Called to Serve
By Justine Bixler, UWSWA Vice President of Resource Development
“All you have shall someday be given; therefore, give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors.” – Kahlil Gibran
Since our inception, United Way of Southwest Alabama’s (UWSWA) annual campaign has been called the “Community Campaign.” This is because contributions are given to community members by community members. Each year, individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds and sectors step up in support of Living United. They do so by contributing personally, running a workplace giving campaign at their companies, making a corporate contributions or matching gift towards their employees’ support, sponsoring a UWSWA event or hosting their own event and donating the proceeds, or offering in-kind services or products that advance our mission or provide goods for someone in need.
During the 2020 Community Campaign, over $3,268,620 was donated by community members in support of our neighbors, family and friends. These dollars were then turned into direct services and programs for those that needed them. For the first time ever, we had people who had traditionally donated to the campaign become clients in need of service. When that happened, new businesses and individuals stepped up to contribute towards making those people whole again. Their goal was simple – get people back on their feet, towards a more sustainable future for themselves, their families, and our community. Through the support of our donors, we change the trajectory of the lives of people right here at home; not just a Band-Aid. We ensure they can be contributors to the world we live in, not just in need of the support of others, but able to support others themselves. This restores dignity, hope, and creates a positive path for future generations to follow.
One of my favorite things about United Way is that you can literally give to any organization, county or program/cause that you are passionate about.
1) You can give directly to the United Way of Southwest Alabama. In doing so, your gift will land in the county that you reside i.e. if you live and work in Mobile, your gift will only go towards supporting agencies, programs, and people that are located in/serve Mobile. The dollars are invested through a volunteer driven allocations process where community members review each funding application and make recommendations to the larger committee for how the donations should be invested. Each agency applying for funding is a certified partner of UWSWA and a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has to be in good financial standing with the IRS.
2) You can give directly to one (or multiple) of our 46 partners agencies. When you make a financial investment you can direct it to the partner(s) of your choice by “designating” your gift. For example, if you wanted to contribute $120 a year ($5 a pay check/24 pay periods or $10/monthly) and designate a portion of your gift to Penelope House and Dumas Wesley, you would indicate the percentage of your gift you would like to go towards each organization, and we send it to them.
3) You can give directly to any 501(c)3 of your choice. They do not have to be a partner agency of UWSWA. The process is similar to the above. For example, if you are passionate about the environment, arts, animals or curing cancer, and none of our agencies or programs speak to your passion, you can ask that your gift be sent to any 501(c)3 nonprofit of your choice.
4) You can give to any county that you want to support. For example, if you work in Mobile and live in Baldwin County, you are able to designate your gift to the United Way of Baldwin County to make an impact in the community you live.
5) You can give to any UWSWA program that you are passionate about. For example, if you want to support our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program where our staff and volunteers file free tax returns for qualifying individuals, Dolly Parton Imagination Library where free books are provided to children up until their 5th birthday, or United Way 2-1-1 Health and Human Service Hotline to support community members during their times of need, you can designate your gift towards a specific program. For more detailed program information visit: https://uwswa.org/our-work/our-programs/.
We are all called to serve in some way. This could be through your career, civic or community involvement, volunteering for your alma matter, coaching your child’s sports team or at your church. The way we decide to serve is up to us. At United Way, we are not focused on who, where or how you serve – just that you do so. We want community members to serve in a space that is comfortable for you, and we want to be here to offer a plethora of ways to get you there. We want every citizen across Southwest Alabama to feel inspired to give back – financially or through volunteerism, to truly love thy neighbor and to be passionate about something, anything that that is important to you.
By Justine Bixler, UWSWA Vice President of Resource Development