United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

About UWSEPA

From the President's Office

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
President's Newsletter: January 2012

I hope that you all had a truly wonderful holiday season and are looking forward to a great 2012! If your family is anything like mine, the holidays are "enjoyable chaos" - rushing from here to there, putting many miles on the car (thankful for the decline in the cost of gas in time for the holidays), buying that last minute gift you forget every year, but ending every evening "suggling" with those who matter to you most (whether it's in front of the fire or watching the Smurfs movie for the seventh time).

With the rush of the holidays now in the past, many of us will turn our thoughts to the future, reflecting on what changes we can - or need - to make in order to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. I, for one, am determined to lose that last 10 pounds of "baby weight" (did I mention my youngest is now 5?) Maybe next year, I should eat the carrots the kids leave for the reindeer instead of the cookies they leave for Santa!

But whether those hopes materialize or not, I know that one surefire way we can all make an impact this year is by spending time with a child or adolescent. Whether it's by reading to a classroom of children, tutoring a child or serving as a mentor to at-risk youth, we have the ability to make a difference.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of National Mentoring Month, started by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership as a way to focus national attention on the need for mentors. Mentoring has been proven as an effective tool in decreasing the dropout rate. Research shows that mentoring or volunteering with children has significant positive effects on two early indicators of high school dropouts - absenteeism and behavioral problems. When children are positively engaged with caring adults, they generally have more positive attitudes, better behavior and a desire to give their best in school and extra curricular activities.

And UWSEPA is committed to providing you with opportunities to make a difference. We are thrilled to announce our recent merger with Greater Philadelphia Cares. Our mission through this partnership is to continue to provide a range of opportunities that offer individuals a chance to fulfill a real community need. Part of this merger includes the continuation of Reading STARS, a tutoring program that allows children to engage with volunteers in weekly one-on-one sessions. No teaching experience is required, just your interest in building the character and confidence of a child by strengthening his or her literacy skills.

Education Volunteer Initiative, where we offer individuals or corporate groups the opportunity to volunteer as readers, tutors or mentors. The best part of serving as an education volunteer is that, unlike some of your resolutions, it can often be done "on the clock." Many companies that understand the importance of corporate social responsibility will give their employees paid time off to participate in these activities. It's smart business when you think of it since, by mentoring young people, you are in essence preparing tomorrow's rising stars, young men and women who will now be adequately prepared for the jobs of the future because you cared today. To learn more about our Education Volunteer Initiative, click here.

You don't need a special skill or degree to impact the life of a child. All you need is the ability to listen, and offer guidance and encouragement that will unlock potential and empower our children and youth to be their very best. As you make your list of resolutions, I hope you resolve to make lasting change in the life of a young person in 2012.

Sincerely,

Jill M. Michal
President and CEO