With the beginning of each New Year comes reflection, anticipation, and well-intentioned resolutions that, as one wise man said, "go in one year and out the other."  However, we propose that this year be different.  Intentionally or not, every day you change the world around you; whether you use that power for the betterment or detriment of others up to you.
Instead of the usual inward-focused resolutions - exercise, weight loss, getting organized - that never seem to stick, why not give your efforts an outward focus?  This year United Way challenges you to develop world-changing habits that will last a lifetime by incorporating the following into your life:

GIVE: Contribute $2-20 of each paycheck to support worthy causes around you.
ADVOCATE:  Every week encourage at least one person to join you in your efforts.
VOLUNTEER:  Sacrifice at least one hour of your time each week by volunteering at an organization you feel passionate about; you'll be surprised how good that "sacrifice" will feel! (For local volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer SLO or view our "Wish List". 

 

 

United Way is establishing its first Emerging Leaders Circle (ELC) in SLO County, recognizing and recruiting young professionals who are willing to share their talent, spirit, and resources for the betterment of our community.  Much more than a business networking group, ELC members are up-and-coming leaders that mobilize their caring power in order to improve the education, income and health of SLO County through volunteer and philanthropic endeavors.  Click here to learn more.

Do you know someone who is an emerging leader?  Do you have an emerging leader at your workplace?  Want to find out more about membership?  Join us on Thursday, January 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Café Roma in SLO.  County Supervisor Adam Hill will be on hand to provide his thoughts on volunteerism, local health and human service needs and how business-minded individuals can play a role.  Light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served and you can mingle with other young professionals.  Come have fun and learn more, with absolutely no strings attached.  Please RSVP to 541-1234 by January 14. Click here to view the invite.

 

The United Way Loyal Contributor Program recognizes and celebrates individuals who have supported United Way for many years and, in so doing, have had an impact on the lives of many people in our community.   We'd like to highlight one of these dedicated contributors and thank them for their continuing support.  

 
          Frank Fertschneider of San Luis Obispo
              30+ years of giving to United Way
 
"I am old enough to remember something President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said:  'The measure of a society is not that it provides more to those who have plenty but provides for those who have too little.'  For years my wife Margaret and I have been able to serve a variety of needs through numerous organizations.  The United Way is so important because it looks at all the health and human service needs in the county.  Providing groceries to a hungry family is just a Band Aid.  That family also needs adequate housing, health and childcare.  That's why it's so important for everyone to come together and help."

Advancing the Common Good:  United Way Policy Agenda for the 111th Congress

         Beginning at Birth
o       Increased Educational Investments
o       Parent and Community Engagement in  

         Education
INCOME:
o       Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
o       Earned Income Tax Credit
HEALTH:
o       Comprehensive Health Care Reform
o       Healthy Start Program Funding
o       State Children's Health Insurance Program

        (SCHIP) Reauthorization
NON-PROFIT SECTOR
o       Serve America Act
o       Federal Youth Coordination Act (FYCA)

2-1-1
o       The Calling for 2-1-1- Act
o       Insertion of 2-1-1 provisions into existing

         legislation
 
To read more about these and other priorities, please click here.