still. Start looking for others that are involved in that passion as well. Be curious. Seek to understand. Start helping. Don't wait for an organization to come to you. Rather, become a participant by making the first step.
Matching retirees with jobs for the public good is a feature in today's New York Times. After a 20 - 30 year career, many retirees are taking their skills and applying them to his or her passions. The retirement model isn't go and play golf in a retirement community. Rather, it is go and take your skills to make a difference. Sometimes for pay. Other times as a volunteer.
Regardless, the pattern is emerging.
Follow your passion.
Don't wait for the next chapter of your life to be prescribed by someone else. Go write your new story ---- the story you always wanted to write. Don't be a spectator of watching others connect their talents to advancing the common good. Become a participant.
How?
================================================================ Five steps to getting involved:
1. Identify what you would like to become involved with. What do you want to make a difference on? What would get you out of bed in the morning with a bounce in your step. Get clear about what skills you most want to utilize.
2. Identify organizations that are doing work in that area by calling United Way's 211. We can help you create your contact list.
3. Call the president of those organizations and ask for a 1/2 hour meeting to learn more about the issue you care about and the organization's work. Any CEO worth his/her weight in salt will welcome such a visitor.
4. Ask the CEO to identify other networks that are doing similar work that you could contact.
5. After a few visits, you will begin to see opportunities to help. Make a suggestion to others on how you would like to help. Before long, you will move from looking from the outside to knowing and having relationships with others that share your passion. Just take the first step. It might not be a perfect match right away ---- but over time --- you will find the fit that makes sense for you.
Leadership Next member Chris Uhl, a commercial banker at Comerica, is lending his time and talent to United Way for Southeastern as a volunteer on an important process for the organization. 
