It is with more than a bit of trepidation that I bring up the word “abortion” in any context related to United Way.
However, year after year I am told by volunteers and advocates for the work we do in Madison County that they have been told that our organization somehow supports abortion services.
Once again, I will try to set the record straight: No. United Way of Madison County does NOT fund abortion services either directly or indirectly.
So why the trepidation? Because the dialogue related to abortion is so emotionally charged and divisive that even making a statement that we aren’t involved in any way can connect our organization to the issue and create “reasons” for people to refuse to support the work that we DO in Madison County.
To support United Way is to support the work that we do — all focused on building The Common Good by building education, income and health supports to create a better life for all.
With regard to children — born and unborn — that support includes work to connect pregnant women with prenatal services and to keep them and their children connected to health care. It supports work to build healthy families that nurture children in a safe environment and help them grow physically, mentally and emotionally into happy and productive adults. It supports work to protect children when their homes are not safe environments.
At this point I can hear readers who are pro-choice vowing to stop support of United Way. To them, I ask that you reread the above paragraph and make a decision based on what we DO rather than on what we don’t do.
I can also hear echoes from those who are saying that in another community the United Way provides funding to pro-choice organizations. To those, I offer this primer of the United Way system structure:
-- Every local United Way is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that is managed locally by a volunteer board.
-- As a member of United Way Worldwide, a local United Way may use the brand name and must comply with a set of membership standards that focus on financial accountability and use of the brand.
-- Not required, but highly recommended, is alignment with the national agenda related to education, income and health.
-- Both United Way of America and the Indiana Association of United Ways have public policy agendas. Those agendas are focused on bi-partisan issues that support the common good, such as funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Food and Shelter Program, funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, supporting legislation that strengthens the non profit sector such as support for charitable giving incentives like the IRA rollover, and support for 2-1-1.
-- Donor funds are used locally. Dues to state and national are used for supportive services (marketing, educational opportunities, etc.) and do not fund programs.
Supporting United Way of Madison County IS supporting life — and a better life — for our children.
Nancy Vaughan is president of United Way of Madison County. Her column appears the fourth Sunday of each month. She can be contacted at n.vaughan@unitedwaymadisonco.org, or 643-7493.
Columns
Related Photos
-
Jennifer Goldsmith
Discussion
Nancy Vaughan: United Way focused on education, health, income
- Columns
-
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers weigh in on low voter turnout
A couple of columns ago, I posed a question about why most Indiana polling places on primary election day had so few customers.
-
Jim Bailey: Jim Carter made football a respectable sport at AHS
When I first came to Anderson in 1951, Jim Carter had been named head football coach at Anderson High School. At that time, football at AHS was little more than an activity to get out of the way to make room for basketball season. The Indians were known to play two games in the same week to shorten the season.
-
Scott Underwood: Help us with book about local athletes
Over the years, Madison County has been blessed with more than its share of extraordinary athletes. Through their feats on the field of play, they’ve brought us excitement and inspiration.
-
Howard Hewitt: 'Pink' wines growing in popularity
Those silly looking pink wines in your favorite wine shop or liquor store are gaining respect through robust sales.
-
Nancy Vaughan: Tomorrow starts today
The United Way of Madison County's 2011 annual report seeks to recognize the individuals and organizations that contribute their resources to support investments and activities to increase the education, income and health of all who call Madison County home.
-
'Big Joe' Clark: Problem isn’t the cost of education, but its quality
We must spend less time focusing on how to bring the price of an education down and more time figuring out how to bring up the quality of that education.
-
Maleah Stringer: Not everyone is an animal lover
Not everyone is an animal lover and they should not have to be around animals if they do not want to be. It’s on the same line as the fight between smokers and non-smokers.
-
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.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
