BVN Newsletter
United Way Starts New Work in HIRE Education Employment Initiative
Nominate Your Company for a Community Volunteer Award
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
United Way Starts New Work in HIRE Education Employment Initiative
By Sarah Listug, United Way of Dane County
Post-secondary education is a strong element in the HIRE Education Employment Model.
Sometimes a second chance is all you need to succeed; Phil is living proof of this. After dropping out of high school at age 17, the pressure of working full-time to help support his family was overwhelming and he was not making the wage he needed to.
“I wish I could say that Phil’s story is unique but it’s not, ” says Angie Jones, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Dane County. “Our job market has drastically changed in the last 30 years, a majority of jobs, even low-wage jobs, are now requiring some type of secondary education. A high school diploma is no longer an option for long-term career stability. It’s a requirement.”
U.S. Census data tells us 9.4% or 31,000 adults in Dane County over the age of 17 do not have a high school diploma.
Jones continues, “Our workforce partners tell us that we need a different approach to how we help people become prepared for employment. The HIRE Education Employment model is really targeted at addressing this need.”
Recently, United Way has begun creation of the HIRE Education Employment model that will help non-high school graduates navigate their way through the various systems needed to get the job they desire. This model will target individuals ages 17+ who do not have a high school diploma seeking to find employment.
Individuals who enter the HIRE Education Employment initiative will start their journey by meeting with a Mentor who will assess where on the ladder they should start.
Individuals who enter the HIRE Ed initiative will start their journey by meeting with a mentor who will assess where on the ladder they should start. For example, if an individual hasn’t received their high school diploma they will get connected with GED prep classes and complete their degree. After they have attained their GED they will receive training on soft skills needed to succeed in an employment environment (how to communicate with your coworkers, dress for work, interview, put together a resume, etc…).
Jones says United Way and their partners have high hopes for how this will connect individuals to attaining long term success.Phil agrees, “Navigating the system can be difficult. This type of model would make it so much easier for people.”
After getting connected with education, training, and employment, Phil was able to attain his GED and even owned his own business for six years. Now, he’s back in school getting an additional degree, and he’s passing the lessons he learned on to his two sons. “I have to lead by example,” says Phil, “So even though I hit a bump in the road, I still made it and so can anyone else.”
Here are some ways for volunteers to be involved:
21st Century Carreers with Urban League of Greater Madison (Guest Speakers, Mock interviewers, work site visits needed)
Literacy & Math Tutors with the YWCA
Jenna Weber, SVA
The Business Volunteer Network would like to welcome one of our newest members, Lindsay, Stone & Briggs.
Lindsay, Stone & Briggs is an advertising agency that jump starts brands in today’s time-starved, digital, conversation economy. Their specialty is revitalizing stalled brands and successfully launching new-to-the-world products, brands and categories. Whether you have a new product to launch, a legacy brand that needs revitalization, deteriorating margins, slumping sales or stiff competition, they have the skills, tools and experience to help you create a giant jolt in the marketplace. We celebrated our 33rd anniversary in 2012.
Traffic Manager, Meghan Rollins, serves as the Lindsay, Stone & Briggs representative along with Accounting Manager, Jasmin Statz. Here, Meghan and Jasmin explain why they made the decision to join the BVN:
Why did Lindsay, Stone & Briggs join the BVN?
Lindsay, Stone & Briggs joined BVN so that we could do our part in serving the community that we are all so grateful to be a part of. As an organization with a multitude of talent and creative ideas, we thought we’d extend our reach of helping the business world to helping those closer to home that need support. Being a smaller company without a structured community outreach program, BVN seemed like a great resource and partner in helping us build up our initiative.
In what ways is your organization currently involved in the community and specifically volunteering?
Lindsay, Stone & Briggs has supported various community organizations by providing creative services, marketing assistance and even mentoring. Our staff has hosted “seminar classes” for local students so that they can learn more about the advertising field as a career path. We redesigned and developed The Foundation for Madison Public Schools website that will be launching in early January and we’ve supported FMPS through the years assisting them with development of materials for their annual luncheon. In addition, Lindsay, Stone & Briggs participates in the annual United Way Fundraising campaign.
Why is volunteerism important to your company?
It’s a busy, hectic world in the workplace, where you can often get lost in the world of meetings and deadlines. It’s important as an organization to take time out once in a while to remember others in our community who need support in a multitude of ways. We think volunteering is a rewarding opportunity for our team and the community.
Do you have any future volunteer goals for your organization? This is a new initiative for our company and our goal for 2013 is to partake in or organize at least one major community project event and to work on building a solid foundation for our organizations community outreach efforts.
What do you hope to gain from membership in the BVN?
I think the BVN will be an excellent resource and partner in helping Lindsay, Stone & Briggs gain insights on opportunities and ideas for community service. We look forward to participating in the coming years.
Nominate Your Organization for a Community Volunteer Award!
By Kayla Pierce, United Way of Dane County
Company volunteer programs play a critical role in achieving our community goals. Employees’ time, skills and expertise create lasting change and make a long-term impact in Dane County.
The United Way Community Volunteer Awards (CAV) are a great way to recognize the important ways volunteers are madding an impact in our community. The CVA Business Award recognizes a local company that is committed to addressing critical issues through volunteerism. All businesses that volunteer at a Dane County nonprofit agency are eligible to be nominated for the Community Volunteer Business Award, sponsored by the Business Volunteer Network. This award recipient will receive $1,000 to be given to the agency at which they volunteer. CVA nominations care also accepted for Individuals, Groups and Youth.
Nominate your company or one you work with today!
Nominations in all categories: business, youth, adult, and group may be submitted until February 20, 2013.
All nominees will be recognized and award recipients will be announced at the Community Volunteer Awards luncheon on April 29, 2013 at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club.
Download Community Volunteer Award Form or use the online form here: www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/cvaform.
Please contact the Volunteer Center at volctr@uwdc.org or 246-4380 with any questions.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
February 20, 7:30am-9am: BVN Membership Annual Meeting,
RSVP to Kathy Martinson
February 20, 4:30pm: Community Volunteer Awards Nominations Due!
April 29, 11:30-1:30:
Community Volunteer Awards Luncheon at The Madison Concourse Hotel. Watch for an invitation Mid-March!
May 14, 7:30-9, BVN Membership Meeting, Springs Window Fashions
Sept 10, 7:30-9, BVN Membership Meeting, Lindsay, Stone & Briggs
Nov 12, 7:30-9, BVN Membership Meeting, AAA
Feb 11, 2014 7:30-9, 2014 – Host still needed – contact Kathy Martinson if you are interested in hosting this meeting
