over 40 agencies. one mission. advancing the common good ... · smartphone! your role as an...

Over 40 Agencies. One Mission. Advancing the Common Good

in the River Region.

River Region United Way P.O. Box 868

Montgomery, AL 36101 334-264-7318

www.RiverRegionUnitedWay.org

Jimmy Hill Director of Resource Development 60 Commerce St., Suite 600 P.O. Box 868 Montgomery, AL 36101 (o) 334-264-7318 (c) 334-399-4866

[email protected]

Serena McCovery Resource Development Specialist 60 Commerce St., Suite 600 P.O. Box 868 Montgomery, AL 36101 (o) 334-264-7318 [email protected]

Melody Colvert Director Autauga County P.O. Box 680293 Prattville, AL 36068 (o) 334-365-3243 [email protected]

Julie Cooley Assistant Autauga County P.O. Box 680293 Prattville, AL 36068 (o) 334-365-3243 [email protected]

KEY CONTACTS Staff members at the River Region United Way are happy to assist you in any way we can. Please call on us if you have questions, want to arrange a speaker, participate in agency tours or just need general information about the campaign. Use the QR box to save us to your smartphone!

Your Role

As an Employee Campaign Coordina-tor, your role is to encourage your coworkers to participate in creating a stronger community by planning, coordinating and implementing an effective United Way workplace campaign.

Responsibilities include:

Work closely with your United Way representative to develop an effective campaign plan

Recruit a campaign committee from key areas within your organization

Coordinate the distribution of campaign materials and collection of commitment forms

Promote and publicize campaign results throughout the drive

Garner support from Leadership

Provide all associates and retirees the opportunity to give

Thank donors and volunteers for their generosity

Complete your campaign by giving a final report to your United Way representative

Pacesetter and Agency Kickoff Event June 27, 2013

Rally in the Alley Campaign Kickoff September 5, 2013

Mid-Campaign Report Meeting October 30, 2013

Campaign Final Announcement January of 2014

River Region United Way helps nearly 140,000 people annually by funding more than 40 local nonprofits throughout our five-county service area. Our focus areas are on education, income and health.

Key Dates

Impacting Lives

YOUR ROLE & KEY INFORMATION Second Chance Foundation - Day treatment and remediation services for youth expelled from school. Individual, group and family counsel-ing, academic remediation, life skills classes, community service, structure and support. #50

Sickle Cell Foundation - Provides education, screening, counseling and referral services in preventing and treating Sickle cell disease. Hosts support group gatherings for anemia and trait victims. #35

USO - Provides recreational and educational programs for men and women stationed overseas in the Armed Forces. Programs include foreign language classes, workshops, entertainment and activities oriented towards families and children. #38

YMCA of Montgomery, Wetumpka and Millbrook - Building character; making a difference; changing lives of kids, families and communities through health and human service programs that promote healthy spirit, mind and body. Montgomery #40 Wetumpka/Millbrook #42

YMCA of Prattville - Provides a variety of spiritual, physical and character development programs for children and adults, focusing on youth with activities involving respect, caring, honesty and responsibility. #41

THANK YOU! OUR MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS IN THE

LIVES WE CHANGE AND THE COMMUNITIES

WE SHAPE. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US

ADVANCE THE COMMON GOOD IN THE RIVER REGION.

CAMPAIGN CHECKLIST

TOP 10 Steps to Success: Conducting a Quality Campaign

1. Show and Gain the Support of Your CEO

Send out a personal letter of endorsement from your president or CEO.

Have your CEO be visible at your kickoff (i.e. speech on why he/she and the company supports United Way; have he/she fill out and visibly turn in their commitment form at the kickoff).

Discuss your company’s corporate gift (when appropriate).

Discuss and/or develop your campaign budget – don’t have additional money? Get creative and raffle off an extra vacation day, bring your dog to work day or even a potluck!

Set your campaign goal based on prior giving history; work with your United Way staff for these details.

Set your campaign timeline (two to three weeks is plenty).

2. Recruit a Committee and Plan Campaign

Ask for help. Keep in mind that people who volunteer are involved because they want to be and will lend energy to your campaign.

Decide what your campaign activities will look like (presentations, activi-ties, food and prizes)

Assign committee tasks and establish target dates for completion.

3. Review and Evaluate

Spend 10 minutes with your United Way staff person and find out about your company’s giving history.

Review last year’s campaign and any feedback you received as to what worked and didn’t work.

Incorporate new ideas for this year’s campaign.

PRIOR TO CAMPAIGN

Lighthouse Counseling Center - Provides intensive outpatient treat-ment for substance abuse, housing for qualified homeless persons, specialized women’s programs, HIV education, and 24-hour crisis inter-vention for sexual assault victims. #24

Maxwell-Gunter Youth Activities - Provides developmentally appropri-ate, organized programs to military youth, which include sports, instruc-tional, social, school-age and summer programs. #26

Medical Outreach Ministries - Offers free primary healthcare and prescrip-tions to low-income citizens not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. #48

Mental Health America in Montgomery - Agency through which volunteers work to improve conditions for the mentally ill and educate about mental health and mental illness. #28

Montgomery Area Council On Aging (MACOA) - Assists senior citizens by providing services to promote inde-pendent living, offering opportunities to enhance their quality of life and increasing community awareness of senior issues. #29

Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians (MANE) - Nationally accredited therapeutic riding center

providing medically-appropriate therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to children and adults with

physical, cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral disabilities. #56

Montgomery Association for Retarded Citizens - Serves individu-als with mental retardation and developmental delays through infant early intervention, adult day training and residential services to promote independence and daily living skills. #27

Nellie Burge Community Center - Provides transitional shelter for homeless women with children, along with Federal Nutrition, adult basic education, senior meals, education, advocacy and support. #33

PASS (Peers Are Staying Straight- Promotes intolerance of drug use, violence, or risky behaviors in the youth of Autauga County, Alabama and the community, especially targeting high-risk populations. #49

Salvation Army - Provides emergency food, clothing shelter, community feeding program; Christmas food, clothing, toys; referrals; character-building programs meeting social, educational, moral and spiritual needs; counseling; summer camps. #34

SAYNO in the Montgomery Area - Advocates for a drug-free society

using community partnerships,

programs and activities to address substance and alcohol abuse and other issues, particularly among youth. #43

CAMPAIGN CHECKLIST (cont.)

4. Set Employee Giving Goals

Create an overall dollar goal and a percent participation goal.

5. Publicize your Campaign

Share how to pledge, when to pledge and what your pledges support.

Use provided United Way materials (i.e. posters, videos and flyers).

Send email communications to raise awareness about campaign activities and events.

Create a section on your company’s intranet to share information about United Way and your company’s campaign, linking it to United Way’s web-site (www.riverregionunitedway.org).

6. Conduct an Educational Campaign

Invite United Way staff to present at a large group meeting.

Conduct group presentations at department meetings if large, company-wide meetings are not an option.

Ensure every employee receives United Way materials.

7. Promote Leadership Giving

Discuss with your CEO Leadership Giving matching opportunities.

Discuss with your CEO the opportunity for him/her to recognize Leadership donors within the company (i.e. lunch with the CEO).

8. Ask Everyone to Give

Ensure you ask every person to give by asking your committee and any other advocates to reach out to their coworkers (people say the number one reason they didn’t give is because they weren’t asked).

For tracking purposes, have everyone turn in a commitment form whether they are donating or not.

Include everyone - both active employees and retirees.

Ask your new hires to give as part of the HR package/orientation.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN

Easter Seals of Central Alabama- A comprehensive rehabilitation center

providing life enhancing programs including speech, vocational evaluation, employment services and skills training for the

disabled and assistance for who are deaf and hard of hearing. #59

Elmore County Partnership for Children - Provides community based programs targeting at-risk youth and families. In-school programs for Tallassee and Elmore County Schools address programs supportive to youth positive behavior development.#54

Family Guidance Center of AL - Counseling services for families, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Program, Parenting Institute, family services, Travelers Aid, Child Care Management program, Family Coaches program, Senior Services. #18

Family Sunshine Center - Assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include a 24-hour hotline, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy and school-based prevention programs. #30

Family Support Center - A non-profit agency which provides free programs focused at improving the quality of life in children and families through education, advocacy and employment. #53

Gift of Life Foundation - Provides prenatal care and education to low-income families through various systems of family health services focusing on maternal and child healthcare. #19

Girl Scouts of Southern AL - Girl Scouts offers its leadership development program to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. #37

Goodwill Industries of Central AL- Provides training, vocational rehabili-tation, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities or other vocational problems that create barriers to competitive employment. #20

HandsOn River Region - Coordinates volunteer efforts by bringing people and community needs together to solve local problems. #39

Health Services - Provides access to primary health care services, particularly for the indigent, under-insured and uninsured in order to enhance their quality of life. #21

Hospice of Montgomery - A non-profit healthcare organization that provides in-home physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement services to terminally ill patients and families regardless of their ability to pay. #23


9. Thank You and Report Results

Thank you note cards are available through your United Way representative.

Recognize individuals, groups and departments that went “above and beyond” during the campaign.

Announce your final results to all employees through a communication from your CEO and / or conduct a finale activity (Thank you lunch, Ice-cream social, etc.).

Thank everyone at the time of giving—offer a written thank you card or small gift from the company for their participation. Ask your United Way representative about “iCared” cards that are available to all donors.

Make a thank you display (hang posters, campaign activity photos and mementos of the campaign).

Give special thanks to your committee (hold a special coffee break where everyone receives a special thank you from you and the CEO).

Collect all commitment forms, place them in your provided Campaign Results Envelope, complete the envelope and schedule a pick-up with your United Way representative.

10. HAVE FUN!

Engage your employees with creative activities that also educate about United Way.

Provide special pledge incentives, such as prizes for certain levels of giving or participation.

Volunteer together on a group project. For volunteer opportunities, visit www.handsonriverregion.org, one of our affiliate agencies.

AFTER THE CAMPAIGN

ARC of Eastern Elmore County - Providing residential and day habilita-tion services to adults with intellectual disabilities to enable them to become as independent as possible. #47

Association of Christians in Tallassee for Service (ACTS) - Offers financial help as well as food, clothing to individuals year-round. #51

Autauga/W. Elmore - Association of Retarded Citizens - Training pre-pares adults with mental retardation for fullest possible participation in their community. Provides adult residential program and early inter-vention for children with disabilities 0-3 years. #36

Boy Scouts of America, Tukabatchee Area Council - Youth service organiza-tion serving youth ages 6-20 through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, venturing, exploring and learning for life based on Scout Oath and Law. #10

Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region - Three facilities providing after-school programs in health,

life-skills, citizen-ship, leadership development, educational and career exploration,

sports, fitness and recreation and the arts for youth, ages 6-18. #11

Brantwood Children's Home - Serving Alabama’s abused, neglected, homeless youth since 1917. Providing a loving, protective home that includes an on-site school, drug free living and job readiness programs. #12

Catholic Social Services - Assists with emergency utilities, food, cloth-ing, counseling, domestic/ interna-tional pregnancy support services, medication assistance, services to frail elderly, immigration resources. #14

Chemical Addictions Program - Provides residential and out-patient chemical dependency treatment for adults and outpatient treatment for adolescents who are substance abusers or have become chemically dependent. #15

Child Protect - Provides a non-threatening site where child victims can relate their abuse to interviewers who help minimize the trauma. A multi-disciplinary team provides appropriate action. #44

Children's Center of Montgomery - Serves disabled students from birth through age twenty-one. All students are physically and mentally chal-lenged. Services include academic, medical, physical and occupational therapy, speech, and language. #16

Community Action Agency of Central Alabama - Operates programs that help address needs and provide benefits to Head Start children and elderly persons. Education is a priority. Energy efficiency for health/safety #17

Easter Seals - Camp ASCCA - Provides year-round camping, recreation, and outdoor education opportunities for people with disabilities. #58

HOW DO I REPORT OUR CAMPAIGN RESULTS?

COLLECT all cash, checks, commitment forms and other gift information.

COMPLETE an EXCEL spreadsheet if you track your employee results electronically. That EXCEL file can then be emailed to: campaignresults @riverregionunitedway.org.

CALL your United Way representa-tive to pick up your sealed campaign results envelope. If a person turns in their pledge card after you’ve sent your envelope, just give us a call. We’ll bring you another envelope and pick up any forms at that time.

So that River Region United Way can thank and acknowledge all donors, please include the names of your donors, their physical mailing address as well as their email addresses. We will use this infor-mation to send a thank you, show them what their gift is doing through-out the year and keep them updated on special events. We’ll also keep their information private - we never share or sell our donor information.

LEADERSHIP GIVING

The Leadership Giving program is designed to recognize individuals in our community who make gifts of $500 or more to the annual United Way campaign.

Conducting a Leadership Giving campaign is one of the best ways to increase the success of your company’s overall United Way campaign. As an integral part of your employee campaign, Leadership Giving allows your employees to make a greater impact on the lives of people throughout the River Region and sets your organization apart as a leader in our community.

White Feather Leaders $500 - $999

Red Feather Leaders $1000 - $2,499

Silver Feather Leaders $2,500 - $4,999

Dexter Society Leaders $5,000 - $9,999

Tocqueville Society Leaders $10,000 and above

RIVER REGION UNITED WAY ADVANCES THE COMMON GOOD BY CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL.

Through the programs and services of its 46 local affiliate agencies, River Region United Way impacts the lives of more than 140,000 people annually in the following focus areas:

Education: Helping children and youth achieve their potential

Income: Promoting financial stability and independence

Health: Encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting wellbeing

River Region United Way recruits and mobilizes the people and organiza-tions from across the community who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to improve the lives of people in the five-county River Region. United Way’s role is to:

Assess the needs in the community

Acquire the necessary human and financial resources

Account for investments of time and money to ensure they are used effectively and efficiently

Affiliate Agencies 2-1-1 Connects - Managed by HandsOn River Region, which operates the 2-1-1 telephone system and connects people to health and human services information and referrals. #39

Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) - Offers visits with children, family outreach, education and support services to inmate mothers, and aftercare to promote success in transition from prison to community life. #45

American Cancer Society - The nation-wide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through its mission of prevention, education, research and service. #05

American Heart Association - By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and strokes by 20%. #06

American Legion Auxiliary No. Two - Administers a fund to provide assistance to needy veterans with transportation and medical needs. #07

American Red Cross of Central AL - A humanitarian organization led by volunteers which provides relief to victims

of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. #08

2012 Pacesetter Results Alfa Insurance Company $588,529

Alabama Power $136,800

Caddell Construction $115689

City of Montgomery $114,185

Rheem Manufacturing $83,537

Jackson Thornton $72,715

Warren Averett $67,493

BB&T $64,721

Aldridge Borden & Co. $43,535

MGM Water Works Board $42,658

Aronov Realty Company $38,037

Blue Cross & Blue Shield $33,946

River Bank & Trust $33,380

BSR Trust $31,079

Capell & Howard $27,143

Sterling Bank $25,178

MGM Chamber $23,738

ServisFirst Bank $21,962

Aliant Bank $19,105

Morgan Stanley $18,435

Hancock Bank $14,663

Saint James School $14,569

Alabama Gas Corp. $11,896

Belk Stores $11,273

Frazer Memorial UMC $10,799

Trustmark National Bank $8,430

Carr, Riggs & Ingram $5,825

Dillards Stores $5,648

ANSWERING QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Your potential donors may have questions or concerns regarding United Way or your campaign. Your sincerity and personal commitment are the best tools to use when responding to a concern or objection. Since most objections are based on misconceptions, providing the correct information usually helps to address them which may lead to a pledge or plant the seed for a gift in the future.

Tips for addressing concerns

Listen to what is being said. Listening promotes openness and acceptance.

Do not argue if you receive concerns. Simply respond with the facts.

Establish rapport with the person. Objections are not personal and should be used to begin a conversa-tion. By asking questions, educating and talking through their concerns, it may lessen or eliminate them all together.

Say thank you. Regardless of their response, always leave with a smile and a “thank you”.

SAYING THANKS

Saying THANK YOU is important!. It is the last feeling the employee has after committing to helping the community. People want to feel appreciated when they have done something positive - and helping the community by giving to United Way is no exception. There are many different ways to say thank you to all your coworkers who helped make it possible.

“iCared Cards”

Contact your local United Way representative and request iCared Discount cards for each contributor. These cards are good for one year and offer discounts at local merchants.

Scooping up success

An ice cream social to help celebrate the campaign is a great way to say thank you. Have the management team scoop up the ice cream and personally thank each employee.

Candygram

Show your employees a little appreciation with a treat for their sweet tooth. Distribute candy bars with a thank you message to all participants who contributed to the United Way campaign.

Barbecue or pizza party

Invite employees to a company-wide lunch to say thanks. Have execu-tives cook or serve.

Chip in for United Way

Place chocolate chip cookies on every employee's desk with a note thanking them for "chipping in for the United Way."

Balloons or flowers

Surprise each contributor the last day of the campaign. Place a balloon or flower at their desk to thank them for their thoughtfulness.

Thank you sack lunch

Order sack lunches for every contributor. Include a thank you note from your CEO or include thank you drawings or letters from children served by United Way agencies.

Common Questions & Recommended Responses

I give directly to XYZ charity/organization. Why should I give to United Way?

Giving to United Way is the most effi-cient way to give because:

• United Way builds stronger nonprofits. They ensure that funded agencies are following quality standards set by a group of community volunteers. This ensures your gift is being used for the most beneficial programs and services.

• When you give to United Way, your gift is a gift to the community because it supports over 40 agencies. You are not just donating to one cause, but to a variety of needs.

• Most of the United Way agencies could never reach as wide an audience as the United Way campaign, because they do not have the budget or staff to do so. Most of our agencies could not replace the dollars provided by United Way without spending a great deal more money.

My spouse gives at his/her company. Why should I give to United Way?

Thank you for your spouse's donation! Many couples choose to give at both workplaces because they want to participate with their coworkers. It's also a great way to support your individual companies.

I'm never going to use these services, so why should I give?

At one time or another, nearly all of us need help. Most likely you or someone you know has used services provided by United Way agencies like Goodwill, the Girl Scouts, the YMCA, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or others.

Even if you never use these services, juvenile crime, neglect of the needy, children's welfare or emergency assis-tance in times of crisis affect everyone in our community. When the community improves, all of its citizens benefit. Because United Way provides services community-wide, they reach far beyond the care provided to a single group.

Some of our employees and their families are on tight budgets; should we invite them to be part of the campaign?

Yes - most people appreciate the opportunity to participate. In fact, a majority of donors last year gave $250 or less. Giving through payroll deduction is convenient and allows employees to spread their contribution over a full year. People can give small amounts, such as $2 a week, that add up to make a big impact.

ENGAGING AND EDUCATING

Activities and themes can really help make your campaign a huge success. Using them is also a great way to educate and engage your employees about United Way and philanthropy. While you have a captive audience, don't just tell them, but show your employees how they are making a difference.

Show the impact

Show employees what their gift is providing by sharing your personal story of how United Way has changed your life or the life of someone you know.

Share a story

When you send an e-mail, newslet-ter, thank you, etc., include a story about how their gifts are helping. Short is key.

Tell a story

Invite an agency speaker or an em-ployee to speak at the rally or kick-off. People love stories; incorporate them as much as you can.

Volunteering

Give your employees the opportuni-ty to volunteer at or tour an agency.

Feature a video

More than 200 million videos are viewed on YouTube each day! Rec-ord an employee sharing why they support United Way or send a video of the CEO saying thanks. It's easy to do a 45-second video using an iPhone, FlipCam or other device.

Year-round

A gift to United Way is helping throughout the year. Feature a United Way corner in your company newsletter, hold a volunteer project during the year or encourage employees to sign up for United Way's newsletter.

Common Questions & Recommended Responses(con’t.)

What about scandals and abuses of money at United Way and other charities? I still don't feel comfortable giving my money to a general fund.

Every United Way is local and autono-mous, including the River Region United Way.

Our United Way has never suffered from financial abuse. United Way volunteers monitor the management and performance of each affiliate agency annually before allocating funds raised in the campaign.

You can learn more about the alloca-tion process, our Board of Directors and our financial statements at our

United Way website at www.riverregionunitedway.org

United Way supports an organization or a cause that I don't like. Why should I give?

Although you may not care for one agency, United Way supports over 40 other agencies that need your help.

Most importantly, all of the agencies are working together to build a healthier, stronger community for everyone so it’s important they be supported. If you so choose, you can also designate your gift to a specific agency or agencies and be assured that your donation will only go to those nonprofits you personally support.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

ECC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When should our campaign take place?

Most happen between early Septem-ber and late October, but they can happen any time of the year.

How long should our campaign last?

Most campaigns can be wrapped up in two weeks or less. The goal is to distribute and collect commitment forms while United Way's message is still fresh in employees' minds.

I am limited on time to devote to a campaign. How can I work it into my busy schedule?

Use your United Way representative extensively. He or she is there to help you every step of the way. Let him or her know your limitations and come up with a plan together to make it easier for you.

Another way to ease the strain is to recruit a committee. Assign tasks and assume a management role. Most importantly, start planning early. The earlier you start, the less you will rush at the last minute.

Our work environment is not conducive to holding an employee meeting. How can I involve our employees in the campaign experience?

Bring the campaign to them. Some ideas are to use e-mails, voicemails and letters from the CEO or president to get the word out.

Or, bring balloons with United Way messages attached to their desks. Have a rotating shift gathering. Des-ignate one room as the "United Way Room" and have participants play games on their breaks and turn in commitment forms for prizes. Use your company's intranet to provide information and results.

Who decides where the donors’ dollars go?

Local volunteers - people like you - invest your donation in our com-munity. A caring force of trained, local volunteers, in combination with United Way professionals, devote their time to determine how your funds will have the greatest impact in our community. If you or your employees would like to serve on an allocations panel, call our office at 334-264-7318 and ask for Regina Walker.

When does payroll deduction start?

Payroll deduction usually runs from January 1 though December 31. Some companies use their fiscal year as their schedule for payroll deduction. United Way does not set your payroll schedule; it is a company decision.

Common Questions & Recommended Responses

I give directly to XYZ charity/organization. Why should I give to United Way?

Giving to United Way is the most effi-cient way to give because:

• United Way builds stronger nonprofits. They ensure that funded agencies are following quality standards set by a group of community volunteers. This ensures your gift is being used for the most beneficial programs and services.

• When you give to United Way, your gift is a gift to the community because it supports over 40 agencies. You are not just donating to one cause, but to a variety of needs.

• Most of the United Way agencies could never reach as wide an audience as the United Way campaign, because they do not have the budget or staff to do so. Most of our agencies could not replace the dollars provided by United Way without spending a great deal more money.

My spouse gives at his/her company. Why should I give to United Way?

Thank you for your spouse's donation! Many couples choose to give at both workplaces because they want to participate with their coworkers. It's also a great way to support your individual companies.

I'm never going to use these services, so why should I give?

At one time or another, nearly all of us need help. Most likely you or someone you know has used services provided by United Way agencies like Goodwill, the Girl Scouts, the YMCA, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or others.

Even if you never use these services, juvenile crime, neglect of the needy, children's welfare or emergency assis-tance in times of crisis affect everyone in our community. When the community improves, all of its citizens benefit. Because United Way provides services community-wide, they reach far beyond the care provided to a single group.

Some of our employees and their families are on tight budgets; should we invite them to be part of the campaign?

Yes - most people appreciate the opportunity to participate. In fact, a majority of donors last year gave $250 or less. Giving through payroll deduction is convenient and allows employees to spread their contribution over a full year. People can give small amounts, such as $2 a week, that add up to make a big impact.

ENGAGING AND EDUCATING

Activities and themes can really help make your campaign a huge success. Using them is also a great way to educate and engage your employees about United Way and philanthropy. While you have a captive audience, don't just tell them, but show your employees how they are making a difference.

Show the impact

Show employees what their gift is providing by sharing your personal story of how United Way has changed your life or the life of someone you know.

Share a story

When you send an e-mail, newslet-ter, thank you, etc., include a story about how their gifts are helping. Short is key.

Tell a story

Invite an agency speaker or an em-ployee to speak at the rally or kick-off. People love stories; incorporate them as much as you can.

Volunteering

Give your employees the opportuni-ty to volunteer at or tour an agency.

Feature a video

More than 200 million videos are viewed on YouTube each day! Rec-ord an employee sharing why they support United Way or send a video of the CEO saying thanks. It's easy to do a 45-second video using an iPhone, FlipCam or other device.

Year-round

A gift to United Way is helping throughout the year. Feature a United Way corner in your company newsletter, hold a volunteer project during the year or encourage employees to sign up for United Way's newsletter.

2012 Pacesetter Results Alfa Insurance Company $588,529

Alabama Power $136,800

Caddell Construction $115689

City of Montgomery $114,185

Rheem Manufacturing $83,537

Jackson Thornton $72,715

Warren Averett $67,493

BB&T $64,721

Aldridge Borden & Co. $43,535

MGM Water Works Board $42,658

Aronov Realty Company $38,037

Blue Cross & Blue Shield $33,946

River Bank & Trust $33,380

BSR Trust $31,079

Capell & Howard $27,143

Sterling Bank $25,178

MGM Chamber $23,738

ServisFirst Bank $21,962

Aliant Bank $19,105

Morgan Stanley $18,435

Hancock Bank $14,663

Saint James School $14,569

Alabama Gas Corp. $11,896

Belk Stores $11,273

Frazer Memorial UMC $10,799

Trustmark National Bank $8,430

Carr, Riggs & Ingram $5,825

Dillards Stores $5,648

ANSWERING QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Your potential donors may have questions or concerns regarding United Way or your campaign. Your sincerity and personal commitment are the best tools to use when responding to a concern or objection. Since most objections are based on misconceptions, providing the correct information usually helps to address them which may lead to a pledge or plant the seed for a gift in the future.

Tips for addressing concerns

Listen to what is being said. Listening promotes openness and acceptance.

Do not argue if you receive concerns. Simply respond with the facts.

Establish rapport with the person. Objections are not personal and should be used to begin a conversa-tion. By asking questions, educating and talking through their concerns, it may lessen or eliminate them all together.

Say thank you. Regardless of their response, always leave with a smile and a “thank you”.

SAYING THANKS

Saying THANK YOU is important!. It is the last feeling the employee has after committing to helping the community. People want to feel appreciated when they have done something positive - and helping the community by giving to United Way is no exception. There are many different ways to say thank you to all your coworkers who helped make it possible.

“iCared Cards”

Contact your local United Way representative and request iCared Discount cards for each contributor. These cards are good for one year and offer discounts at local merchants.

Scooping up success

An ice cream social to help celebrate the campaign is a great way to say thank you. Have the management team scoop up the ice cream and personally thank each employee.

Candygram

Show your employees a little appreciation with a treat for their sweet tooth. Distribute candy bars with a thank you message to all participants who contributed to the United Way campaign.

Barbecue or pizza party

Invite employees to a company-wide lunch to say thanks. Have execu-tives cook or serve.

Chip in for United Way

Place chocolate chip cookies on every employee's desk with a note thanking them for "chipping in for the United Way."

Balloons or flowers

Surprise each contributor the last day of the campaign. Place a balloon or flower at their desk to thank them for their thoughtfulness.

Thank you sack lunch

Order sack lunches for every contributor. Include a thank you note from your CEO or include thank you drawings or letters from children served by United Way agencies.

HOW DO I REPORT OUR CAMPAIGN RESULTS?

COLLECT all cash, checks, commitment forms and other gift information.

COMPLETE an EXCEL spreadsheet if you track your employee results electronically. That EXCEL file can then be emailed to: campaignresults @riverregionunitedway.org.

CALL your United Way representa-tive to pick up your sealed campaign results envelope. If a person turns in their pledge card after you’ve sent your envelope, just give us a call. We’ll bring you another envelope and pick up any forms at that time.

So that River Region United Way can thank and acknowledge all donors, please include the names of your donors, their physical mailing address as well as their email addresses. We will use this infor-mation to send a thank you, show them what their gift is doing through-out the year and keep them updated on special events. We’ll also keep their information private - we never share or sell our donor information.

LEADERSHIP GIVING

The Leadership Giving program is designed to recognize individuals in our community who make gifts of $500 or more to the annual United Way campaign.

Conducting a Leadership Giving campaign is one of the best ways to increase the success of your company’s overall United Way campaign. As an integral part of your employee campaign, Leadership Giving allows your employees to make a greater impact on the lives of people throughout the River Region and sets your organization apart as a leader in our community.

White Feather Leaders $500 - $999

Red Feather Leaders $1000 - $2,499

Silver Feather Leaders $2,500 - $4,999

Dexter Society Leaders $5,000 - $9,999

Tocqueville Society Leaders $10,000 and above

RIVER REGION UNITED WAY ADVANCES THE COMMON GOOD BY CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL.

Through the programs and services of its 46 local affiliate agencies, River Region United Way impacts the lives of more than 140,000 people annually in the following focus areas:

Education: Helping children and youth achieve their potential

Income: Promoting financial stability and independence

Health: Encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting wellbeing

River Region United Way recruits and mobilizes the people and organiza-tions from across the community who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to improve the lives of people in the five-county River Region. United Way’s role is to:

Assess the needs in the community

Acquire the necessary human and financial resources

Account for investments of time and money to ensure they are used effectively and efficiently

Affiliate Agencies 2-1-1 Connects - Managed by HandsOn River Region, which operates the 2-1-1 telephone system and connects people to health and human services information and referrals. #39

Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) - Offers visits with children, family outreach, education and support services to inmate mothers, and aftercare to promote success in transition from prison to community life. #45

American Cancer Society - The nation-wide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through its mission of prevention, education, research and service. #05

American Heart Association - By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and strokes by 20%. #06

American Legion Auxiliary No. Two - Administers a fund to provide assistance to needy veterans with transportation and medical needs. #07

American Red Cross of Central AL - A humanitarian organization led by volunteers which provides relief to victims

of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. #08


9. Thank You and Report Results

Thank you note cards are available through your United Way representative.

Recognize individuals, groups and departments that went “above and beyond” during the campaign.

Announce your final results to all employees through a communication from your CEO and / or conduct a finale activity (Thank you lunch, Ice-cream social, etc.).

Thank everyone at the time of giving—offer a written thank you card or small gift from the company for their participation. Ask your United Way representative about “iCared” cards that are available to all donors.

Make a thank you display (hang posters, campaign activity photos and mementos of the campaign).

Give special thanks to your committee (hold a special coffee break where everyone receives a special thank you from you and the CEO).

Collect all commitment forms, place them in your provided Campaign Results Envelope, complete the envelope and schedule a pick-up with your United Way representative.

10. HAVE FUN!

Engage your employees with creative activities that also educate about United Way.

Provide special pledge incentives, such as prizes for certain levels of giving or participation.

Volunteer together on a group project. For volunteer opportunities, visit www.handsonriverregion.org, one of our affiliate agencies.

AFTER THE CAMPAIGN

ARC of Eastern Elmore County - Providing residential and day habilita-tion services to adults with intellectual disabilities to enable them to become as independent as possible. #47

Association of Christians in Tallassee for Service (ACTS) - Offers financial help as well as food, clothing to individuals year-round. #51

Autauga/W. Elmore - Association of Retarded Citizens - Training pre-pares adults with mental retardation for fullest possible participation in their community. Provides adult residential program and early inter-vention for children with disabilities 0-3 years. #36

Boy Scouts of America, Tukabatchee Area Council - Youth service organiza-tion serving youth ages 6-20 through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, venturing, exploring and learning for life based on Scout Oath and Law. #10

Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region - Three facilities providing after-school programs in health,

life-skills, citizen-ship, leadership development, educational and career exploration,

sports, fitness and recreation and the arts for youth, ages 6-18. #11

Brantwood Children's Home - Serving Alabama’s abused, neglected, homeless youth since 1917. Providing a loving, protective home that includes an on-site school, drug free living and job readiness programs. #12

Catholic Social Services - Assists with emergency utilities, food, cloth-ing, counseling, domestic/ interna-tional pregnancy support services, medication assistance, services to frail elderly, immigration resources. #14

Chemical Addictions Program - Provides residential and out-patient chemical dependency treatment for adults and outpatient treatment for adolescents who are substance abusers or have become chemically dependent. #15

Child Protect - Provides a non-threatening site where child victims can relate their abuse to interviewers who help minimize the trauma. A multi-disciplinary team provides appropriate action. #44

Children's Center of Montgomery - Serves disabled students from birth through age twenty-one. All students are physically and mentally chal-lenged. Services include academic, medical, physical and occupational therapy, speech, and language. #16

Community Action Agency of Central Alabama - Operates programs that help address needs and provide benefits to Head Start children and elderly persons. Education is a priority. Energy efficiency for health/safety #17

Easter Seals - Camp ASCCA - Provides year-round camping, recreation, and outdoor education opportunities for people with disabilities. #58


4. Set Employee Giving Goals

Create an overall dollar goal and a percent participation goal.

5. Publicize your Campaign

Share how to pledge, when to pledge and what your pledges support.

Use provided United Way materials (i.e. posters, videos and flyers).

Send email communications to raise awareness about campaign activities and events.

Create a section on your company’s intranet to share information about United Way and your company’s campaign, linking it to United Way’s web-site (www.riverregionunitedway.org).

6. Conduct an Educational Campaign

Invite United Way staff to present at a large group meeting.

Conduct group presentations at department meetings if large, company-wide meetings are not an option.

Ensure every employee receives United Way materials.

7. Promote Leadership Giving

Discuss with your CEO Leadership Giving matching opportunities.

Discuss with your CEO the opportunity for him/her to recognize Leadership donors within the company (i.e. lunch with the CEO).

8. Ask Everyone to Give

Ensure you ask every person to give by asking your committee and any other advocates to reach out to their coworkers (people say the number one reason they didn’t give is because they weren’t asked).

For tracking purposes, have everyone turn in a commitment form whether they are donating or not.

Include everyone - both active employees and retirees.

Ask your new hires to give as part of the HR package/orientation.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN

Easter Seals of Central Alabama- A comprehensive rehabilitation center

providing life enhancing programs including speech, vocational evaluation, employment services and skills training for the

disabled and assistance for who are deaf and hard of hearing. #59

Elmore County Partnership for Children - Provides community based programs targeting at-risk youth and families. In-school programs for Tallassee and Elmore County Schools address programs supportive to youth positive behavior development.#54

Family Guidance Center of AL - Counseling services for families, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Program, Parenting Institute, family services, Travelers Aid, Child Care Management program, Family Coaches program, Senior Services. #18

Family Sunshine Center - Assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include a 24-hour hotline, safe shelter, counseling, advocacy and school-based prevention programs. #30

Family Support Center - A non-profit agency which provides free programs focused at improving the quality of life in children and families through education, advocacy and employment. #53

Gift of Life Foundation - Provides prenatal care and education to low-income families through various systems of family health services focusing on maternal and child healthcare. #19

Girl Scouts of Southern AL - Girl Scouts offers its leadership development program to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. #37

Goodwill Industries of Central AL- Provides training, vocational rehabili-tation, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities or other vocational problems that create barriers to competitive employment. #20

HandsOn River Region - Coordinates volunteer efforts by bringing people and community needs together to solve local problems. #39

Health Services - Provides access to primary health care services, particularly for the indigent, under-insured and uninsured in order to enhance their quality of life. #21

Hospice of Montgomery - A non-profit healthcare organization that provides in-home physical, emotional, spiritual and bereavement services to terminally ill patients and families regardless of their ability to pay. #23

CAMPAIGN CHECKLIST

TOP 10 Steps to Success: Conducting a Quality Campaign

1. Show and Gain the Support of Your CEO

Send out a personal letter of endorsement from your president or CEO.

Have your CEO be visible at your kickoff (i.e. speech on why he/she and the company supports United Way; have he/she fill out and visibly turn in their commitment form at the kickoff).

Discuss your company’s corporate gift (when appropriate).

Discuss and/or develop your campaign budget – don’t have additional money? Get creative and raffle off an extra vacation day, bring your dog to work day or even a potluck!

Set your campaign goal based on prior giving history; work with your United Way staff for these details.

Set your campaign timeline (two to three weeks is plenty).

2. Recruit a Committee and Plan Campaign

Ask for help. Keep in mind that people who volunteer are involved because they want to be and will lend energy to your campaign.

Decide what your campaign activities will look like (presentations, activi-ties, food and prizes)

Assign committee tasks and establish target dates for completion.

3. Review and Evaluate

Spend 10 minutes with your United Way staff person and find out about your company’s giving history.

Review last year’s campaign and any feedback you received as to what worked and didn’t work.

Incorporate new ideas for this year’s campaign.

PRIOR TO CAMPAIGN

Lighthouse Counseling Center - Provides intensive outpatient treat-ment for substance abuse, housing for qualified homeless persons, specialized women’s programs, HIV education, and 24-hour crisis inter-vention for sexual assault victims. #24

Maxwell-Gunter Youth Activities - Provides developmentally appropri-ate, organized programs to military youth, which include sports, instruc-tional, social, school-age and summer programs. #26

Medical Outreach Ministries - Offers free primary healthcare and prescrip-tions to low-income citizens not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. #48

Mental Health America in Montgomery - Agency through which volunteers work to improve conditions for the mentally ill and educate about mental health and mental illness. #28

Montgomery Area Council On Aging (MACOA) - Assists senior citizens by providing services to promote inde-pendent living, offering opportunities to enhance their quality of life and increasing community awareness of senior issues. #29

Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians (MANE) - Nationally accredited therapeutic riding center

providing medically-appropriate therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to children and adults with

physical, cognitive, social, emotional or behavioral disabilities. #56

Montgomery Association for Retarded Citizens - Serves individu-als with mental retardation and developmental delays through infant early intervention, adult day training and residential services to promote independence and daily living skills. #27

Nellie Burge Community Center - Provides transitional shelter for homeless women with children, along with Federal Nutrition, adult basic education, senior meals, education, advocacy and support. #33

PASS (Peers Are Staying Straight- Promotes intolerance of drug use, violence, or risky behaviors in the youth of Autauga County, Alabama and the community, especially targeting high-risk populations. #49

Salvation Army - Provides emergency food, clothing shelter, community feeding program; Christmas food, clothing, toys; referrals; character-building programs meeting social, educational, moral and spiritual needs; counseling; summer camps. #34

SAYNO in the Montgomery Area - Advocates for a drug-free society

using community partnerships,

programs and activities to address substance and alcohol abuse and other issues, particularly among youth. #43

Your Role

As an Employee Campaign Coordina-tor, your role is to encourage your coworkers to participate in creating a stronger community by planning, coordinating and implementing an effective United Way workplace campaign.

Responsibilities include:

Work closely with your United Way representative to develop an effective campaign plan

Recruit a campaign committee from key areas within your organization

Coordinate the distribution of campaign materials and collection of commitment forms

Promote and publicize campaign results throughout the drive

Garner support from Leadership

Provide all associates and retirees the opportunity to give

Thank donors and volunteers for their generosity

Complete your campaign by giving a final report to your United Way representative

Pacesetter and Agency Kickoff Event June 27, 2013

Rally in the Alley Campaign Kickoff September 5, 2013

Mid-Campaign Report Meeting October 30, 2013

Campaign Final Announcement January of 2014

River Region United Way helps nearly 140,000 people annually by funding more than 40 local nonprofits throughout our five-county service area. Our focus areas are on education, income and health.

Key Dates

Impacting Lives

YOUR ROLE & KEY INFORMATION Second Chance Foundation - Day treatment and remediation services for youth expelled from school. Individual, group and family counsel-ing, academic remediation, life skills classes, community service, structure and support. #50

Sickle Cell Foundation - Provides education, screening, counseling and referral services in preventing and treating Sickle cell disease. Hosts support group gatherings for anemia and trait victims. #35

USO - Provides recreational and educational programs for men and women stationed overseas in the Armed Forces. Programs include foreign language classes, workshops, entertainment and activities oriented towards families and children. #38

YMCA of Montgomery, Wetumpka and Millbrook - Building character; making a difference; changing lives of kids, families and communities through health and human service programs that promote healthy spirit, mind and body. Montgomery #40 Wetumpka/Millbrook #42

YMCA of Prattville - Provides a variety of spiritual, physical and character development programs for children and adults, focusing on youth with activities involving respect, caring, honesty and responsibility. #41

THANK YOU! OUR MEASURE OF SUCCESS IS IN THE

LIVES WE CHANGE AND THE COMMUNITIES

WE SHAPE. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US

ADVANCE THE COMMON GOOD IN THE RIVER REGION.

Jimmy Hill Director of Resource Development 60 Commerce St., Suite 600 P.O. Box 868 Montgomery, AL 36101 (o) 334-264-7318 (c) 334-399-4866

[email protected]

Serena McCovery Resource Development Specialist 60 Commerce St., Suite 600 P.O. Box 868 Montgomery, AL 36101 (o) 334-264-7318 [email protected]

Melody Colvert Director Autauga County P.O. Box 680293 Prattville, AL 36068 (o) 334-365-3243 [email protected]

Julie Cooley Assistant Autauga County P.O. Box 680293 Prattville, AL 36068 (o) 334-365-3243 [email protected]

KEY CONTACTS Staff members at the River Region United Way are happy to assist you in any way we can. Please call on us if you have questions, want to arrange a speaker, participate in agency tours or just need general information about the campaign. Use the QR box to save us to your smartphone!

Over 40 Agencies. One Mission. Advancing the Common Good

in the River Region.

River Region United Way P.O. Box 868

Montgomery, AL 36101 334-264-7318

www.RiverRegionUnitedWay.org

over 40 agencies. one mission. advancing the common good ... · smartphone! your role as an...

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