Op-ed: Want to make a difference? Think United Way
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So another United Way campaign has launched. It always garners great interest in the community. The launch of the campaign ... another season of fundraising ... from the outside it's likely that it may all begin to blur together. From the outside, it may begin to feel like "United Way is ALWAYS raising money." Well, in fact that is actually ... 150% TRUE! We are ALWAYS raising money. Are we just greedy? Do we just see ourselves as professional fundraisers? No and no. We are impact catalysts. We are difference makers. We are game changers. All of those efforts are driven by the generous donations of our community. Why does it always seem that we need more money? The reason is simple! Every year, we launch a campaign. We raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then, we invest that money in the community. All of the money -- every single year! We are not giving away the interest accrued from a lump sum gift. We give away the actual dollars raised by our community to the most critical services, the most solvent programs, the most necessary initiatives serving our community. Then, we do it all over again! I often liken it to a rapidly spinning, slightly out of control hamster wheel. A perpetual cycle of energy, determination, sweat equity and hope.
Your United Way raises dollars for this community, that stay right here in this community. Your United Way has focused goals to create healthier communities, encourage school readiness, provide greater financial stability for families and be supportive of our neighbors during the most vulnerable of times. Through the monies raised each year we are able to support dozens of local programs that make a difference for each and every one of us. Without the efforts of our United Way, the void of services would be stark throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. The absence of connectivity and opportunities would create a dismal scenario. What we do matters. What we do is making a difference. What we do is creating hope, and sparking change.
What we do does not happen in a vacuum. It is a collective effort of so many supporters, cheerleaders, stakeholders, volunteers and contributors. The work we do, the money we raise, the impact we champion, it's a community effort. The benefits as well, are rippled throughout our community. The responsibility to make a difference lies with all of us. Likewise, the consequences of a decision to look away will be felt by all of us. The reward of engaging and joining the fight will resonate in each and every one of us.
The annual United Way campaign is your opportunity to make a difference. It is your chance to give where you live, to address the most critical challenges seen from your own backyard. No gift is insignificant. Every effort conjoins with the efforts and contributions of your co-workers, neighbors, family and friends. The power of collective impact is never any stronger than when we step in unison toward a common end.
Our annual campaign is underway. We have high hopes and lofty goals. We need to deliver; we know this community is counting on us. Please join our fight for a stronger, more vibrant community. It is our time to make a difference together. If you want to be a part of that effort, then you truly should think United Way first!