The 2014 United Way Campaign is just around the corner and we've assembled an all-star cast of volunteers to lead the effort. Join us for breakfast at Century High School on August 13 at 7:30 a.m. to find out what's in store.If you're interested in volunteering to assist with the campaign or if you would like to nominate a co-worker or friend, fill out the form found here. 
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Heroes are all around us - the teachers who go above and beyond to give their students a better shot at success, the countless volunteers who dedicate time and talents to causes they believe in, the kind, the caring, the innovative, those who go out of their way to improve the lives of others.
They're here, in our community. Often lurking in the shadows, help us bring them into the light so they might inspire others to join the fight to end poverty, hunger and homelessness. Nominate your hero to be highlighted throughout the campaign here.
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Are you ready to get your hands dirty, or maybe covered in a little paint? This year's Day of Caring will be held on Wednesday, August 13. We are currently recruiting volunteers and project managers for the event.
More than 1,000 volunteers will spend the day fixing, cleaning, organizing, creating, building and offering a helping hand to local nonprofits and community-members in need. Projects range from remodeling facilities, building retaining walls, decks and sheds to painting office spaces and sorting donations. 
You can view the full list of projects and register to volunteer on August 13 here.
Not all of the opportunities are glamorous, but they are all needs that would deflect resources from the true mission of the organization. The work done on Day of Caring allows our local nonprofits to focus their time and expertise on what they do best.
The event will begin with a Campaign Kickoff breakfast at Century High School at 7:30 a.m., and end with a volunteer social at Captain Freddy's from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Help us spread the word and recruit volunteers - include information in your company newsletter, website or blog, share the video (posted above) or information on Facebook and Twitter (using #DayofCaring), and talk about the event with friends and co-workers.
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Putting Students on Track for Success
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Just the other day, we sat down with Jackie, a veteran Foster Grandparent who's been working with struggling students at a local elementary school.
Her one-on-one support is helping children get back on track for success in school. Clearly, she is having a profound impact. Following her down the hallway, her enjoyment is apparent. Kids holler her name as she walks by, they ask her on lunch dates, tell stories. Yes, she is doing great work, but the kids certainly aren't the only ones winning. Listen to this short interview to find out more about the work she's doing.
Are you interested in reading, tutoring or mentoring children? Visit volunteerbisman.com or give us a call at 701.255.3601.
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Ending Hunger in our Community
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Most coffee shop chatter in our community revolves around oil, agriculture, economics and politics. Very rarely, if ever, do you hear a discussion about hunger. So rarely do you hear that conversation, that some might think the issue doesn't exist in our community. The facts say otherwise.
- In 2011, one in five children in Greater Bismarck-Mandan was receiving SNAP benefits (ND Kids Count Data Center).
- Twenty-six percent of local children rely on the National School Lunch Program to help meet their nutritional needs (ND Kids Count Data Center).
- North Dakota ranks 41 out of 50 in providing summer food services to children who receive free and reduced-price lunches (Children Defense Fund).
- In 2012, one in ten children in Burleigh and Morton live in poverty (ND Kids Count Data Center).
Beyond the data, we're hearing the same needs expressed from our partners, but it's not all bad news. With the support of many, we've been able to take some exciting steps:
Continue reading
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Why We LIVE UNITED - Bobcat
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Bobcat employees share why they LIVE UNITED by partnering with United Way. Last year, Bobcat teamed up with  Northern Improvement and Gate City Bank to give the Girl Scouts' Camp Neche a complete overhaul. Listen to employees chat about the project in this video and watch some of the action in the Day of Caring video above. If you're interested in involvement opportunities for your business, co-workers, employees or yourself, give us a call at 701.255.3601.
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