Ambassador Newsletter - September 2013
Rocking Out for Our 2013 Community Campaign Goal - $52.5 MILLION
United Way of Greater Milwaukee was proud to celebrate the start of our 2013 Community Campaign with a rocking kickoff event at the BMO Harris Pavilion at the Summerfest grounds on September 3.
The evening began with an educational program about the work of United Way and our over 80 agency program partners and concluded with the announcement of our 2013 Community Campaign goal of $52.5 million dollars. Attendees celebrated with an assortment of food and beverages while listening to the talents of the Miller Rhythm & Brews Review.
Special thanks to our event sponsor BMO Harris, with product support from MillerCoors and Pepsi.
Season of Caring starts with a BANG!
 This week, 30+ local corporations will lend a hand and make a difference at nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Milwaukee in the spirit of Living United. Groups of volunteers will complete a variety of projects during this first phase of United Way's Season of Caring including outdoor beautification efforts, reading to children, spending the day with older adults and much more.
JOIN US - It's not too late for your organization to make a meaningful difference through volunteerism this fall. Over 100 projects are still available during October and November. Search for projects.
Dine Out For United Way
 Going out to your favorite restaurant never felt so good - join us on Thursday, October 10, for breakfast, lunch or dinner at participating restaurants and help drive additional support for United Way's Community Campaign.
25 area restaurants are Living United and giving a percentage of their food and beverage sales for the day to support local programs in Education, Income and Health. Bring your colleagues or family and dine out for United Way. View 2013 Participating Restaurants
REMINDER - Ambassador Training
If you are coordinating your organization's campaign and have not attended Ambassador Training, please join us for the FINAL Ambassador Training Session:
October 18, Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Location: United Way Office: 225 W. Vine Street, Milwaukee
Register to attend
Did You Know?
You can serve as an advocate for United Way by becoming part of the conversation and encouraging others to do the same. Live United by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Using social media as a strategy during your workplace campaign offers a significant impact towards creating greater awareness and support.
- 47% of Americans learn about philanthropic causes via social media and other online channels.
- Additionally, 55% of those who engage with nonprofits via social media have been inspired to take further action.
- The number of followers nonprofits have on Twitter grew by 264% in 2012.
Source: Avectra and M+R and NTEN
Our Community Impact
|
Education: Change a Child's Story Through United Way's Reader, Tutor, Mentor Program
It's back-to-school time throughout our community and did you know that many young students are not getting the extra help and support they need to succeed? It's currently reported that 2 out of 3 kids in third grade can't read proficiently - it's time to do something.

Change a child's story this fall and become a reader, tutor or mentor. United Way of Greater Milwaukee is working to recruit 3,000 people to step up and be the difference in a child's life. We have already recruited over 1,000 people, but we still need YOU.
Visit unitedwaymilwaukee.org/readertutormentor to sign up today for a commitment that's right for you.
|
|
Income: Volunteering - A Pathway to Employment & Future Success
According to a recent report published by the Corporation for National and Community Service, there is compelling evidence that shows the link between volunteerism and sustainable employment. The study shows that volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of securing and maintaining employment than non-volunteers. The act of volunteering:
- Increases an individual's network and connections for employment
- Develops an individual's areas of expertise through skill-building, education and training
- Creates a positive impression in a very competitive job market
United Way of Greater Milwaukee is proud to support programs that enable corporations, individuals, families and faith communities to make a visible difference in their community through volunteerism and service.
|
|
Health: Let's Talk Month
Every October we celebrate Let's Talk Month to encourage adults to talk to the young people in their lives about healthy relationships and sexual health. Parents and guardians are the best sexual health educators for their children. Studies show children want to hear about sexuality from their parents, but often don't have the courage to ask.
We also know that parents want to be good sexuality educators for their children, but don't always know how to do it well. In 2013, United Way of Greater Milwaukee is celebrating its 6th year of providing Family Communication Toolkits to the community. Visit the BabyCanWait.com and click on the "For Parents" tab for more information.
Also, watch for our latest Teen Pregnancy Prevention campaign coming in October. The integrated campaign will launch with an exciting social media experience for teens and adults in an effort to get them involved.
|
Campaign Highlights - The Spirit of Living United
Teeing Up for United Way - Golf Outings
For several local companies, golf outings are a fun and smart way to generate additional dollars towards their workplace campaign.
Outing Builds Momentum Over Time BonTon held their 4th annual golf outing last month at the Grand Geneva Resort. Over 265 golfers took to the course in addition to another 150+ individuals that joined them for an evening celebration that included dinner and raffle giveaways. The outing started small in 2012, generating $22,000 and has grown to an all-time high of $195,000 raised in 2013.
THANK YOU TO THE BONTON STORES.
|
|
Mixing It Up On and Off the Course Rockwell Automation hosted their 4th annual supplier golf outing and culinary event in late August. The day began with a breakfast and educational keynote presentations by Rockwell's Mike Irwin and Rondi Rohr-Dralle, as well as United Way's President & CEO, Mary Lou Young.

Over 232 golfers participated and 33 individuals tested their cooking skills at special culinary demonstrations for those who didn't want to golf. THANK YOU TO ROCKWELL AUTOMATION.
 |
Raising Dollars and Recognizing Partners The Marcus Corporation utilized their outing as a means to raise dollars for United Way and recognize key partners and supporters. Marcus offered a special VIP evening event the night before the outing to thank key sponsors and partners. More than 220 golfers participated and enjoyed an evening reception with dinner, raffle giveaways and a silent auction.THANK YOU TO THE MARCUS CORPORATION.
|
Live United on the CourseThe annual UPS Golf Outing for the benefit of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and United Way of Waukesha County was held last month at the picturesque New Berlin Hills Golf Course. 
144 registered golfers participated in the event which included a silent auction and specialty contests like "the longest putt". The day wrapped up with a luncheon and live auction of fabulous prizes. THANK YOU TO UPS.
Lighting Up the Skyline with Live United
Outing Builds Momentum Over Time Northwestern Mutual is Living United with bright lights this campaign season.
The organization is lighting our sky line with hope during their internal workplace campaign, which runs September 16-27. Their downtown headquarters utilized the lighting in key office windows to spell out "Live United".
|

|
Enhance Your Campaign - Bring in an Agency Speaker
Over 140 program partner agency representatives ranging from Executive Directors to Development Managers to Program staff are available for speaking engagements at workplace campaigns.
These speakers bring to life the power and impact of UWGM-funded programs at over 80 agencies. In addition to speaking about the mission of their respective agency, speakers also highlight the programs specifically funded by United Way and demonstrate their impact by sharing a moving success story of a child, adult or family whose life has been changed for the better through their work.
To request a speaker, contact your Loaned Executive. A listing of all available speakers can be found in the campaign toolkit.
Make it Fun - Successful Employee Engagement
Encouraging Literacy - Emerging Readers Program
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. That's what it means to Live United. We want you to stay engaged in the great work your dollars are doing in the community throughout the year.
- Give - AShare the spirit of the season in the office. Purchase small mum plants and an assortment of pumpkins and gourds. Sell these items to co-workers to decorate their desks; proceeds go to United Way.
- Advocate - Join the conversation; encourage your colleagues to do the same. Like UWGM on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
- Volunteer - Foster a spirit of team building through service. Organize a Season of Caring project for your organization or select departments.
If you are interested in working with United Way to develop a customized employee engagement plan, please contact Karissa Kleven at kkleven@unitedwaymilwaukee.org or by phone at 414.263.8160.
Dates to Remember - Stay Involved
Ambassador Training
October 18, 2013 - 12-2pm:
Register
Season of Caring: September
Find a Project
September 23-October 4
SOS Webinar Call
October 9
United We Dine
October 10
Participating Restaurants
Season of Caring: October
Find a Project
October 21-26
Season of Caring: November
Find a Project
November 11-16
Live United Day at Milwauke Admirals
November 19
Community Celebration
December 12
Milwaukee Public Museum
|