The In's & Out's Of UWECI Campaign

What it is, what it means for our community, & how to have a successful one.

If you follow United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), there’s a good chance you’ve heard about United Way’s Workplace Campaign, sometimes referred to as just ‘campaign,’ but we’ve never taken the time to really talk about what it is and what it means to our community.

Simply put, campaign is UWECI’s biggest fundraiser. As an expert in identifying where gaps of need exist in our community, the funds raised are invested into programs that specialize in filling these gaps. Our funded community partners then create a network of support for people in our community who need it most.

When people donate to UWECI or spend time volunteering, they create lasting change in the lives of people in our community. And when the people in our community thrive, our community thrives.

Campaign is also an opportunity for area businesses to learn about UWECI, give back to the community, and have fun while they’re at it. Our Company Coordinators are some of UWECI’s biggest champions, leading the charge at 400+ companies in East Central Iowa for their internal campaigns. They rally their coworkers through fun activities (think bags tournaments, trivia night, pie in the face, and obstacle course races!), encourage people to join in, spend time meeting with UWECI staff, and often share why giving to United Way is so special to them.

UWECI staff also hold an internal campaign every year. This year it’s being led by UWECI Senior Coordinator of Creative Services, Lauren Gilbertson. When asked why giving to United Way is so special to her, she said,

“Before learning about and working at United Way, I didn’t understand the importance of how they use the dollars donated. There are people in our community who are one life event away from being in crisis. My money isn’t just going to a single program or cause; it’s thoughtfully invested into some of the most urgent and impactful programs that help people who have nowhere else to turn.”

We could never express how thankful we are for the organizations and individuals in our community who give to United Way, whether it’s through donations, time, or advocacy. Campaign can be a fun and exciting time, but it’s also an opportunity for us all to band together to fight for our community and support those who need us most. With this year’s Campaign on the horizon, stay tuned for more updates and info on how it’s going.

If you’re leading an internal campaign this year, check out our toolkit and best practices. And if you’re not, we encourage you to learn more about opportunities to get involved!