Heart of Illinois United Way

We Invite You to Be A GEN U Company!

GENeration United (GEN U) is a new initiative for young leaders ages 23-45, or young at heart, to ignite their inner philanthropic spirit and engage in meaningful activities that address the needs of central Illinois.
 

Ideas to integrate GEN U
into your workplace:

Volunteer Projects:

  • Pick an agency and complete a project for them
  • Volunteer to help at an agency event
  • Participate in United Way Day of Caring

Special Events:

  • Plan awareness building activities (tour an agency, create a trivia competition about community needs/statistics)
  • Host a GEN U meeting or event (leadership lunch, social networking event)

United Way Campaign Activities:

  • Show UW campaign video
  • Invite agency speakers (individual or a panel)
  • Allow time for a United Way speaker
  • Play the United Way's 'Safety Net' Activity - an interactive way to explain how the United Way operates and the agency's importance in our community (ask UW staff for details)
  • Plan special activities (casual days, cookoffs, contests, drawings/raffles, etc.)
  • Hold a pizza party, ice cream social or popcorn day to thank employees
  • Send a CEO thank you (via email, voicemail or at a staff meeting)

Participate in GEN U Activities, Such As:

  • Leadership Lunches
  • Professional networking events
  • Fundraising events
  • Service projects

TEAM BUILDING

Rallying around a common goal boosts company morale and lets employees know they are working for a company that cares about the community. Working collectively emphasizes the fact that their efforts really do make a difference.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Offering volunteerism and service projects for employees and educating them on the needs and services in our area allows them to see firsthand the impact they can have on the community. The programs the United Way funds are utilized by your employees, their friends and family and their neighbors. With the needs being greater every year, educating your employees on how their philanthropic gifts translate in our community can be a key to success for workplace campaigns and the overall community campaign.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Providing opportunities for employees to share ideas and take ownership of activities creates a philanthropic environment within your company and encourages them to take pride and responsibility for their volunteer commitments.

VISIBILITY

By engaging employees in year-round activities, you will boost your workplace campaign efforts. Running a more successful campaign increases recognition opportunities and community visibility showing your support and portraying your commitment to the residents of central Illinois.

NETWORKING AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Being a GEN U company encourages employees to get involved in the community. The activities provide opportunities to build professional relationships outside of the workplace not only for the philanthropic support of the community but for the promotion of your company.

 

Download the Steps to Becoming a GEN U Company

 

For more information, contact Lea Ann Heuser at leaann.heuser@unitedway.org.

 

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