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| United Way Mission
and Vision |
Mission
The mission of United Way is to improve people's lives by
mobilizing the caring power of communities.
A Community-Based National Movement
United Ways across the country activate community resources to
make the greatest possible human impact. The United Way system
includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way
organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and
governed by local volunteers.
As community leaders, United Ways address the most critical local
issues and mobilize resources beyond the dollars that are pledged
through their fund-raising efforts. Community partners often
include schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized
labor, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood
associations, community development corporations and the faith
community.
Mobilizing the Caring Power of Communities
United Ways bring communities together to focus on the most
important human needs-building partnerships, forging consensus and
leveraging resources to make a measurable difference. Focus areas
are identified at the local level and vary from community to
community.
Common focus areas include: helping children and youth succeed,
strengthening and supporting families, promoting self-sufficiency,
building vital and safe neighborhoods and supporting vulnerable
and aging populations.
In 2003/2004, United Ways generated $3.59 billion in revenue, from
the annual campaign and gifts beyond the campaign. United Ways
leveraged a total of $4.05 billion in resources to build stronger
communities. A vast network of volunteers keeps administrative
expenses low, averaging 13 percent of all funds raised at the
largest United Ways. This figure compares favorably with Better
Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent.
United Way Initiatives
A United Way-led partnership is currently working with the White
House and Congress in support of 211, the national abbreviated
dialing code for free access to health and human services.
United Way's children's initiative, Success By 6®, builds upon
community strengths, funds programs, advocates for public policy
changes and collaborates with others to improve the lives of
children, youth and their families.
The United Way State of Caring Index® is a dynamic approach to
measuring the health and well-being of the nation. It analyzes 35
social and economic indicators at the state and national levels to
create a summary measure of Americans' capacity to care for one
another.
National Leadership
United Way of America (UWA) is a national leadership organization
for the United Way movement. UWA speaks as the voice for the
uniqueness of American Philanthropy. UWA leads the movement
through public relations, national brand advertising, the NFL
partnership and the management of relationships with national
corporate and philanthropic partners and the federal government.
UWA provides world-class support services to local United Ways
including training, consultation, mediation, conferencing,
national research, and assessment tools. |
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