Posts Tagged ‘Emerging Leaders in Giving’

Join the Live United tribe.

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Low lights flickered off the scarfs and pictures on the wall as group of belly dancers weaved onto the stage. The dancers took turns choosing what motions the entire group would do. First, one dancer would step forward to lead. The rest of the dancers mimic her motions, supporting her through dance. This leader would then step back and another dancer would come up to replace her. All dancers had the opportunity to be in the spot light and the transfer of “power” took place seamlessly on the stage.

This style of dance is referred to as “tribal dance.” The word “tribal” really supported the image I was witnessing on the stage. Each dancer supported the others through movement. It was a communal experience and one which communities of all types could learn from.

Within the realm of volunteerism, too few people step up to take that lead role.  But within a volunteer community, you are not alone. Those around you do not want you to fail. There is a wide support network to help you as you help others.

Think of how much we could accomplish if we all took our chance in the spotlight. You could grow as an individual and also help the community grow as a whole.

Locally, there are plenty of opportunities to take that role. If you want to start small, two or three hours would help Running Start for School distribute backpacks to students August 23, 24, and 25.  With a larger leap, you could apply to the Emerging Leaders in Giving as a Design Team members. Take the volunteer pledge.

Together, we can help support each other and our community. Join the Live United tribe.

The future is so bright….

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

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“The future’s so bright, I have to wear shades,” was the theme of the 2nd Annual United Way Launch and Learn. The 2009 LIVE UNITED Community Fund Campaign got off to an inspired start Wednesday morning [August 19] at the Hill Theatre on the University Center Rochester campus.  Business and community leaders joined campaign volunteers to launch several weeks of workplace and other campaigns to advance the common good in Olmsted County.

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(top) Jon Eckhoff, Karen Erlenbusch, Susan Ahlquist, Kelly McDonough, Bob Billman, and Mike Schnell

Following a welcome by Rochester Community and Technical College President Don Supalla,  United Way President Karen Erlenbusch reviewed recent achievements made possible through the LIVE UNITED Community Fund and introduced the 2009 video.

Susan Ahlquist shared the Mayo Clinic’s tradition of support for United Way, highlighting not only their campaign but also other efforts like their winter clothing drive – now in its 10th year.

Kelly McDonough recounted the recent goal-making and goal-breaking campaigns at First Alliance Credit Union. 

Bob Bilman described the work  of the Children’s Dental Health program at which he volunteers.

Mike Schnell promoted Emerging Leaders In Giving – sharing his experience and the benefits of providing opportunities for community service to employees.

But it was Jon Eckhoff whose energy defined the morning event. “When 99 say you can’t and one says you can, listen to the one,” Jon said. “In fact, be the one.”

Following the launch event, campaign volunteers serving as employee campaign coordinators or participating in the speaker’s bureau, broke out into training sessions.

Emerging Leaders at Channel One

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

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Thirteen Emerging Leaders in Giving (ELIG) worked in the clean room at Channel One Food Bank & Food Shelf on Monday, July 20th from 6-8 p.m. The volunteers  labeled 2 pallets of canned peas, carrots and beets that will be distributed to local food shelves. They also sorted donated food items that will be made available to clients at the Channel One Food Shelf.

Afterwards the volunteers headed to Whistle Binkies on the Lake for some libations, food and networking.

This was a great opportunity to learn about the hunger needs in our community, meet other young professionals, and feel good by giving time to a worthy cause.

ELIG is a growing network of dynamic, young professionals who support philanthropy, foster connections and are active in the community.

Giving time, talents, and/or resources, ELIG are individuals from a variety of backgrounds who all want to make a positive difference in our community. Here’s more about ELIG.