Learn more about our leadership societies & networks and their dedication to our community.

United Way of East Central Iowa’s (UWECI) leadership societies and networks bring together our communities’ most passionate philanthropists to tackle some of the urgent challenges facing East Central Iowa. They include:

• Young Leaders Society (YLS)
  YLS recognizes donors aged 40 or younger & offers networking opportunities for new and emerging community leaders.
  
  
• Labor Leadership Giving Society
  Labor Leadership recognizes Union members who demonstrate a personal commitment to caring for those most in need.
  
  
• Women United 
  Members of Women United raise funds and resources to ensure every woman in our community has access to healthcare.
  
  
• William B. Quarton Society
  Quarton Society was named in honor of Bill Quarton, who championed Cedar Rapids through philanthropy.
  
  
• T.M. Sinclair Society
  UWECI’s first philanthropic leadership society is named after one of our area’s founding fathers, Thomas M’Elderry Sinclair, who believed in teaching children to read & write and was committed to the development of our community.
  
  
• Alexis de Tocqueville Society
  Tocqueville Society members are true philanthropists and leaders who give their time and generosity to create long-lasting solutions for our community’s most pressing issues.

“What I love about UWECI is it brings together like-minded individuals who are passionate about fighting for our community,” said YLS member, Whitney Pino.

Many of these dedicated donors give both dollars and time to a specific focus area of need in our community. For example, Women United brings together funds and resources to ensure the well-being of women in our community while YLS hosts volunteer events that promote the importance of volunteering and designates 10% of funds raised to programs supporting early childhood literacy. 

Additionally, they’re committed to giving more than just money. They host gatherings at their home, spend countless hours volunteering, sit on committees, help create programs for leadership growth, plan events for hundreds of people, and advocate for those in need in our community all year long.

Their dedication truly never stops.