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Vol. 17, No. 41, April 11, 2005

IN THIS ISSUE:

This Reveille Home Page | The Friday Program: United Way & the Business Community ­ Partners in Community Impact | Centennial Project Gets a Boost | BBRC Adopts Highway | Painting Party Set | Friday Potpourri | Retreat Tackles Leadership Issues | Classification Talk: LeeAnn Wood | Web Fun

The Friday Program:
United Way & the Business Community ­
Partners in Community Impact

The President and CEO of United Way of King County, Jon Fine, brought members up to date about the role the organization plays in the lives of King County residents. Mr. Fine has overseen a program that has raised $465 million over the past five years, making it one of the most successful in the nation.

A graduate of Dartmouth, Fine previously worked for the Red Cross and Puget Sound Bank. He is and has been an active member of several local boards, such as the Board of Alliance for Education, and the Puget Sound Blood Center.

Fine announced two important initiatives of United Way that will have an impact on all citizens. “Over these many years, United Way has done great things for our community. In assessing our role in solving major issues, our organization has determined to tackle two important priorities: 1) To end homelessness in King County; and 2) Get kids ready for success by focusing on them completing school on time.”

“Every day, there are 8000 homeless people on the streets of our communities. An alarming number of our young students drop out of school altogether. These two issues have become priorities and major initiatives of United Way.”

Fine noted that the strategic planning process is meant to “make a case for change. Our existing structure isn’t solving problems like it should. Critical needs persist. There’s a call for more accountability by agencies involved. We live in the most generous community in the nation, where per capita giving resulted in a record $93 million last year.”

However, Fine also pointed out that as a percentage of total giving, the dedicated giving by King County residents has changed the parameters of the result. “We’ve always maintained a high degree of ‘safety net giving,’ where we used to rank near the top. But now, we’ve slipped to #9 in the nation. This is of major concern, because takes away our ability to offer stable funding for agencies but instead limits our investment in systemic improvements. Other United Ways have had success in expanding their safety net and our organization is in a position to lead. Communicating the message is one of our challenges.”

Some of the assumptions that an organization like United Way deals with is “money alone can’t solve problems. Limited resources make it necessary to prioritize. Demonstrating results for the community will mean more dollars raised. We are still a major fund-raising organization and will continue raising dollars to make an impact in the community.”

Fine talked about an “evolved vision, where our community is economically robust and helping many areas. United Way is enhancing the ability of people to care for one another.”

Some of the goals adopted by United Way includes recognition that it is a “preeminent health and human community impact organization. We are committed to forming year-round Impact Councils with countywide and neighborhood-specific collaborations, identifying and tracking community-wide indicators to determine priority assistance, and promoting and facilitating volunteerism.”

Fine said that United Way will accomplish priorities by aggressive fundraising, promoting the Community Safety Net Fund, and increasing its capability to reach and engage diverse constituencies.

“We have a fully-integrated support capability and we aim to continue to attract and retain highly qualified volunteers and staff, provide excellent customer service and standardize and simplify our operations. We want to be perceived by donors as the best place to invest their time and money. We intend to offer a menu of giving opportunities, ensure cultural competence, show leadership in advocacy and education, and widen reach of messages through creative partnerships.”

Fine described these new initiatives as “The New United Way.” He paid tribute to Ted Ederer, who served several terms as president of the County organization and to Jane Kuechle, who has excelled as director of Community campaigns. Thanks to Jane for her introduction of Mr. Fine.

In recognition of his presentation, the BBRC has donated 1,220 pounds of fresh food from Rotary First Harvest to area food banks. A certificate noting the donation was given to Mr. Fine.

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