Motivate the Troops!

My task today with the United Way was to begin to formulate my speech that I will be presenting to my companies over the next few months. Don't be fooled - this is really hard! I've learned and experienced so much over the last few days that I would love to share with groups, but I only have 3-5 minutes to include that information and ask for donations!

For example, today we toured the Connect 2-1-1 facilities. Don't know what this is? I didn't really either until this week. Anyone in Central Indiana can call 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources; from food pantries and homeless shelters to post-graduate school information and job assistance. The well-trained people who answer the phones are able to connect you with the services you need in a short amount of time. They are extremely knowledgeable of the resources in our community, and will do whatever they can to help you. It is also important to note that these wonderful people also answer the suicide and domestic violence hotlines. They have been through rigorous training to help in these situations - if you, or anyone you know, are in need of these types of services, know that there will always be someone at 2-1-1 to help you.

This is what I'm learning to love about the United Way. Not only do the agencies help the poor, they help those who are vulnerable and those in need. And how many of us are one bad car accident, sickness or job loss away from being vulnerable and in need? I know my family would be. I am so grateful for the compassionate people working in these organizations who are ready to help us pick up the pieces and support us during our times of need. Remember, there's always someone there to help - you just have to ask.

So I just practiced a part of my speech for you! Thanks for taking the time to read through. Let me know if there is something that does not make sense. I wrote this pretty quickly, but it's where my mind keeps going when I think about what I want to say. It's hard not to go on and on about all the wonderful services available through United Way agencies. They've definitely found an advocate in me :)