As the holiday season comes to an end, we hope everyone had the chance to spend time with loved ones, relax and reflect on the past year with gratitude.
After reflecting on 2017, individuals ring in the New Year by creating resolutions and sharing hopes for 2018. As I was making my resolutions, I realized my goals could be categorized by the same building blocks that United Way of Sheboygan County uses to classify the program investments in the county – education, health and financial stability.
Whether we are adjusting our lifestyles to be more active, eat healthier or learn a new skill to bring our career to the next level, we are unified by the pursuit of positive change.
As we plan to positively affect our individual financial, educational or health status, we have the opportunity to help others around us in those areas as well by making a resolution to give back.
My ‘giving back’ resolution this year is to volunteer at least once each month at a nonprofit organization I’ve never volunteered for before. Volunteer opportunities are endless, so this is one goal on my list I know I can achieve easily.
Feel free to join me on this quest by taking the “Give Back Challenge” and choosing an item on the list to complete before the end of the year! Visit www.uwofsc.org/volunteer for volunteer opportunities and more information about the investments United Way of Sheboygan County makes with your monetary donation.
The holiday season might be over but we can choose to give the gift of giving all year round. Consider volunteering or making a donation to a local charity this year and help your family, friends, neighbors and peers reach their goals for 2018!
Give Back Challenge:
-Take the ‘United Way 12 Challenge’ with Katelyn and volunteer at a new place each month for an entire year. There are many benefits to volunteering but what if you don’t know which nonprofit organization is for you? By volunteering at a new place each month, you will learn more about nonprofits in the area and how you can help them continue to meet their mission. If you choose to share your experiences on social media, make sure to use the hashtag #UWSC12 so we can learn from your journey as well!
- Consider joining a committee or board of directors. Many of us have expertise that a nonprofit could benefit from. Sharing that knowledge gives the charity of your choice the power to improve operations and/or continue to successfully make a positive impact in the community we live in.
- Check out ongoing volunteer opportunities. For those that have time to give each week, finding a charity to volunteer at weekly is a great way to give back but also create lasting relationships with people that share your passion for the cause!
- Make a monetary contribution to a nonprofit organization. Monetary contributions are a great way to give back when you don’t have the time to share. Financial stability allows nonprofits to continue to assist those in need of their services and programs.
- Refer a friend. You might already be active in our community by volunteering your time and expertise plus making a monetary donation every year. Share with your friends, family and peers why you choose to donate/volunteer at the various charities that you are involved in. Share your knowledge about the programs or services the nonprofit provides and what your personal tie is to the cause. It is a great way to connect with friends and share your passion for keeping our community strong!
For more information, contact United Way of Sheboygan County by calling 920-458-3425 or emailing info@uwofsc.org.
Katelyn Braun, Director of Community Development