C@mpaigner
Connection
October 2005
Welcome!
With the Torch Drive in full swing and United Way company campaigns in full gear, this issue of the Campaigner Connection highlights activities area organizations are using to realize success. This year's Torch Drive goal is $66.5 million.
We offer tips to help coordinators currently involved in campaigns, including tools to assist in communicating effectively within your organizations and recognizing employee contributions. This month's Campaigner Connection also provides you with the answers to common questions and likely concerns employees may have along the campaign trail.
Thanks to the hard work of our coordinators and supporters, we have raised $24. 6 million toward our goal, with 29 days* left in the campaign. We're counting on you to keep up that impressive effort as we head into the homestretch, because thousands of metro Detroiters depend on United Way and its human service network each day.
To keep you mindful of the reasons behind the work that United Way does, we're sharing insight into ongoing United Way initiatives. Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of Detroit and southeastern Michigan to improve communities and individual lives in measurable and lasting ways. We're working daily to provide this impact across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Read on, learn and enjoy.
* As of October 24, 2005
Torch Drive Highlights
Online Auction Adds
Torch Drive Twist
United Way has added a new online fundraising tool that will allow investors an opportunity to pick up some fabulous treasures, while investing in improving their community at the same time.
The first United Way Online Community Auction opens October 25 and runs through November 21. Bidders will have an opportunity to vie for exotic getaways, suites at hot-ticket concerts and sporting events and the latest in trendy electronics. And with the holiday season fast approaching, the ideal gift for that someone special may be just a mouse click away.
All money earned during the five-week auction will go to the Torch Drive, moving us closer to our $66.5 million goal.
There are many unique items to view, with new items being added daily. So, don't miss this chance to bid! Sample auction donations include...
- A ride on a float in the Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Four Days, three nights at a Marriott Hotel & Spa in Napa Valley with airfare and a wine tour.
- A Customized European Travel Package
- A $100 Universal Spa-Finder Gift Certificate
- A Delonghi Café Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
- An engagement with a metro Detroit business leader
- A Sony DVD player with remote
- Detroit Free Press Publisher, David Hunke, invites six lucky individuals to join him and the editorial team at the newspaper as they identify, negotiate and edit the placement of tomorrow's headline news, followed by a gourmet dinner.
The auction goes live beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25, at unitedway.cmarket.com
Pacesetters Put Wraps On Campaigns
Fifth Third Bank wrapped up its Pacesetter campaign
with employees coming through in a big way. They contributed
more than $536,000! On behalf of the employees,
campaign coordinator Cathy Podvin praised Tim Hixson,
United Way for Southeastern Michigan Training Manager
for aiding in its success.
The Urban League of Detroit couldn't wait to
get its 2005 campaign started. United Way Loaned
Ambassador Frances Williams worked with campaign chair,
Tonette Bryant Carter, who led a group of overachieving
employees. The Detroit Urban League's mission is to
"enable African-Americans and other persons of
color to achieve their fullest human potential."
The organization's employees stepped up and raised
$10,585 this year, an 8 percent increase over last
year's campaign accomplishment.
Pacesetter Spotlight: Crain Communicationsdoubles its impact by 'Giving a Latte'
Thanks to innovation and creativity on the
part of committed volunteers Alison Patalon and Bridget
Kavanaugh, along with intern Betsy Alandt, Crain Communications
more than doubled last year's total investment in
the community!
United Way asked Alison and Bridget to share some best practices and tips that might help other coordinators motivate their colleagues to invest in what matters. Here is a summary:
Crain's Campaign Theme:
"Give a Latte"
Employee Communications:
Each employee received campaign information, along with a packet of instant coffee. The coffee theme was used to reinforce the idea that for just the cost of one cup of coffee each week, employees could make a difference in their community by donating to United Way. Before the campaign heading into the final week, employees who had not yet donated were sent a reminder card to encourage participation.
Campaign Team:
Corporate Communications leads the campaign, the payroll department collects donation forms, the office services staff distributes employee communication materials, and executive office personnel handle Leadership Giving communications sent to Crain executives.
Employee Thank You Gifts:
Each employee who donated was sent a thank you note, along with a travel coffee mug, imprinted with the Crain logo. Employees are encouraged to give early in the campaign to qualify for a prize drawing. This year's prize was a pair of round trip airline tickets, good for anywhere in the continental U.S.
Leadership Giving:
For the first time, this year's campaign included personalized letters from the chairman for Leadership Giving. All Crain executives, including corporate department heads, publishers, ad directors and editors received the letter, explaining the details of the Leadership Giving program.
Crain Match:
The Board of Directors matched all employee donations from this year's campaign.
Important Figures:
- 243 staff members donated, an increase of 40 employees from 2004
- $102,527.06 was donated by employees, up by more than $35,000
- 26 employees became Leadership Givers, more than three times the previous total
The Crain campaign team showed there is true value to having a campaign team, goal and theme. And, not surprisingly, communication played a major role in their success because they not only asked employees to give, but thanked each one for doing so -- simple, but profoundly effective. United Way thanks Alison, Bridget and Betsy, along with the Crain staff, for making a difference in what matters most - changing lives.
Campaigns In Progress
Motor City Casino
When it comes to a fun campaign, MotorCity Casino is "all in."
MotorCity Casino has become one of the "Top 5 " United Way campaigns among casinos nationwide. Campaign chair Dave Denomme and his 40-member Casino Associate Campaign Committee have thrown caution to the wind, resulting in a fun, high-energy campaign. Their efforts are truly paying off.
MotorCity has doubled the number of continuous givers and contributions, and is well ahead of last year's pace, thanks to a number of campaign strategies.
For starters, having all three shifts involved in planning and activities has produced a campaign that's really on a roll. And, a four-tier recognition program was introduced to increase employee participation. Other events included: a 15-hour campaign kickoff event, karaoke contests, Hawaiian luau, bowling outing, "jail and bail," golf outing, Sweetest Day sale and Boo-Bash. Each contributed to the campaign's fun and energy.
MotorCity created t-shirts with the slogan: "Up your pledge ... Like I did mine," and used it as part of an employee recognition program. Recognition items included:
- ID Card Holders $1 to $25
- Insulated Lunch Bags $26 to $51
- T-Shirts $52 to $259
- All Three Items $260 and above
MotorCity is the casino truly committed to "embracing the community."
Annual Breakfast Draws More Attorneys To Tocqueville
American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), together with the general counsels from Comerica Bank, Ford Motor Co., General Motors and DTE Energy, hosted a Law Firm Breakfast on Friday, September 23, 2005 at AAM's new World Headquarters in Hamtramck. The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the legacy of leadership, philanthropy and volunteerism that characterizes the legal community in southeastern Michigan. The event was also an opportunity to increase participation from area attorneys, in United Way's Torch Drive Campaign and the Tocqueville Society.
The Tocqueville Society recognizes individuals who
have rendered outstanding volunteer service in their
communities. The society is named for French aristocrat,
Alexis de Tocqueville, who traveled throughout America
in 1831 and observed how willingly Americans helped
each other in times of need. Southeastern Michigan's
Tocqueville Society seeks to build a stronger community
by involving and deepening the understanding, commitment,
and support of individuals who personally contribute
$10,000 or more annually.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson delivered a lively presentation on emerging economic development trends, both in Oakland County and metro Detroit. United Way for Southeastern Michigan President and CEO Michael Brennan provided an update on United Way's national and local response to Hurricane Katrina. Bruce Peterson, DTE Energy senior vice president and general counsel acknowledged the generous support from key leaders within the legal community, and invited new members to join them in the Tocqueville Society.
Since the first Law Breakfast was held in 2004, the number of Tocqueville Society members from private law firms has expanded from five to 20 -- and growing.
United Way is grateful to the Law Firm Committee for all of its dedication to making the program successful. In addition to Bruce Peterson, the 2005 committee includes Keith Altenburg, general counsel for Comerica's Business Bank, Richard G. Raymond, general counsel for American Axle & Manufacturing, John Harris, associate general counsel at Ford Motor Co. and Chris Johnson, general counsel for GM - North America.
For additional Tocqueville Society information, contact Susan Foley, UWSEM director of Major Gifts, at 313.226.9256 or e-mail susan.foley@uwsem.org.
Impressive Training Accomplishments - And Still Going
If you've never attended a United Way speaker's training program, you're missing quite an experience.
Volunteers may take advantage of a variety of training opportunities tied to the annual campaign, and not just at the outset of the Torch Drive. The Train and Ask program, for instance, prepares volunteers to make the important "ask" for investments during the company campaign.
So far, 1,590 individuals have been trained to present on behalf of United Way through:
- Five Employee Campaign Coordinator Workshops (93 people from 58 Companies)
- Three Speakers Bureau Training Sessions (100 people from 40 agencies)
- Two Kick-off Training Programs (300 people)
- Seven Train & Ask Programs (900 people)
- Four Company Training Programs (197 people)
To arrange training or obtain additional information, contact Tim Hixson, UWSEM manager of training and development, at 313.226.9248, or e-mail tim.hixson@uwsem.org.
Employee Campaign Coordinators Only!
Campaign Coordinators looking for new FUNdraising opportunities appreciate cMarket, United Way's preferred provider of online auction tools and services.
cMarket provides and easy-to-use template that helps you plan and host a successful auction. And with more than 400 items available through the company's no-risk consignment catalog -- cMarket Place -- it's easy to get the auction up and running. You may even find yourself picking up a few items to add to your own fundraising effort.
So, join SBC, Kimberly Clark, GE Consumer Finance, American Standard and others by taking advantage of cMarket and cMarket Place this campaign season. Check out an online demonstration at cmarket.com/partner/uniteday.
For more information, contact Kris Wherry at 617.252.6465, or e-mail kwherry@cmarket.com.
United Way News
Helping Metro Detroiters Find, Keep Jobs
In conjunction with nearly 20 organizations from across
the region, United Way is helping metro Detroiters
meet potential employers and get the training and
support they need to keep steady jobs.
The Southeast Michigan Employment, Training and Family Resource Expo is the largest event of its kind in Michigan, and will be held Oct. 28, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit. The event is open to the public, including hurricane disaster survivors now living in the area.
Bank One, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Kelly Services, Kroger, Marshall Field's, Merck, UPSand Best Buy make up just a few of the vast number of employers that will be on hand. They'll be joined by up to 100 human service providers from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
What makes this event unique is that it's about more than just getting a job. Yes, many of the area's top employers are participating, but this expo also seeks to address barriers like lack of skills and issues with child care, transportation or substance abuse - that prevent people from holding onto jobs and building futures for themselves and their families.
For additional information, visit www.uwsem.org. If you are an employer who wishes to participate in the expo, please call (800) 552-1183 to register.
Call For 2-1-1 Continues Gaining Steam
U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg signed the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. United Way has worked hard to ensure that all of Michigan's legislators sign on to this bill. At the state level, we have been working to get language included in the Michigan Telecommunications Act to ensure that Michigan has a coordinated statewide 2-1-1 system. This will better position the state for federal funding when the 2-1-1 act is passed - thereby, enhancing accessibility and sustainability of 2-1-1 for all Michigan residents.
United Way has been working with state officials to consider a study of the proliferation of 1-800 numbers against potential savings, by incorporating those needs into 2-1-1.
UWSEM is currently working on the local level to support United Way of America in its effort to have 2-1-1 operations attached to any relief aid legislation for hurricane affected Gulf Coast states.
Responding to Katrina
United Way for Southeastern Michigan has been working to help Gulf Coast hurricane survivors relocated to the area, and will continue assisting them with long-term needs in the weeks and months to come.
As a community convener, United Way is bringing together emergency relief agencies to better coordinate hurricane disaster response here in Michigan, including the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the American Red Cross, city of Southfield Emergency Management Department, the Salvation Army and faith-based organizations. The partners are sharing information, strategies and resources to provide seamless disaster response services.
United Way has also developed the Hurricane Katrina Listserv, an electronic communications tool that is updated and distributed regularly. The Listserv is a vehicle through which individual supporters and disaster responders post and receive breaking news and information, as well as pose questions to public, private and non-profit organizations involved in the long-term relief effort.
Please forward breaking news, press releases, related information and questions for relief agencies to crisis.response@uwsem.org.
Partner Agency Announces Changes
The St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is closing its foster care and adoption services in Farmington. The move does not affect its United Way allocation, which is dedicated for programs based at Providence Hospital and supports the agencies teen parent and young fatherhood services.
Community Impact
The United Way Women's Initiative Early Literacy Pilot Program has announced its first round of investment in increasing literacy rates across the region.
Children across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties will benefit from a collection of educational programs, funded through Women's Initiative investing in the 2004 Torch Drive, and hosted by the United Way partner agencies below.
Neighborhood Service Organization (Detroit)
The Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) oversees the Home Instruction Program for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters. Known as HIPPY, the 32-week brings parents and teachers together for scheduled weekly activities. The model has been recognized as one the top 25 family strengthening programs, with an emphasis on preventing juvenile crime.
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Service -Macomb
The MSU Extension in Macomb developed the ABC 123 At Home With Me project to serve low-income households with children up to age four. The project aims to help 35 families by focusing on early development of reading and math skills. Training is provided either at the extension or in the home, and parents receive certificates of completion and newsletters on nutrition parenting after completing the program.
Catholic Social Services of Oakland County
Women's Initiative funding will allow Catholic Social Services of Oakland County to provide early literacy training to 25 low-income, single parent families with children up to 4 years old. The Parent Child Home Interactive Literacy Program is a proven home-based literacy and school readiness model that helps families overcome isolation, poverty, lack of transportation, and language and literacy barriers that affect school readiness in Oakland County households.
The Guidance Center (Out-Wayne County)
The Guidance Center's Family Resource Center (FRC) will address early childhood learning utilizing the Parents as Teachers curriculum to serve at least 25 families. The FRC's community based approach reaches out both to parents of Head Start children and those with younger children. Ultimately these children will be better prepared for Head Star or other day care services.
Campaign Extras
New Hire Program supports United Way Year-Round
While the Torch Drive runs for 10 weeks each fall, contributions can be made to United Way all year round through the New Hire Program.
The New Hire Program allows employees who are hired outside the traditional campaign season, to contribute to United Way at the time they join an organization.
New hire materials are available through United Way and can be included in your company's employee orientation packets, along with W-2 forms, insurance and other new employee information. Adding new hire information to your employee orientation packets helps to demonstrate your company's support for the community and partnership with United Way.
In addition, new hire pledges help off-set the amount of pledges that are lost each year as a result of downsizing and employee relocations or job changes. Nearly 10 percent of pledges made each year go uncollected for these reasons, thus impacting the allocable dollars available to support local programs.
For more information, contact the United Way campaign department at 313.226.9300.
Keep your Retirees Connected to United Way
A company's most valuable assets are its employees, including those who have retired, but still want to feel connected to your organization. Including retirees in your United Way workplace campaign is an excellent way to keep them involved in the community, as well as your organization.
You can solicit retirees when you distribute materials to other employees, and even recruit them to assist with coordinating your campaign. Retiree groups, newsletters and pension mailings are a good way to get the word out about United Way. You may be surprised at the response you get! Several area companies conduct retiree campaigns and get amazing results. To learn more, call our campaign department at 313.226.9300.
Save the Date!
Victory Celebration
Dinner
Tuesday, November 22, 2005, 6-9 p.m.
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center
For more information, or to RSVP, please call 313.226.9471.
We want
to hear from you
Employee Campaign Coordinators
Survey
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is working to make
sure campaign coordinators are equipped the tools they
need to be effective. Please
take a moment to complete our brief online survey.
Suggestion
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You can also e-mail your suggestions and ideas to United
Way campaign manager Nicole McKinney at nicole.mckinney@uwsem.org.
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your contact information updated
We want to make sure this publication gets into the
right hands each month by updating contact information
as needed. Please inform us of any changes you would
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You can also e-mail your changes or additions to Ada
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