Posted October 23rd, 2009 by admin
Posted by Neva Geisler, Director, Volunteer Engagement
If you were to drive by Julia Davis Park last week, you would’ve seen this:
And though you would’ve wondered to yourself, “What is a group of grown adults doing in a chorus line in the park?”, what you were seeing was the dedicated team of the 2009-2010 Loaned Executives and Loaned Executive Alumni Philanthropists (LEAP).
These are the folks ‘on loan’ to United Way to help us with the community campaign. United Way runs some 300+ campaigns during the Fall, with a staff of about 12. How is that possible? LOANED EXECUTIVES. These volunteers are out in the community, most of them in addition to their full time jobs, helping us share the UW story through workplace campaigns. They are hard working volunteers committed to our community.
Occasionally, they’ll take a break for a little breather and some team building. Here’s what a couple of our LE’s had to say about their experience:
From Emielle Centrella:
“Friday I had the awesome opportunity to participate in a team building experience with my fellow Loaned Executives, members of LEAP and United Way of Treasure Valley staff. I am once again impressed with the level of commitment that the UWTV has given to supporting their volunteers. It was a great opportunity for us to come together as a team, get to know new faces and develop our leadership skills.
We participated in a lot of challenging activities that tested our ability to communicate, listen, build trust, brainstorm new ideas, and execute while under pressure. All important qualities found in leaders, and this group excelled. This activity gave us the opportunity to leave our jobs as bankers, fundraising professionals, program managers and volunteer coordinators behind and simply have a few laughs in the sunshine.
Being new to the area, it was a fantastic way to meet new people, focusing on what we have in common as young leaders in the Boise community.”
From Ben Moore (Bank of the Cascades):
“For most of this year’s United Way Loaned Executives and Loaned Executive Alumni Philanthropists (LEAP), teamwork is a large part of our everyday jobs. This is certainly true for a group of individuals donating their time and talents to spread the good messages of the United Way. Teamwork seems like a simple concept, yet there are challenges that even the most talented teams face. Last week we were fortunate enough to have the YMCA facilitate an excellent team building experience.
We learned many nuances of team building and team work. How do you flip over a 10×10 tarp with nearly 20 people standing on it? We tried one way with limited success, and someone stepped up and said to cut our loss and start over with a new idea. The new idea worked, and the lesson learned was at times we need to re-evaluate the situation and take action, even if it means starting over from scratch. Leadership, cooperation, creativity, risk and trust were all vital parts of this lesson.
Thank you to the United Way for sponsoring the event, and to the YMCA for facilitating. It truly was a rewarding experience.”
Doesn’t that sound like a kick in the pants?
If you’re interested in serving as a Loaned Executive during next year’s campaign, contact Kathy Wold . Team builders welcome.
Posted October 12th, 2009 by admin
Continuing in the series of “how can I help” or “how can I get involved” with United Way of Treasure Valley and Help the Most People, in addition to sharing the message, you can also volunteer your time.
How, you ask? You can:
Your generous donation of your time and expertise is yet another way that you can help United Way, and allow us to Help the Most People. The more we can all help, the greater impact we’ll have on the community.
Posted August 26th, 2009 by admin
Would you take on a front line, full time, volunteer job that required time management, public speaking and understanding community needs…in addition to your professional life? That’s exactly what 17 “Loaned Executives” are doing for the next three months. From HR specialists to professional fundraisers, from bankers to chief inspiration officers, the United Way Loaned Executives have survived a boot camp of training to help us run the community campaign this fall. They will work with businesses throughout the Treasure Valley to inspire others to make a difference through their donations to the Community Fund.
Loaned Executives are volunteers “loaned” by their employer to United Way during the fall campaign. This program allows individuals and organizations to support the Treasure Valley community and helps us keep our fundraising costs low. Special thanks to our 2009 Loaned Executive Program Sponsor – KeyBank!
If you are interested in learning more about the Loaned Executive Program please contact Kathy Wold Vice President, Resource Development.
Our heroes, the 2009 United Way Loaned Executives:
Ben Moore, Bank of the Cascades; Leslie Yoest, Banner Bank; Jacque Jarvis, Boise Cascade; Jennifer Weeks, Home Federal; Trisha Phillips, Intermountain Community Bank; ChelseaOyler, KeyBank; Scott Kesler, Payne Financial; Michelle Peugh, Saint Alphonsus; Amanda Kelley, Saint Alphonsus; Michelle Damon, Simplot Food Group; Christine Campbell, Saint Luke’s; Bill Khoury, US Bank; Emielle Centrella, URS Washington Division; Alison Harry, VISTA/UWTV; Emilia de Leon-Montero, VISTA/UWTV; Shelley Parks, Wells Fargo; Brad Brockbank, Zion’s Bank
Posted August 14th, 2009 by admin
Posted by Neva Geisler, Director, Volunteer Engagement
This week, more than 150 volunteers turned out for a lunch time meeting to learn how to run a United Way workplace campaign. It was an impressive display of the commitment this community shares to make the world a better place, because really, how often do you see that many people give up a couple of hours of their day to come and hear speakers tell them how they can help OTHER people? This is community at its finest.
Want a little piece of this good karma action but don’t know where to get your ticket? Let us know and we’ll hook you up.
Posted July 9th, 2009 by admin
Recognizing the can-do spirit of the millennial generation, we’re launching a service learning group for young community volunteers. These kids, ages 12-15, will tackle service projects in the community while learning about the issues the project addresses.
Last month marked the inaugural project, the creation of a new community garden at Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center. Six hardworking volunteer gardeners planted tomatoes, squash and herbs.
These dedicated community volunteers will be on the ground again tomorrow, serving lunch at the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County.
Go guys–you rock!
