Beefing Up Your Bylaws

 

We all know that bylaws are the cornerstone of good governance for any nonprofit, but how often do we review our bylaws to make sure they still meet our organizations' needs?  The two resources below can help provide guidelines and first steps for reviewing and improving your United Way's most important governance document.

Blue Avocado: Bylaws Checklist
Blue Avocado has come through once again with another excellent tool for strengthening non-profit governance.  Their Bylaws Checklist offers best practices and suggested key elements.

UWW: United Way Requirement C, Focus on Bylaws 
Earlier this spring, UWW hosted a webinar for local United Ways about Membership Requirement C, with a special emphasis on local United Way bylaws.  Read through the archived presentation materials to learn more about UWW's suggestions for local United Ways.

 

Two Local United Ways in the news

 

United Way of Murray/Calloway County's recently conducted community health survey was presented to the community last week.  According to the results, two of the biggest health-related needs in the community are the need for more affordable and low-cost preventative health care and effective ways to fight childhood obesity.  Keena Miller, Director of Murray-Calloway County Hospital's Center for Health & Wellness said that there are many free or low-cost options for health care available to low-income families that are under-utilized, and educating the community on those options would be a first step toward reducing these concerns.  Read the full article here.

The Board of Directors of United Way of Southeastern Kentucky have proudly accepted a check for $7,500 from Alpha Natural Resources, LLC of Abington, Virginia (operating locally as Enterprise Coal).  This donation is the largest single gift ever received by the local United Way in its 22 years of service to Perry, Breathitt, Leslie, Letcher, Knott, Lee, Owsley and Wolfe counties.  "It is with great respect for what United Way's do that we present this check to support their efforts to improve lives in the communities where we mine coal," said Gary R. Duncan, Virginia/Kentucky Director of Human Resources.  The donation will be used to enhance the lives of people served by the local United Way and touched by the coal company.   

United Way's New Business Model and Evidence of Progress 

United Way Worldwide Research has issued a report that details the statistical evidence that the new United Way Business Framework already is making a positive difference in several key areas such as resource development and advancing the common good in education, income and health. The report summarizes resource development, marketing, overhead, and impact work.  It would be a great tool to help boards and volunteer leaders understand trends in United Way efforts.  Read the full document here.

 

United Way Public Opinion Poll Results Coming in June  

The long-awaited United Way national public opinion poll results are coming soon.  Join the United Way Worldwide Research and Investor Relations team for an in-depth webinar on Wed., June 29 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET to explore the latest results and trends.  Learn about the public's attitudes and perceptions towards United Way and the Charitable Sector.  Explore the brand strategies that can drive public trust and engagement.  Participants will also hear about donor reactions inside and outside the workplace and how local United Ways can optimize the results in the current environment.  Click here to register.

 

 

June birthday announcements!

The following is a list of friends of United Way of Kentucky celebrating birthdays this month. Join us in wishing them a happy and healthy year to come! 

June 6: June Antony
June 7: Susan Asher
June 7: Nelson Kelley
June 21: Josh Wice