UPDATE on 7.25.2013: As of today, TXDOT approved priority funding for the Decker sidewalk project, saying the Decker Middle School students that led this charge are “an inspiration.” TXDOT will provide $1.5M in funding to build the sidewalk. Local advocates will work to fundraise an additional $600K to support the project. Special thanks to Mark Marek for his help today! Almost a year ago, UWATX started a Volunteer Project Leader (VPL) class at Decker Middle School – bringing together 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to learn about their community, assess needs and create and manage projects to make real changes at their school. One of the most pressing needs they identified was a sidewalk to make getting to school safer, and over the past year, the students worked hard to make that a reality. The road in front of Decker Middle School is a four-lane highway and the speed limit only drops to 50 mph in the school zone. In the past year, one student was killed crossing the road to get to school. Another saw a person be hit by a car. To date, there has been a third death. In speaking with fellow students, teachers, administrators, business leaders and local advocates, safety was a top concern and the lack of a safe way to cross the street hit the top of the list. The VPL class at Decker led a letter writing campaign to let Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) officials know about […]
Read MoreNelson Mandela: a true inspiration
Posted on by Aviva Pinchas
From his statements about poverty to his resilient spirit and drive to create positive change, Nelson Mandela has long been an inspiration for us at UWATX. This Mandela Day, we hope you’ll reflect on some of the wise words shared by this great man and be inspired too. < Nelson Mandela: a true inspiration from United Way for Greater Austin Inspirational quotes from Nelson Mandela: It always seems impossible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. – Nelson Mandela Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future. – Nelson Mandela The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. – Nelson Mandela No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated. – Nelson Mandela We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right. – Nelson Mandela For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. – Nelson Mandela A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. – Nelson Mandela Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is […]
Read MoreVolunteer Project Leaders celebrate 8th grade graduation at school dance
Posted on by Celso Baez
As the 2012-2013 school year winded down, Volunteer Project Leaders (VPL) at Webb Middle School coordinated their 8th dance and celebration and closed out the year with a bang. The gymnasium overflowed with cheery family, friends, and educators as their special 8th grader was commemorated for graduating middle school. Among those in support of the hardworking school kids were the bigger kids from United Way for Greater Austin’s (UWATX) Young Leaders Society (YLS). The YLS founding committee was excited to help celebrate students’ hard work and achievements. Members set tables in preparation for the fun evening, decorated the gym with balloons, and manned the taco buffet and cupcake line. After tacos and cupcakes, the real fun began as the dance was underway. YLS member, Luke Martinez, had a memorable moment when called upon by a Webb 8th grader to learn the complex and choreographed movements of the Dougie. After Luke’s life transformed before his very eyes, other members engaged in the ever famous Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble and even had the distinct honor of dancing Tribal, a dance that has ignited a cultural revolution in parts of Mexico. By the end of the night everyone had new dance moves to add to their repertoire. [AFG_gallery id=’8′] YLS members had tons of fun – here’s what they had to say about the celebratory night: “Having had to achieve certain goals in order to have the dance, it was evident that the 8th grade students cherished being there. The dance was much better behaved […]
Read MoreHOW TO: Highlight your philanthropy on LinkedIn
Posted on by Aviva Pinchas
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30A7D0u1Tx0&feature=youtube_gdata[/youtube] LinkedIn now has 200M users, with 2 new users added every second. To help our donors, volunteers and partners showcase their good work on the professional social network, we put together this recorded webinar. Giving back and professional development Volunteers are 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work. Individuals can grow their networks, learn new skills and gain key connections by giving back. Volunteering could mean hands-on work for an organization or professional volunteering, like serving on a board or being engaged with a nonprofit group like Women’s Leadership Council or Employee Campaign Leaders. LinkedIn background Started in 2003, LinkedIn is one of the oldest social networks still being used. LinkedIn turned 10 on May 5, 2013. There are currently more than 200M users on LinkedIn. LinkedIn users tend to be affluent, educated and influential. LinkedIn launched the ability to list volunteer experiences in 2011. Only 1M members include their volunteer experience on their profiles, so this is an untapped opportunity. Of those who list their volunteer experience, 62 percent are millenials. HOW TO: List your experience on your LinkedIn profile To add your volunteer experience, go to this edit page (you may be asked to sign in to LinkedIn). You can list three types of volunteer and cause information: Causes you care about – This is an opportunity to list topics or issues that you care about. LinkedIn has created the list of options. Click to check the box next to those causes you […]
Read MoreH-E-B Partners celebrate philanthropy
Posted on by Christa Berry
Each year we host the H-E-B In-Store Coordinator Training here at UWATX – an afternoon where roughly 60-70 H-E-B Partners come together to energized and informed for the upcoming United Way Employee Campaign. A being a part of this training, which took place Friday, is not only exciting for H-E-B Partners, but also for the UWATX staff involved – everyone present has such an infectious, positive energy. Jeff Thomas, Senior Vice President & General Manager for the Central Texas region of H-E-B, and Kathleen Farlow, Managing Partner at Deloitte and incoming UWATX Campaign co-chair, kicked off the training with highlights from last year. Afterwards, coordinators introduced themselves – revealing a lot of first-timers – shared experiences from past campaigns and offered up tips to other stores about how to engage team members. “I think H-E-B is so successful at raising money because everyday their employees see struggling community members in their stores,” said Sherry Klein, the UWATX Development Officer that manages the HEB Campaign. “Some have even experienced those struggles themselves and the United Way Employee Campaign makes it easy for them to give back – even if it’s only a dollar or two a paycheck.” In 2012, H-E-B reported having 90 percent participation at some stores – a true testament that the company and its employees are committed to the Greater Austin community. [AFG_gallery id=’7′]
Read MoreBill Engvall Celebrity Bowling Tournament
Posted on by Lindsey Tyner
Comedian Bill Engvall joined several celebrity guests including Bobby Bones, Lunchbox and Carlos from 96.7 KISS-FM and Georgetown native Tera Hampton of HGTV Design Star, former MLB All-star Jeff Kent, and ESPN radio host Sean Adams to raise money for United Way of Williamson County and honor his sister, Janet Engvall McTigue, former Executive Director of Georgetown Area United Way. At the start of the event, the Literacy Council of Williamson County was presented with the Janet Engvall McTigue Advancing Excellence in Nonprofits Award. This annual $10,000 award was established in 2009 to honor Janet’s commitment to strengthening nonprofit agencies and to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Janet, in addition to serving at the Georgetown Area United Way from 2002-2005, was a practicing attorney in Texas. She passed away in 2007. “My family and I are honored that an award has been established in my sister’s name,” said Bill Engvall, Jr. “Janet had an amazing commitment to serving those in need and she would be happy to know this award will help a local nonprofit do even more for the people in Williamson County. I know Janet would be proud.” According to Robert Pinhero, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Williamson County, “This award will provide us with a complete and virtually instant upgrade of our technology infrastructure. The resulting efficiencies will enable us to increase our capacity without costly staff additions, streamline our processes, and enhance our ability to serve the residents and employers of […]
Read MoreHighlighting local philanthropy: Shantel Tharps
Posted on by Christa Berry
At UWATX we know one single story can inspire thousands to give back, united our community and offer hope. This year, we’re telling stories of individuals who, at one point or another, received services/support from UWATX and now give back in dollars or time. Their stories prove that ANYONE can be a philanthropist. Most recently, I sat down with Shantel Tharps, a middle school teacher, whose story inspired me beyond belief. When did you receive support from United Way and what did it help with? When I went off to college in the fall of 1990, I had twin daughters with me, no car and finances were tight. During my second semester my girls and I moved into family housing on my campus and United Way helped my find quality child care and even helped me pay for it. It made it possible for me to bring my daughters with me to college rather than leaving them with their grandparents. Did that experience have a lasting impact on you and your family? If so, how? Yes it did! I was able to make it through those seasons of life with the help of United Way! The child care United Way helped us pay for was more of a learning center with high school mentors for the kids. I remember the ones that helped my girls really made them feel special and took an active part in all they did. We still have the little farewell apple she made them when they ‘graduated’ […]
Read MoreVISTAs join UWATX to gather data, bolster services & increase outreach
Posted on by Aviva Pinchas
This summer, more than 30 summer AmeriCorps VISTA members, the domestic version of the Peace Corps, are joining UWATX to help make Austin greater by collecting data, participating in outreach and providing support for our partners. “This project is a true testament to what UWATX can do – we’ve brought together more than 15 Austin organizations to support a series of vital projects,” said Peter Kretzschmar, Vice President of Strategic Programs at UWATX. VISTAs will spend their ten weeks helping: Provide bilingual story time at the Austin Public Library – In our work to connect families to community services, UWATX found a need for more library support in East Austin. VISTAs will help create materials, translate and facilitate story time for families throughout the summer to fill this gap. Create a first-of-its-kind survey of out-of-school time programs in the Greater Austin area – Currently, there is no comprehensive data on the availability or quality of programs for students outside of school. This research project would be a first step to get a sense of the landscape of services. Teach early math activities at Success By 6 child care centers. To free up center staff for professional development and provide high-quality education, VISTAs will teach a math curriculum and serve as general classroom assistants. Assess language skills at Success By 6 child care centers – By assessing these skills early, UWATX will have a baseline to measure future progress. Raise awareness about 2-1-1 – VISTAs will reach out to the top 100 referred […]
Read MoreMLK Day of Service 2013
Posted on by Lindsey Tyner
At projects scattered throughout Williamson County, more than 140 volunteers paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of the United Way of Williamson County MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 21, 2013. This annual event brings together individuals, families and groups, including a group of students from Southwestern University and employee groups from local businesses, to volunteer part of their day of to help with projects at nine sites located in Georgetown, Leander, Round Rock and Taylor. “The Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity for folks to give back to the community by participating in a fun and rewarding experience that benefits themselves as well as residents of Williamson County and visitors,” said Susan Blackledge, Park Manager at Berry Springs Park & Preserve in Georgetown. “While the development of the new Nature Trail at Berry Springs Park and Preserve is an ongoing project for us, we dedicate both the United Way Day of Service and Day of Caring to the development of the trail. The volunteers that come out allow us to continue to expand the trails at the park that everyone can enjoy.” Families, individuals, student groups and corporate teams helped sort donations, assist with painting projects, clear trails and brush, assist with beautification projects and clean up playgrounds at local nonprofits and schools. “It is inspiring to meet so many people who continue to respond to this opportunity to come together and bring to life the vision of community that Dr. King laid […]
Read MoreGiving back by lending your voice
Posted on by Aviva Pinchas
Each year, decisions that elected officials make at the local, state and federal level impact millions of lives – particularly, those of vulnerable populations. At UWATX, we’ve worked to inspire our supporters to make sure their voices heard on issues like local funding for early childhood education, tax incentives for giving back and state employee’s ability to give back. Advocacy can mean anything from signing an online petition to putting your name down as a supporter for a bill at the Capitol, but we know that what matters most are individual conversations with law makers to help them understand how their choices affect their constituents. Robyn Eckermann, a member of the UWATX Women’s Leadership Council Executive Committee and Vice President, Strategic Planning at St. David’s HealthCare, shares her experience of joining UWATX to meet face-to-face with local officials during this year’s budget cycle to advocate for increased funding for early childhood. What advocacy visits did you attend this budget cycle? How was it different or similar to your expectations? For my first advocacy visit, we met with Sherri Fleming and Brook Son with the Travis County Health and Human Services Department. I expected a rather formal, almost-debate structured format whereas the visit was actually quite informal. Both were extremely gracious listeners – allowing Sue Carpenter to really hit her stride as she ran through our dashboard. Expecting a more formal environment, I equipped myself to be able to testify on behalf of childhood education. I memorized all of our key asking points, […]
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