A Message from Board Chair Robert Doyle
The new year is a traditional time to reflect on goals we have accomplished and to consider changes we might make in the months ahead. I recently read a few lists of the most popular resolutions to see what others had set for personal goals. Many focused on curbing bad habits, starting healthy routines and making significant life changes such as changing careers or pursuing new relationships.
The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that we often focus on things we already do well, or we set standards that are so high that we’re bound to fail. I’ve found that the key to success is to set goals that are realistic yet ambitious enough to stretch us beyond our comfort level.
As Chair of the Board of Directors at United Way of the Greater Capital Region, I am aware of the serious challenges that face our community. The economic downturn has resulted in new hardships for many of our friends and neighbors. In fact, today there are local individuals and families seeking assistance who never imagined they would need a helping hand. But I am also encouraged to know that we are a generous community with a willingness to pitch in when times are tough.
A recent survey by the Siena Research Institute, in partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, found that 51% of Capital Region residents believed social conditions have worsened in the past year. That’s troubling news. But the poll also indicated that 54 percent of respondents thought it was very important that they and their household contribute to addressing the needs of people in the area. Only 17 percent of those polled reported that they were completely satisfied with their personal contribution.
This shows that the new year can offer new hope for struggling individuals and families, and for our community as a whole. But this hope will be realized only if people respond to their convictions and reach out their hands to advance the common good.
I encourage you to join with me this year in renewing your commitment to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER to improve life for all residents of our community. United Way creates positive change across the greater Capital Region by ensuring that everyone has access to education, a stable income and health - the building blocks for a good life.
When our children succeed in school, when our families can keep a roof over their head and save for the future, when our senior citizens have access to transportation and social support, and when people have a place to go to get connected with the resources they need for a brighter future – everybody wins. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.