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 is improving lives and communities.

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 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 and join a cause that makes an impact...everybody benefits. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED!

• Contact your State Senator
• Contact your State Assembly Member
• Contact your Congressional Representative

  
Help sustain federal funding for the local Emergency Food and Shelter Program
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created in 1983 to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories. This program allocates federal funds to provide food and shelter through local social service organizations. Funds are allocated and monitored by members of the community serving on EFSP Local Boards. United Way of the Greater Capital Region provides staffing support to the Local Boards in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.

This collaborative effort between the private and public sectors has provided over $3.6 billion in Federal funds during its 28-year history. See recent funding totals for the Greater Capital Region.

URGENT UPDATE
Congress has yet to pass the any of the twelve Fiscal Year 2011 appropriation bills, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act that provides funding for the EFSP. Instead, Congress has passed a series of short term continuing resolutions that have kept the government operating at last year’s funding levels. The inability of Congress to pass the DHS Appropriations Act has resulted in the Administration’s decision to delay EFSP disbursements until such time as Congress passes and the President signs legislation funding the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Congress will debate legislation in the coming days that would fund federal programs for the remainder of the fiscal year. This legislation WILL contain a 50% cut in funding for EFSP. If passed, the legislation will have significant and severe consequences for those most in need. Please take a moment today to contact your Senators and Representative and 1) Highlight the importance of EFSP to your state and/or community 2) Request they support funding of EFSP at $200 million for FY11, the same funding level as FY09 & FY10. Your voice counts!

• Contact Congress now using a simple, pre-written message template. 
• Locate and call your local representatives (talking points included).
  

Advocate for 2-1-1 with your local policymaker
United Way is encouraging its volunteers, staff, partners and United Way 2-1-1 centers to keep 2-1-1 on the radar for their local policymakers (members and staff) while they are home campaigning. The particular need is to urge support for the Calling for 2-1-1 Act, which would authorize federal funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of 2-1-1 service nationally. Stories in the media regarding 2-1-1 and letters to Congress members ensure this important legislation stays relevant and on their action list.

2-1-1 is the three digit phone number that connects people to essential human services in their community. Community members call 2-1-1 most commonly for rent and utility payment assistance, health insurance, food, job training or search assistance centers, legal services, mental health and substance abuse services, child care, elder services and where to volunteer in their community. 2-1-1 is funded locally through United Way and other nonprofits, foundations and businesses. Passage of the Calling for 2-1-1 Act would provide essential supplemental funding to ensure this vital service continues.

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