May 2006

In this Issue

• Results Matter
  Thanks to everyone who weighed in
• Partnership Matters
  United Way celebrates region's exceptional volunteers
• Community Matters
  You can help set the pace
• Leadership Matters
  Women's Initiative targets children, literacy
• Having Fun Matters
  Test your United Way knowledge and win!
• Communication Matters
  Sign Up for Customized Newsletters
  Share Your Voice - Submit a News Story Idea
  Subscribe to the UWSEM Blog

Results Matter

Thanks to everyone who weighed in
ore than 6,200 metro Detroiters took time to sound off on what matters most to their families and communities in United Way for Southeastern Michigan's community action survey, which some are calling the largest response to a social survey in the history of the state. For that, we say, "thank you."

If you haven't yet heard, United Way is in the midst of a massive research and outreach effort. Once complete this process will better position the organization to handle current and emerging health and human service needs in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The community action survey is a critical part of this initiative, and the overwhelming response shows just how much you care about the vitality of the region.

We are also pleased that more than 1,500 of you added comments about the challenges and possibilities we have in front of us. The breadth and depth of your input will challenge us to grow in new ways.

Initial information is being analyzed, and we expect to have results to share later this month.  The final report will help guide us along our journey toward lasting community change. We hope that you will follow us during this process. Click here to find out how.
 
In the meantime, thank you, once again for sharing your ideas and showing a willingness to work together to improve children, families, neighborhoods and health conditions across southeast Michigan.

Partnership Matters

United Way celebrates region's exceptional volunteers
United Way for Southeastern Michigan marked National Volunteer Week by honoring several metro Detroiters and area companies for their commitment to helping those around them. More than 1,000 people attended the annual Celebrate Volunteers... Recognizing HomeTown Heroes luncheon, the biggest event of its kind in the nation.

United Way handed out 11 awards in eight categories, honoring retirees, labor members, groups of volunteers, area youths and businesses for their dedication to community service. Another 80 volunteers made the Governor's Honor Roll, sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham.

"All of this year's honored volunteers show tremendous commitment to their communities," said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "They are shining examples of the caring spirit this region demonstrates in creating a lasting impact on individuals and organizations in southeast Michigan."

The 2006 luncheon combined two established volunteer recognition events -- Celebrate Volunteers and HomeTown Heroes. Sponsors included the Observer & Eccentric newspapers and Smooth Jazz V98.7 FM.

For a complete list of award winners, click here.

To nominate an individual or group for a future award, or to learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, visit www.uwsem.org/volunteer or call (313) 226-9430.

Community Matters

You can help set the pace
The annual fundraising campaign does not kick off until September, but the groundwork begins long before, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of companies that volunteer to set the pace.

Each year, a team of enthusiastic companies we call Pacesetters, commit to helping set the tone for the Torch Drive, by running their workplace campaigns early and pledging to beat their total from the previous year by at least 10 percent. 

In 2005, 34 Pacesetters raised more than $5 million dollars to help improve lives and communities across metro Detroit. 

Pacesetter campaigns get underway in either July or August, wrapping up prior to the start of United Way's annual campaign in September.  Organizations become Pacesetters because the timing may be more convenient, to increase employee participation or a variety of other reasons. These companies allow United Way to get a head start on fundraising prior to the actual campaign launch. 
   
Companies who serve as Pacesetters receive special recognition for their valuable contribution.  Find out how your company can become a Pacesetter or get more information by calling (313) 226-9300.

Leadership Matters

Women's Initiative targets children, literacy
Volunteers in the United Way Women's Initiative are looking at ways to improve literacy rates to help children get off to a strong start in school, something experts say ensures a better life. 

The Women's Initiative was launched three years ago by a visionary group of women to encourage, recognize and highlight the key role that women play in building the quality of life in the tri-county area.  Membership is open to any United Way for Southeastern Michigan contributor who gives $1,000 or more to the annual campaign through the Leadership Giving program.

The group's current focus on improving literacy rates for area children allows them to play a prominent role in creating and employing solutions that ensure children have the developmental skills they need before entering kindergarten. Research shows that quality early education is key to a child's success in school, work and life.

As a result, the Women's Initiative set specific literacy goals to give children in southeastern Michigan a better educational start. The first step was to fund a home-based literacy program that would initially reach the children of 100 families (birth to age four) in the city of Detroit, and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Outreach workers from the four partnering childcare agencies each service 25 families. Each partner received a  $20,000 United Way grant to provide literacy and numerical skill building activities through structured programs that include home-based services. The funds allow agencies to expand their existing child literacy programs to reach more low-income families.

Susan M. Cischke, vice president, environmental and safety engineering, Ford Motor Co., chairs the Initiative. Christine K. Cortez, senior vice president, global services and parts, DaimlerChrysler Corp., is co-chair.  The Initiative has set a fundraising goal of $500,000 for the 2006 campaign.

Several times a year, the group holds networking events and other activities centered on literacy, including a benefit for summer reading programs scheduled for May 31 in Grosse Pointe. Guests are expected to bring three or more books appropriate for children ages 2 through 6.

The whimsical fashions and special gifts of Mary Alice O'Toole and Karen Hryciuk's originally designed jewelry will be featured. Non-members interested in the Early Childhood Literacy Program are welcome. Call 313.226.9239 or log on to www.uwsem.org/reading by May 23, for details.

Having Fun Matters

Test your United Way knowledge and win!
Think you have what it takes to be crowned king or queen of all things United Way?  Well, here's your chance to prove it, by taking the Community M@tters™ quiz.

Put your skills to the test, and if you're able to answer eight questions correctly, we will enter you into a drawing for a United Way gift basket. Simply e-mail the completed questions to webservices@LiveUnitedSEM.org. (Hint: Answers can be found online at www.uwsem.org). Good luck! 

Answers and winners announced in the next issue.

Communication Matters

Sign Up for Customized Newsletters
We thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Community M@tters™. In addition to this general newsletter, United Way for Southeastern Michigan offers specialized electronic newsletters and updates for individuals interested in such topics as the Women's Initiative, the Virgil H. Carr Society and workplace campaigns. Please enter your email address in the box below to sign up for any of the specialized UWSEM newsletters. We look forward to keeping you informed!

Share Your Voice - Submit a News Story Idea

Stay informed - subscribe to the UWSEM Blog.
The UWSEM blog, located at www.uwsem.org/uwsemblog.html is updated several times a week. Subscribe today and keep abreast of the latest news and events.