Workplace Council

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Workplace Council

Mission Statement

To increase employee awareness of the United Way throughout the year by participating in special year round projects to meet community needs.

CORPORATE COUNCIL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Above and beyond the annual fund raising campaign, workplace involvement is critical to United Way's leadership role as a service provider to corporations and their employees. Year-round involvement maintains a mutually beneficial relationship between United Way and the workplace because it:

- Educates employees about the United Way and makes them aware of the community's space needs and of the services provided by local health and human service programs;

- Strengthens volunteerism by giving employees opportunities, both individually and in groups , to contribute their time and talents to the United Way through special community problem solving projects;

- Links employees to the health and human care services they need; and

- Increases donations of time and money. Employees who experience United Way first hand, who understand community needs and see how funds are distributed, contribute more time, energy and dollars.

BENEFITS OF THE WORKPLACE COUNCIL FOR EMPLOYEES

United Way's presence at the workplace changes from being a once-a-year request for dollars to being an ever-present resource to employees. This change brings a sense of ownership and involvement in the United Way by employees in that it:

- Responds to employees' needs and expectations through a personalized program of education and information;

- Replaces any perceived pressure to give to the United Way with a personal sense of the need to support the community;

- Recognizes employees for their involvement and support of the United Way;

- Gives employees a deeper personal knowledge of community needs and volunteer opportunities;

- Offers employees greater access to United Way and local nonprofit organizations; and

- Builds understanding and a sense of personal ownership of the United Way.

"TEAMWORK"

Working together, the Workplace Council has participated in special projects throughout the year. These projects include:

"Christmas in July Food Drive"

For two weeks in July, employees compete with each other to raise the largest amount of nonperishable food items in terms of total weight per employee. The food is distributed to needy individuals and families through the auspices of local human service organizations that provide emergency and/or supplemental feeding programs on a year round basis.

"Day of Caring"

In the springtime, employees are given the opportunity to work on special projects at local participating nonprofit organizations. Employees have worked on numerous projects such as: painting bookcases, picnic tables and chairs, outdoor yard work, clerical assistance, and help to prepare and serve meals at the St. Vincent de Paul kitchen. The value of volunteer time and effort put forth on these special projects cannot be measured in terms of money alone.

For more information on how your company can become a member of the Workplace Council, contact Maureen Jordan at (570) 829-6711 or fax (570) 822-0522.

United Way of Wyoming Valley
8 West Market Street, Suite 450
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18711
Phone: (570) 829-6711
Fax: (570) 822-0522