Make change happen with your voice. Champion a cause. Get informed about local issues. Partner with a group that makes a difference. Write a letter. Blog. Tell your friends. Learn more about how United Way advances the common good and creates opportunities for all members of the community.

Start by getting informed about the issues that matter most. Many individuals and families in our cities, towns and neighborhoods lack the basic things we all need for a good life. Learn more about local social conditions and see the research that drives United Way of the Greater Capital Region's investment strategy.

We are all people. Connected. Interdependent. United. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. When we advocate on behalf of our community's most vulnerable residents and join in a cause that makes an impact...everybody benefits. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED!

NEW OPPORTUNITY - August 2010

In these times of economic hardship for so many, 2-1-1 serves as a vital resource for our community. Currently, 2-1-1 is available in 80% of the country, including in the Capital Region as United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region. Dialing 2-1-1 helps people cut through what can be a confusing and overwhelming maze of information and resources. 2-1-1 helps people assess their needs and links them directly to the resources that will help. Through 2-1-1, callers can get answers on where to seek assistance with paying for medical expenses, accessing unemployment benefits, obtaining information on applying for food stamps, or finding programs to assist in coping with family problems.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is requesting your help as local United Ways across the country are engaged in an intensive advocacy effort during Congress’ August recess. While on recess, members of the House and Senate will be home visiting their constituents, hosting town hall meetings and attending community forums. We are taking this opportunity to press Congress to pass the Calling for 2-1-1 Act when they return in September, and we ask that you reach out to our Senators and House Representatives to voice your support of 2-1-1.

Please click on this link, 2-1-1 Act August Advocacy, which will bring you to the United Way Worldwide 2-1-1 information site. To the right of the webpage, click on “Take Action Now,” and then “Email your Representative” and “Email your Senator.” Simply add your name and contact information where prompted to the prewritten text and press send. Congressional leaders are feeling the pressure from our joint efforts. If your House Representatives and Senators return to Washington having heard about the importance of 2-1-1 from United Way and its partners, we will get the votes we need to pass this legislation.

Click on the video below to view Mr. Neal Regals, a United Way Campaign Manager, speak about why United Way is important to him.