Dolly Parton with United Way Worldwide CEO Brian Gallagher

United Way of San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce the arrival of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! Developed in 1996 by writer and singer Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library is intended to encourage a love of reading and learning at an early age. Children enrolled in the program will receive a new, age appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age, for just $50 a year. The community is invited to support this effort by contributing to the fund for the Imagination Library and giving the gift of literacy to local children. Learn more about the program online at www.unitedwayslo.org.

Workplaces, families, individuals, and groups are invited to join with over 300 community members to lend a hand to local nonprofit agencies as part of Make A Difference Day on Saturday, October 23. The breakfast kickoff begins at 9 a.m. at Cal Poly, and participants volunteer around SLO County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking on campus is free, and participants are provided with a free continental breakfast and lunch. Individuals can sign up at The Community Center. Groups of employees may sign up by calling Horace Morana at (805) 541-1234.

Join the San Luis Obispo Association of Realtors for their Oktoberfest Charity Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 20 at Dairy Creek Golf Course. The event will benefit three local charities, including United Way's 211 SLO County program. There are still spots available for individual players or foursomes and the fun includes a hole in one contest for a new car and local restaurants providing savory appetizers along the course. Click here to register to play. Come out to the course for a great cause!

There is still time to register for the 2010 Colloboration Forum! This one day conference is for nonprofit board members, staff and volunteers on  Thursday, October 28 from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. at San Luis Adult School. Visit CollaborationSLO.org to learn more.

United Way of San Luis Obispo County is offering courses to support peaceful classrooms and communities. Introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a 6 week workshop for preschool through ninth grade school teachers and their parents. The course, taught by certified NVC trainer Tory Blue, provides a practical framework for acquiring the skills and language tools that support positive, compassionate outcomes. NVC has been proven to improve trust, strengthen student interest, and improve classroom teamwork, creating a more effective educational setting for all.

Did you know you can have a big impact on the education of your grandchildren in just a few little steps?  Join us for a special Born Learning presentation on Saturday, November 20, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the SLO Senior Center (1445 Santa Rosa Street) where you can learn more about fun, easy ways to bring learning to life in everyday activities.  Following the presentation you'll have an opportunity to see firsthand the adjacent Born Learning Trail in Mitchell Park.  Grandchildren are welcome to come and enjoy story time, and parents are invited too!  To learn more about Born Learning, click here.  For more information on the presentation, contact Kara Edwall at (805) 541-1234.

The 2010 California State Employees Charitable Campaign had a great launch with presentations to key campaigners at Atascadero State Hospital, California Men's Colony and California Highway Patrol.  United Way also met with employees at the Department of Motor Vehicles and Cal Trans District 5 headquarters. This year, interim Cal Poly President Robert Glidden wrote a personal letter to all faculty and staff encouraging their participation.

If you are a state employee there simply is no better way to provide assistance to countless individuals and causes.  For as little as $2 a month you can provide the worthy charities of your choice with a consistent cash flow to assist them in the planning and implementation of their much needed services. Now, more than ever, they need our help.

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Would you like a job in the nonprofit profession? Have an item to donate?

Take a moment to read through the monthly Opportunity Exchange, a list of items needed, volunteer and employment opportunities, upcoming events, items available, and advocacy opportunities. If you would like more information, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing. Click here to view the most recent Opportunity Exchange.