The way Alaskans care
Have you ever noticed that Alaskans, for the most part, prefer to be left to our own devices? I suppose it makes sense that most people who choose to live in a region that is primarily a soggy forest would intuitively not be budding, big-city socialites.
Since I stepped out of the soggy rain forest where I generally prefer to be left, to serve as chair of this year's United Way Campaign, I've made some surprising discoveries about my neighbors.
First, we're a very compassionate and generous lot. Second, when it comes to the United Way, more of our contributions come from people who have directly benefited from the 130 programs offered by the 31 non-profit agencies the United Way campaign supports, than come from large corporate donors. We may like to be left alone, but throughout Southeast Alaska our grocery store clerks, office workers in small businesses, and people just like you are having money taken out of their paychecks every month to help support the United Way agencies. It's the way Alaskans care.
As many volunteers launch into this year's fund-raising campaign, we have two primary missions: to provide every Southeast employer and employee the opportunity to learn about all the services provided by United Way agencies and to help underscore the importance of using United Way as a means to supporting social services in our local communities. Giving through United Way helps provide a year-round, sustainable funding stream for important services to Juneau residents and those in outlying communities.
United Way is highly effective, efficient and local. Funds provided by United Way to the 31 local non-profits who qualify for membership are vitally important in order for them to leverage far greater amounts of financial support that come primarily from federal and state programs. Without the local match, which is increasingly becoming a greater part of grant programs, our social service agencies won't qualify for most of their sources of financial support.
This year we have lots of demands to contribute to local causes. Some crazies continue to try to move the Legislature and many of us have friends who need our support to effectively run for political office. And we were all deeply touched by the events of a year ago, which so dramatically reduced local charitable giving in support of the victims of Sept. 11. We're not going to ask you to forego any of your causes, but we will ask you to make your charitable giving really count this year by giving through United Way. United Way will make sure any funds you earmark for a particular program will go where you want them. And we'll be able to help fund a reserve to be used at times of vital need - when a United Way agency needs help the most.
As campaign chair, I recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives of United Way-funded agencies. Last year, they provided more than 63,000 services to individuals and families, helping those in need. During the next two months, members of those local United Way agencies will be available to come to your place of business to explain the work they do and to leave pledge cards. A small gift every month in the form of a payroll deduction, credit card charge, or electronic funds transfer from your bank account, when combined with the small gifts of others, will get our drive to its $650,000 goal. You can also make a pledge at the United Way of Southeast Alaska Web site (uwseak.org).
Supporting the more than 130 programs that are provided by the 31 local United Way agencies is an investment with guaranteed returns. Not only can you say, "I do my charitable giving through the United Way. It's the best way to help the most people locally," but you can be a part of showing how Alaskans care.
John Williams is a broker with Juneau Real Estate.