This campaign's about recruiting also

The 2007 fundraising campaign is in full gear and this year's focus is on attracting both contributors and contributions.
 
Troy Clarke, the current United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign chair and General Motors' North America President and Group Vice President, Manufacturing, set his sights on increasing awareness and building community spirit.

During meetings of the UWSEM Campaign Cabinet, discussions regarding the 2007 goal frequently revolved around the rising need for human services across the region and the heightened importance of participation in the campaign. As a result, Clarke and the cabinet set a goal that includes attracting 50,000 new donors this year, in addition to raising $59 million. 

If each new donor committed to donating just $40, the campaign would generate an additional $2 million, and equal the $61 million raised in 2006. This would represent a substantial achievement given the tough times confronting many metro Detroiters.

As an added incentive to all new donors, Clarke said GM will match all new gifts to UWSEM, up to a total of $100,000. 

During a time when many more families are struggling, the need is greater than ever.  If everyone pitched in a bit, even $40, more individuals in our community will be able to get the help they need when they need it.

Contribute today, and maximize the impact of your gift with the GM match. Simply go to www.unitedwaysem.org, and encourage others you know to do the same.

For the third consecutive year, a massive regional effort is underway to match job seekers in metro Detroit with available jobs in hot or emerging industries, and the guidance and resources they need to thrive once hired.

Public and private stakeholders from across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties are working together to host the Southeast Michigan Employment and Family Resource Expo, Oct. 10, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center in Detroit. The event is free, and will be held in the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse on the fairgrounds. Last year's Expo drew over 6,500 job seekers.

What makes the Expo unique is that, in addition to employment, the event offers participants an opportunity to address issues related to child care, adult care, family counseling, substance abuse, transportation, and other issues that prevent them from maintaining steady employment.

More than 100 employers will be on site and several dozen others will be participating in the Expo's virtual job fair.

The virtual job fair will be available Oct. 8 -12 at www.uwsem.org/expo. The Oct. 10 Expo will include a Technology Center with 75 computers and Internet access, printers and copiers. Volunteers will be on hand to assist participants with creating a resume, searching for jobs and applying online for jobs.

The Expo will also offer training and career development opportunities as well as organizations ready to address barriers to employment. This includes United Way's 2-1-1, which will have an on-site resource center available for the second year, providing referrals to individuals who have human service needs.

The "Working Together" partnership has come together each year since 2005 to stage the event, and includes the Detroit Workforce Development Department, the Michigan Department of Human Services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the Michigan Department of Information Technology, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (Michigan Talent Bank), Michigan Works! in Oakland and Macomb counties, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
 
Expo sponsors include BorgWarner, Comcast, the Detroit Free Press, Fifth Third Bank, Ricoh and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Agencies seize opportunity to pitch new plans

For the first time in 10 years, United Way is opening up the funding process and encouraging area agencies to consider ways to better partner with the organization to make a stronger long-term impact on lives across the tri-county area.

The newly established process for 2008-2011 agency applications will allow unaffiliated organizations the opportunity to become United Way partners. This is part of United Way's overall effort to direct community resources in areas of the greatest need.

The new multi-year funding process will focus on programs, services, strategies and collaborations that will address short and long-term goals in three specific areas - educational preparedness, financial stability and basic needs, as outlined in the organization's Agenda for Change.

Current member agencies and those looking to form United Way partnerships based on programs that align with one or more of the priority areas were invited to complete a letter of intent in September. The review of those LOIs will conclude Oct. 5. Applicants will be notified during the week of Oct. 8 if their submissions made it to the next phase, during which they are asked to respond to a request for proposal.

Those current partners not selected for the RFP phase will be directed to the transitional funding process.

While United Way will continue to significantly invest in a wide array of agency programs and services, funding will primarily be focused on achieving Agenda outcomes. The funding system further supports the Agenda for Change, which serves as the United Way blueprint for creating sustained community change that measurably improves people's lives.

"The decision to realign our funding process was driven by our region's growing socioeconomic and human service needs," said Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "We know that today's issues are far too complex for any individual, group, or institution to tackle alone. We must work together and bring new groups into the fold. It is only through community building and regional collaboration that we will effect lasting change."

For more information about the LOI/Agenda for Change process (including guidelines, technical assistance sessions, and application deadlines), visit www.uwsem.org/partnertools.

Company Spotlight
BorgWarner commits to boosting United Way total

Auburn Hills-based BorgWarner is committed to supporting the community and demonstrates that caring spirit through its support of United Way.

"From our president on down, we believe that if there is anything we can do to help those truly in need, we should help," said Paul Zuelch, manager, corporate human resources.

Tim Manganello, BorgWarner chairman and CEO, is a United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaign cabinet member and chairs the Major Markets unit.

Though the economy has hit the automotive industry and its workers hard, BorgWarner has remained a substantial United Way supporter and has steadily increased contributions in recent years. The 2007 campaign promises to be no different.

Employees kicked things off on October 2, and will run the month-long campaign for approximately 700 employees at three locations in Oakland and Wayne counties.

BorgWarner has set a goal of $140,000, up nearly $45,000 from 2006. The company also hopes to increase employee participation by an average of 20 percent across all three locations.

To encourage new participants, the company is matching money contributed by any employee who participates for the first time. To further boost its total, BorgWarner is also matching any increase employees make in their gifts from the previous year.

In addition to the match program, the company has planned several events to make the campaign enjoyable and rewarding. Employees will participate in bake sales, a "Pennies for Hope" challenge among departments, a 50/50 raffle, and a "Coffee and Tea Club" -- all of which will generate additional dollars for the campaign.

Employees are also working on a book sale, silent auction, and a drive to collect and recycle used computer printer cartridges. In addition to helping the environment, the money received from this program will support the campaign effort.

"Our employees do get excited as they follow the campaign's progress," said Zuelch. "If anything, they pressure one another through a little friendly competition."

Upcoming Events
Improve money management skills through United Way

United Way for Southeastern Michigan is hosting a series of workshops to help individuals and families of all ages improve their financial stability.

Topics include monitoring your credit scores, managing credit cards, establishing and maintaining checking accounts, determining which loans are right for you and responsible home ownership.

Upcoming Workshops

Seats to each of the events listed below are limited and pre-registration is required. Please call Monica Esquivel at (313) 226-9487 or e-mail monica.esquivel@LiveUnitedSEM.org, to reserve a space today.

Date/Time: Mon., Nov. 5, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Focus: HOPE, 1200 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238

Date/Time: Tue., Nov. 6, 6-8 p.m.
Location: The International Institute, 111 East Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202

Date/Time: Wed., Nov. 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: YWCA, 26279 Michigan Avenue, Inkster, MI 48141

Date/Time: Mon., Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Focus: HOPE, 1200 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238

Date/Time: Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m.
Location: The International Institute, 111 East Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202

Date/Time: Wed., Dec. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: YWCA, 26279 Michigan Avenue, Inkster, MI 48141

The financial stability workshops are part of United Way's Agenda for Change work focusing on financial stability, educational preparedness and basic needs. United Way believes that by increasing financial literacy, increasing home ownership and providing access to supportive services, individuals and families of all ages can build assets necessary to achieve their educational and financial goals.

Tip of the Month

Would you like to add energy to your United Way campaign, increase awareness among team members and boost total participation? Well, our Resource Development staff can help you accomplish all three by adding one simple, personal touch.

Consider tapping into the United Way Speakers' Bureau and arranging to have an Impact Speaker at your campaign events. The Bureau is a clearinghouse, offering speakers with different connections to United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Speakers include representatives of community agencies and United Way "Success Stories" (individuals who have benefited from services or helped improve their community).           

Speakers are trained to deliver an effective presentation in as little as 5 minutes. Having a speaker introduce your team to the positive results being created in the community demonstrates the impact their contributions have on real people. 

Campaigns that invite speakers to a staff meeting, kickoff event or other special gathering, have higher participation rates and raise more money, so request a speaker today. It's easy, simply contact your United Way representative or click here.