The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Local United Way more than just the fundraisers
Over the years, much of United Way’s efforts were focused into the annual campaign, a once-a-year big push largely made up of workplace donation drives. Success in the community was based on whether or not a fundraising goal was met.
United Way then spread the money and parceled it out to vetted and trusted agencies.
But, to be blunt, that doesn’t work anymore.
Donors these days are selective, and most importantly, they want real, lasting results.
United Way hasn’t abandoned workplace campaigns or local partners. Far from it. The new approach, termed Collective Impact, includes corporate and nonprofit partners into a larger cross-sector alignment strategy to get to the rootcauses of our community’s most critical problems. United Way has taken the lead in organizing and supporting these groups as they work together around specific goals.
This is definitely not your father’s United Way.
Executive Director Bill Harper reported back to the community this week on the collaborative work of United Way and the results that are happening because of it. Harper sat down to answer a series of questions to update us on this work.
Q: This term “Collective Impact” is a new one for many, can you explain this model to us?
A: Collective Impact at its root means a group of people and organizations working together with a shared goal and no hidden agendas. In our case, we’re encouraging cross-sector collaboration in order to solve complex social problems.
In order to create lasting solutions to social problems on a large-scale, organizations – including those in government, non-profits, the faith-based community and the business sector – need to coordinate their efforts and work together around a clearly defined goal.
This is a significant shift from what we currently refer to as “isolated impact” in the social sector, because the underlying premise of Collective Impact is that no single organization can create large-scale, lasting social change alone. There is no silver bullet solution to systemic social problems, and these problems cannot be solved by simply scaling or replicating one organization or program. Strong organizations and good programming are definitely necessary, but not sufficient on their own for large-scale social change. Collective Impact allows us to strategically utilize the strengths of each partner so that we can help each other achieve more. Q: How has your United Way implemented Collective Impact into your approach? A: We’re intrigued by the possibilities of transforming our community for the better if everyone works together for the same goals and sets aside their individual agendas in favor of an agenda that truly meets the needs of our residents. We believe that if we all work together we can achieve amazing things in our community. Together with our Community Collaborative partners, we aspire to improve the lives of individuals beyond the duration of the programs in which they are enrolled. It’s not good enough to simply report on how many people were served. We want to empower people so they can be stable, healthy, happy, and sustainable after the program has ended. We want to fix the rootcauses of these complex problems so they don’t continue to beat us down, so that ultimately we can transform our neighborhoods and our community. This is long-term work and it will not be easy. But it is worth it.
Q: How can people get involved with this type of work?
A: We encourage everyone to get involved in some way. Financial contributions can be made to our efforts, knowing that no amount is too small to make an impact, and donors can choose which of our goals they’d most like to support. But we’re more than just the fundraisers. Through the Lorain County Volunteer Connection, which is a strategic partnership with HandsOn Northeast Ohio, we are in ongoing need of volunteers to contribute their unique strengths and talents to these efforts. In addition, our work will not be successful without strong advocacy for public policy at all levels of government. To that end, our United Way is a founding member of MOVE, Mobility and Opportunity for a Vibrant Economy. We believe that Lorain County needs, wants and deserves a system of public transportation that is adequate to meet the needs, sustainably funded, smart in design and accountable to the public.
Q: What is your vision for the future of Lorain County, and how do you see United Way playing a role in shaping that vision?
A: My vision is for Greater Lorain County to be an extraordinary place to live, where our community is engaged, inclusive and thriving and all residents achieve their highest potential.
There are systems in place that result in educational achievement, living wage employment, strong families and optimal health.
It’s an attractive place for upcoming generations to live and raise their families, with vibrant retail and entertainment districts, reliable public transportation and safe neighborhoods.
United Way’s role would be to support individuals, organizations, and institutions in aligning and committing their human and financial resources to ensure this high quality of life.