10,000 Volunteers!
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San Diego, you're up to the challenge!  Over 550 volunteers have pledged to make a difference by being part of the San Diego Volunteer Challenge.
In partnership with 20 local non-profits, the San Diego County Office of Education and The Union Tribune, United Way of San Diego County is leading the way by connecting volunteers to projects in their community.
The "hotline" is currently receiving a dozen or more inquiries a day. Keep those calls coming by spreading the word.
San Diego students need our help! Please tell your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to join HERE!
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Volunteer of the Month
Each month, we'll be recognizing an outstanding individual or group of volunteers who have made the commitment to Live United by lending their time and talents to United Way's work in Education, Income and Health.
The following story illustrates how a young man can change a child's life.
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A Perfect Fit
| When Donna Knowles' 11-year-old son Morgan saw his friend  playing basketball with a Big Brother, he though that might be fun for him, too. After all, basketball wasn't his mom's best game.
"Sports aren't really my thing," she said laughing.
Donna researched Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sports Bigs program and liked what she saw. "They're very thorough. It was a long process, but they work hard to find a good match."
They found that match in Tim Schultz, a 27-year-old manager who grew up with great mentors, including an older sibling. "The older-brother dynamic was so much a part of my upbringing. I thought it might be nice for someone who didn't have that luxury, I could give back."
Sports Bigs mentors and mentees participate in a variety of sporting events, clinics and tournaments. Says Morgan, "We go to Chargers and Padres games. We played in a Big Brother basketball tournament together and won first place! We have a really good time."
In as little as one hour a week - during school, after school, or even on the weekend - you can change a child's life.
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Spread the Word
| Here are some ways you can help unite our community under the goal of preparing our children for the future:
Post a video or comment stating your personal pledge to volunteer onFacebook. Post a photo of your participation in volunteer projects on our Facebook page. Tweet your experiences and tag your posts #liveunitedsd. Check in at your volunteer location on Foursquare or Facebook. Tell friends what you're experiencing. Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to sign up for theVolunteer Challenge. You can even pass this email along to interested friends. |
Reality Changers
Reality Changers encourage disadvantaged and at-risk youth to seek positive influences in their lives through such activities as SAT training, tutoring and family interaction projects. Volunteers offer the support and encouragement needed for the students to aspire to attend college. Opportunities to mentor and tutor are on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings through June 2012.
You can support 8th-12th grade students who will be the first in their families to go to college. Or help graduating seniors with personal statements and college and financial aid applications on Thursday evenings and weekends through the fall. 
In 2010, Reality Changers connected over 100 students with nearly $500,000 in scholarships. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has called Reality Changers a model program for the nation. Find out why! |
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