Author: Aviva Pinchas

Parents – tips on getting your kids back to school

This week, school is starting back up after the long summer break. Whether it’s going to Kindergarten for the first time or that final year of school, the transition from the lazy days of summer back into a strict routine can be a challenge for parents and children – so our experts are sharing their top tips for making the process as smooth as possible.   Talk to your child about going back to school: Tell them what a typical day might look like starting with getting up in the morning and ending with going to bed at night. Ask them if they have any questions and ask them how it makes them feel to be going back to school (Ex: excited to see/meet friends, nervous about the new teacher, etc). Make the transition easier – start the bedtime and mealtime routine at least a week before school starts. Structure, structure, structure: Write out an evening and a morning routine with your children, including a checklist to make things less hectic. Be consistent and do things in the same order (Ex:  Homework, then dinner, then chore, then free time, then shower, then reading, then bed.) If your children are out the door on time, with everything they need for the day, they will feel less stressed and ready for success. And don’t wait till the last minute: re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines at least a week before school starts – this will make the transition back to school smoother.   […]

Read More

Insurance professionals issue a challenge: we can give more

Last year, 13 insurance industry partners in the Greater Austin area raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars through UWATX Employee Giving Campaigns to support their communities. But some of our partners think they can do more, so they’ve issued a challenge to the industry to increase giving by 25 percent. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1gd7djYbPs[/youtube] In Texas, the insurance industry represents 174,000 employees and accounts for $24.7B in Gross State Product. The insurance industry not only plays an important role in supporting the Austin economy, it also represents a significant and growing employment base. The work of insurance professionals extends well beyond the responsibility to collect premiums and settle claims. These professionals have a solid track record in serving people in their greatest time of need. That’s why our partners at State Auto, Columbia Insurance Group and Texas Mutual are leading the charge for more companies and individuals to invest their time and money to help solve some of the greatest needs in our community. They’re joined by leaders from Centatico, Farmers Insurance Group, Nationwide, New York Life, State Farm, Superior HealthPlan, Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT), Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) & United Health Group. Over the next few months, these advocates will work with UWATX to reach out to trade publications, go to industry events and talk with their peers in the industry. UWATX will work with interested companies and individuals to find a way to give that works for them, whether it be an employee giving campaign, volunteer opportunities, […]

Read More

[VIDEO] Bringing people together

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y86FgWxXTPU[/youtube] At United Way for Greater Austin(UWATX), our mission is to inspire, lead and unite an eclectic community of philanthropists including individuals, nonprofits, business, and government to overcome barriers to economic opportunities and ensure Greater Austin continues to thrive. In this video, leaders from across our community come together to discuss the importance of working collaboratively and how UWATX plays a pivotal role in bringing different entities together. Thanks to Don Baylor (Center for Public Policy Priorities) and Andrew Kim (Comal ISD) for participating in this video and to Sneaky Giants for putting this video together.

Read More

Make the most of summer

The summer time, when children are home and work seems to slow down, is an opportunity and a challenge – adults and children alike tend to have more time to explore their interests, but finding the right way to invest your time  can be daunting. Without engaging activities, summer can become a barrier for students, and a missed opportunity for adults. Back in the day (just a few years ago), summer was a time for curling up with a new book, but with the explosion of new technology, there’s a whole host of other types of media to enrich your summer. So, inspired by NPR, our on-staff experts on young children, financial literacy and philanthropy put together some recommendations for media that’s good for the heart and the mind: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Show) – A spinoff of Mr. Roger’s Nighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is a new animated program for preschoolers ages 2 to 4 that teaches key social skills through imagination, creativity and music. Recommended by: Greg Bennett, father of 2-year-old Lilly and Manager, Public Sector campaigns For: Young children Endless Alphabet (iPad App) – A free iPad app, Endless ABCs helps children build their vocabulary with adorable monsters, interactive puzzles, talking letters and animation. The app helps children recognize letters, understand words and develop their fine motor skills. Recommended by: Amber Welsh, mother of 3-year-old Susan, and Middle School Matters Coordinator For: Young children Signing Time (Show on public television and Nick Jr.) – This show uses music, movement, […]

Read More

Nelson Mandela: a true inspiration

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 More

HOW TO: Highlight your philanthropy on LinkedIn

[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 More

VISTAs join UWATX to gather data, bolster services & increase outreach

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 More

Giving back by lending your voice

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, […]

Read More

Deloitte makes our community their top client

“Our annual IMPACT Day is just one way our commitment to service extends beyond business and into the community.” – Joe Echevarria, CEO of Deloitte Friday, June 7 marked the 14th Deloitte IMPACT Day, an annual event where Deloitte closes its doors and every employee heads out into the community to give back. The day is a true testament to Deloitte’s commitment to volunteering, and our Hands On Central Texas program has been proud to partner with Deloitte on this day for the past four years in Austin, this year helping 300 local employees connect to meaningful projects. This day of service is a cornerstone of Deloitte’s Impact Imperative: a strong company’s corporate culture of professionals who contribute their time, innovative thinking and specialized business-sense to drive measurable change. “At Deloitte, we pride ourselves on providing high-value, quality services to our clients and the capital markets, and we apply this same approach to service within our communities. As we’ve seen lately, when the private and public sectors collaborate, we can make a real and lasting impact,” said Joe Echevarria, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP. “Our annual IMPACT Day is just one way our commitment to service extends beyond business and into the community. At its core, IMPACT Day is about making our communities and our country stronger.” To make Austin greater, Deloitte employees landscaped and gardened, helped students work on their resumes and interviewing skills, painted inspirational quotes and helped makeover the teacher’s lounge – all at Mendez Middle School, a […]

Read More

Kathleen Farlow on “leading from the front”

As we wrap up one campaign season, we are proud to welcome Kathleen Farlow, managing partner for Deloitte LLP’s Central Texas practice, as our Campaign Co-Chair for the 2013 Employee Campaign season!   How long have you been involved with United Way and in what way(s)? I have been involved with the United Way for more than 20 years. Initially, my participation was through the traditional payroll deduction, but after I learned more about United Way and all the good things it brings to the community, I began volunteering on various United Way-related projects with Deloitte and on committees at the chapter level. Prior to my October 2012 appointment as Deloitte LLP’s Central Texas managing partner and my move to Austin, I served as a member of the United Way of Greater Houston Audit and Finance Committees. As my hands-on participation with United Way increased, I committed more of my time and financial resources. Today I’m proud to be a member of the Tocqueville Society and have encouraged colleagues and friends to do likewise. “There is nothing like the feeling of giving back to the community. It also reminds me of how fortunate I am to live in a place where there is opportunity for success and where caring for one another is still a core belief.” – Kathleen Farlow What inspires you personally to give back? How does United Way fit into that? There is nothing like the feeling of giving back to the community. It also reminds me of […]

Read More