In 2022, United Way of Dane County will celebrate our first 100 years of impact. United Way is how our community comes together to address our toughest issues and most urgent needs, and we’ve been creating positive change for nearly a century! It all began with – and continues as – a volunteer-led and volunteer-driven movement.
As we prepare for our centennial, we have gathered together more than 75 volunteers who are serving on committees focused on community engagement, history, campaign, major gifts and marketing. This group of community and business leaders is planning how to celebrate our past, launch critical work today and shape our organization and community for the future.
We’re excited to mark this milestone by elevating the people and organizations who’ve been at the forefront and behind the scenes serving our community in partnership with United Way. Their stories tell of innovation, impact and passion – positioning United Way and Dane County for the next 100 years! Join us by sharing your thoughts on who we can recognize and honor as part of our story by September 1, 2021.
Individuals, groups and organizations who have been central in supporting Dane County through their collaboration with United Way of Dane County at any point during the last 100 years. We are especially looking to highlight individuals, organizations and groups who have demonstrated one or more of the following:
Commitment to Racial Equity: Those who have committed to building a more equitable community through the work they do with United Way. This includes those who – over many years or more recently – have helped to build bridges, remove barriers, serve, advocate for and/or empower underrepresented groups and communities of color throughout Dane County.
Innovation: Those who, in collaboration with United Way, have actively brainstormed around and/or discovered new or better ways to respond to community needs. This includes responding to new community needs as well as improving the way services are delivered.
Collaboration: Those who have, in partnership with United Way, actively participated in or created collaborative groups meant to address specific community issues. This includes the convening of multiple voices to help inform change strategies in Dane County. Must have a connection with United Way.
Leadership: Those who led United Way through important opportunities, critical incidents, pivotal decisions and/or transformational change. This includes providing guidance and insight on evolving strategies and methodologies for change.
Advancement of United Way’s Mission: Those who have given time, talent or treasure to United Way and inspired others to get involved and give back.
Recipients are selected by a group of volunteer community members who comprise the Centennial History Committee. They will review each submission with the above criteria in mind.
Yes! It is a great honor to be nominated as a Community Builder.
After we receive your submission, the History Quest Committee will review all submissions and finalize the list of Community Builders by November 2021. Nominators and those chosen as Community Builders will be notified in December 2021. Throughout 2022, Community Builders will be recognized on social media, in digital communications, in partnership with local media and at events.
Yes, please help us recognize as many of our partners as possible!
Anyone who has helped build United Way of Dane County and our community during the last 100 years will be considered for recognition. The strongest submissions will have a clear connection to United Way of Dane County currently or in the past and will be exemplary in the areas of Commitment to Racial Equity, Innovation, Collaboration, Leadership or Advancement of United Way’s Mission.
Download a nomination form to submit by mail to:
United Way of Dane County
Libby Elvord
2059 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Call (608) 246-4361 to submit your nomination over the phone.
Contact us at (608) 246-4361 or libby.elvord@uwdc.org with questions or to request support for your nomination.
