About United Way Women's Leadership Council 

We are a movement of women who are united to create opportunities for a better life for all. We engage women in leadership giving, advocacy and volunteering to improve lives in Olmsted County. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources.

Thank you for renewing your membership.

If you haven't yet renewed, membership gifts can be made at any time during the year. You may include your membership contribution right in your annual pledge. Be sure to check the Women's Leadership Council box and include your membership with your pledge - join Us

JANUARY

Let's Do DINNER

Date: January 19, 2012

Time: 5:30 pm - 7 pm

Program: The Community Gang Initiative - Mark Ostrom (County Attorney) and Deneene MacDonald (United Way staff) will present a progress update about the initiative and the results from the past year. Mark and Deneene's presentation a year ago gave the overview of why the initiative was started and this time they will report on the activities and progress made since then.

You will also learn how WLC members can help at risk youth by furnishing needed personal care items.  

Location: Rochester Public Library - Auditorium

Cost: $10 for Dinner

RSVP by January 16 at 5pm to:   rd@uwolmsted.org

For more information about upcoming events - click here.

Be a Lunch Buddy
Volunteer Opportunity

at Jefferson Elementary School

If you have a volunteer interest to work directly with students from grades 1 - 4 on their reading skills a program exists called "Lunch Buddies" at Jefferson Elementary School.  A volunteer Lunch Buddy listens to a child or children read aloud to them, assist them with unknown words, and verify their comprehension by asking questions throughout or at the completion of the book.  The program runs for 10 consecutive weeks beginning in January and ending in Mid- March each year. 

Women's Leadership Council members who would like more information on the program or have questions can contact Bonnie Schultz bonnies@uwolmsted.org or the program coordinator Catherine Farley 507-269-9041 or email Catherine@TomBenSam.com.

Read More

Purses NEEDED for Power of the Purse Auction

It's never too early to start looking for purses -new, gently used, creative, unique - for the 2012 Power of the Purse Auction on June 19.

You can drop purses off at United Way or call 507-287-2000 for more information.

Introducing WLC Member
Kindra Ramaker

The first time Kindra Ramaker heard about the Imagination Library program she was sold on it. She and a co-worker decided to enroll their children. She first gave consideration to if they should because they felt they could afford to purchase books. But Kindra decided that she would enroll her two pre-school children and that she would also increase her United Way giving to help provide books for other children. She was happy she made that choice. Kindra made the step to Leader In Giving and joined the Women's Leadership Council for the first time this year. She explained, "As a leader, you have a wonderful opportunity to empower other people to volunteer." Read More 

Meet Sharon Lager

"I'm a retailer and I still love to shop!"   - Sharon Lager

If you have visited Herberger's at the Apache Mall you may have had the opportunity to have been helped by general manager, Sharon Lager. Since 2007, Sharon has lived in Rochester relocating here from Virginia, MN where she was the Herberger's store manager for 21 years.  

Raised in Owatonna with 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Sharon Lager learned early in life an appreciation for family. She calls herself a lucky child with two wonderful parents who were her first role models. Sharon considers her family her hobby. She also enjoys experiencing the community - catching a local theater performance, attending entertainment venues at the Civic Center or enrolling for one of Community Education offerings. Read More

Save the DATE
Power of the Purse - June 19, 2012
 
 Keynote Speaker - Co-host of NPR's longest-running national program, All Things Considered, Michele Norris is one of radio's most recognized voices. 
 

Click photo for more information

Discussing everything from domestic and international politics to culture, race, and society, she shares a nuanced, thoughtful perspective on today's chaotic news cycle. Her memoir, The Grace of Silence, was released in September 2010.

Starting in early 2012, for more information about Power of the Purse including registration - click here.