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Welcome!
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Welcome to your monthly Live United eUpdate. This newsletter highlights United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Agenda for Change and the ways you can Live United and support our work.
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Champion Breakfasts engage members
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 The Women's Initiative held two Champion breakfasts in September. Both were at the Detroit Athletic Club and hosted by Sarah McClelland of JPMorgan Chase and Bridgit Chayt of Comerica Bank.
Women's Initiative Champions are members who agree to promote the initiative within their company and the community as a whole in an effort to cultivate new members. The champion events are intended to share best practices for being a Women's Initiative Champion.
“We had a great turnout and [there was] much excitement,” said Rhonda Saunders, chair, United Way Women's Initiative and senior vice president, Fifth Third Bank. “[There was also] a tearful goodbye to our great volunteer and United Way friend, Gail Duncan, who is relocating to California.” Duncan was a founding member of the Women's Initiative and a past co-chair.
At the events, members received results about the early literacy programs funded by the Women's Initiative and discussed strategies to engage new members. Saunders and Lynne Ellyn, vice chair, Women's Initiative, and senior vice president and chief information officer, DTE Energy, shared ideas that have worked in their companies.
To see photos from the events, click here.
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September volunteer project a big success
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A big thank you goes out to the awesome group of Women’s Initiative Champions who participated in our September volunteer project at Leaps & Bounds in Roseville!
Participants included the Women's Initiative Volunteer Committee, headed up by Donna Comer; as well as Carol Williams, of AON; Gail Duncan; DonnaLee Garcia and Deborah Thompson of Miller Canfield; along with Deborah's granddaughter, Elena Roma; and Ruth Mossok Johnston, of United Way.
Leaps & Bounds had a variety of fun outdoor activities planned for the children including a book tent, complete with books to take home, as well as bowling, printmaking, coffee-filter butterflies, and a DJ. Volunteers assisted the Leaps & Bounds staff to ensure all the children had a fun and meaningful experience. We passed out snacks, along with toothbrushes and toothpaste, and even pulled out our BlackBerrys when one child wanted to make a coffee-filter centipede instead of a butterfly. Thanks to technology, he was able to create the perfect centipede!
It was a perfect fall day and a wonderful way for WI members to give back to the community. We are always looking for more members to volunteer, so stay tuned for new volunteer projects in the coming months! |
| Live United in action at the marathon |
 More than 30 people showed the community how they Live United by participating in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon on October 19.
United Way fielded a team in the marathon’s 5K event, and the group served as a testament to the power of unity and team work. In addition, runners participated in the half marathon, full marathon, and marathon relay, all with Live United emblazoned across their chests.
It was a sight to see, all of those people coming together for United Way.
But the true expression of the Live United message was what our team did after the 5K ended. Many stayed behind to participate in United Way’s spirit stations along the marathon course. There, they lifted their voices and opened their arms to other runners, providing positive support as they raced toward the finish line.
To Live United is to reach out a hand to others, and in doing so, to change the condition of all. That could mean helping a child learn to read or helping a family with basic necessities like food and shelter. But it can also be as simple as supporting a friend, neighbor, or even a complete stranger as they embark on a personal goal.
No matter how we choose to make a difference in the lives of those around us, we are all part of the Live United movement. The marathon is just one example of the thousands of ways you can Live United. Learn about other ways by logging on to our Web site, www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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Give.
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The most effective way you can make a difference in your community is by giving to United Way. Whether it's $5 or $500, your gift will improve the lives of individuals and families across our region.
Give now.
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Advocate.
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We're so close to bringing financial literacy courses to Michigan schools. In fact, the Senate just needs to vote on the bill! Please urge your legislators to bring it to a vote.
Advocate Now.
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Volunteer.
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It's easy to volunteer! Just create a profile on our new Web site and you'll be able to find opportunities throughout the region and connect with other volunteers.
Volunteer Now.
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Power of 10.
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Legislators tell us that if they hear a consensus from 10 people, they consider it a mandate. Make your voice heard at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this eNewsletter
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You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could reach if everyone forwards this to five people.
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