Last Friday, October 30, I had the opportunity to have a very small part in Naropa University’s inaugural Day of Service and Learning. The new President of the University, Dr. Stuart Lord, brought this day forward with an emphasis on the school being not just located in the community, but part of the fabric of the community. As we gathered over lunch to celebrate the work of the day, Dr. Lord encouraged all of us to make service to the community a habit and challenged each person to do whatever he or she can do, realizing that all of us together can create positive change.
The day spoke directly to the call to action of United Way, to LIVE UNITED and to give, advocate and volunteer. Foothills United Way (FHUW) has long supported volunteerism in our communities. The most visible day is the annual Day of Caring which for 17 years has placed teams of workers in not-for-profits and community organizations. In 2009, over 1,000 people provided services that when translated into dollars were valued at over $82,000. What many do not know is that volunteering does not stop with just one day. FHUW works year-round with our corporate and community partners to arrange projects that are both meaningful to the volunteers and helpful to the agencies.
Whether it is team-building for your company or a church group or organization, FHUW can help you connect. Volunteering IS giving and telling others about your experiences IS advocating. One person, one word, one action at a time-----WE can make a difference!
--Barbara Pingrey, CEO, Foothills United Way
