I participated in my first workplace United Way campaign in 1982. I was working about 20 hours a week at a savings and loan (remember those?) in Phoenix, Ariz., and spending the rest of my time with my infant son. We were struggling to make ends meet because my full time job had been eliminated unexpectedly while I was on maternity leave, so I was not very enthused about the call to give away some of my very scarce resources. Yes, United Way was a hard sell in this workplace as it was in so many others, so I signed up as a “fair share” donor.
Guess what? My resources were still scarce, but there was no notable difference in my circumstances due to the loss of that hour’s pay. I moved on, and back, to Indiana and continued to be a donor, gradually “stepping up” my contribution — first because I realized that my small gift didn’t really hurt my budget, so a slightly larger small gift was possible, then because my earnings increased with full time employment and job advancement.
The other thing I realized was that I could be a small part of the solution — for children, for families and for communities. I started paying attention to the world outside of my own walls. I started to LIVE UNITED. I am very thankful for that “hard sell.” It changed my life in so many positive ways.
This year, we have a “soft sell” for everyone in Madison County. We are offering an opportunity for folks to “step up” their contributions. It’s more important than ever to get those incremental increases because we can match every dollar of new donations through the 4community2 grant we received from the Indiana Association of United Ways. The opportunity, funded by Lilly Endowment, can bring in an additional $170,000 to our community — IF enough of us step up.
Besides the grant that matches any level of increase, we have devised a special challenge to encourage people to become engaged in giving. There are three levels of the Step-Up Challenge: Madison Way, Active Community Investor and Emerging Leader. All involve making a three-year commitment, but give recognition for the third year level this year.
Madison Way is a leadership recognition level established in 1989. Minimum annual household giving for Madison Way recognition is $1,000. Those taking the Step-Up Challenge make a minimum $350 gift this year, $650 in 2009 and $1,000 in 2010. Madison Way members are recognized in our newsletter, on our Web site and in meeting publications.
A second level of leadership giving was established a few years ago and is identified as those giving between $500 and $999 per year. The Step-Up Challenge to Active Investor asks for a minimum $150 gift this year; $300 next and $500 in 2010.
Finally, we are making a special outreach to younger (40-) donors with the Emerging Leader giving designation. Beginning minimum donation is $50 and increments are $100 and $200, but this designation also asks for an initial engagement commitment by signing up for e-communications or on United Way’s facebook group, and in following years by participating in an event and then on a committee or by leading a volunteer team.
If you can’t step up to these levels, rest assured that your gift of any size matters. We have hundreds of legacy donors who faithfully mail in their $10, $25, $50 checks year after year and these gifts have long been the backbone of our campaign. If you can join the Step-Up Challenge, just call us at (765) 643-7493 and we’ll send you a form, or send your contribution with a note that indicates your Step Up intentions to United Way of Madison County, P. O. Box 1200, Anderson, IN 46015.
Nancy Vaughan is president of United Way of Madison County Inc.
Columns
Related Photos
-
Jennifer Goldsmith
Discussion
NANCY VAUGHAN: Take the Step Up Challenge
- Columns
-
-
Verna Davis: Church and state — separation or silence?
It’s time we realize, as Charles J. Chaput says, that “exiling religion from civic debates separates government from morality...That road leads to politics without character.” It’s time we realize that it’s time to speak up. The future of our country depends on our doing just that.
-
Heather Bremer: Can Smith cash in on another Big Willie Weekend?
After yet another four-year break, Will Smith once again ventures into waters of the summertime box office with today’s debut of “Men in Black III.” Luckily for Big Willie, it’s the first weekend in ages that won’t be ruled by “The Avengers” … probably.
-
Susan Miller: Looking for a summer vacation vocation
Summer vacation is often a synonym for summer vocation, particularly for teenagers.
-
Jim Bailey: Amazing races keep things lively for family in May
Used to be when you spoke of a race in May, the Indianapolis 500 came to mind. For our family this year that will be an afterthought.
-
Primus Mootry: The Great Divide continues in the U.S.
Last Saturday, at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser attended by a thousand people, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., labeled President Barack Obama as the most “divisive figure in modern American history.” Sen. Rubio is certainly entitled to that opinion, but that’s all it is — an opinion.
-
Emmett Dulaney: Today’s actions hurt tomorrow
I have no recollection of why, but for some reason when we were kids my brother could not stand Catfish Hunter.
-
Bill Stanczykiewicz: Managing disagreements can be teens' gifts for Mom and Dad
New research suggests that teenagers who are allowed to disagree with their parents are more likely to resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
-
Scott Underwood: Good news plays role in journalism
The refrain from readers is almost constant in the careers of serious community journalists: You guys print too much bad news and ignore the good news.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security serves wounded warriors, families
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers say it best in response to column about primary
In a recent column, I posed a question about why only 19 percent of Indiana’s 4 million voters cast a ballot in the May primary. I promised not to chastise anyone who would ’fess up to not voting.
I’ll keep part of the promise: I won’t do the scolding, but will let someone else heap on a bit of shame. - More Columns Headlines
-
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
