The presidential election campaign season is certainly making headlines and causing some tension among voters.
It’s probably safe to state that most of us can’t wait for this campaign season to be over. And, even when it is over, there’s no telling how things will go for Americans.
In addition to voting at polls during election time, locally we have the option to become involved in a different type of campaign. It’s a refreshing, win-win campaign option of a different sort — one that helps exercise your good intentions by connecting your personal passions with purpose to help drive positive changes in Santa Rosa.
We’re pleased to announce that the United Way of Santa Rosa County annual workplace donation campaign season is in progress. The 2016 campaign pledge goal is $475,000, which is $25,000 over the previous year’s record-breaking campaign for Santa Rosa.
By participating in the UWSR campaign at work or directly, you can feel good about receiving a positive return on investment.
This is a campaign you can confidently get behind. You can know with certainty, that you, your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers in Santa Rosa all win as a result — especially if you or they should ever need assistance.
UWSR is a social impact organization that helps strengthen and improve lives here in Santa Rosa. It offers financial support and networking with key area agencies that address the big community issues facing our county, including housing, hunger, disaster recovery, utility assistance and employment, among others.
UWSR is here to answer the first call for help. More than a hotline, it’s a commitment to provide up-to-date information about how to navigate services in Santa Rosa.
From mid-spring to late-fall, many area workplaces join with United Way to campaign by asking Santa Rosa employees to designate their desired payroll deductions from each paycheck. (Deductions designated in 2016 begin Jan. 1, 2017.)
The campaign consists of brief informative workplace presentations where employees learn about the role UWSR plays in supporting its 14-plus-area health, education and income stability related agencies serving Santa Rosa.
Donors become empowered. You can give with confidence and know that the funds are used wisely.
UWSR is local, efficient and accountable. An independent board of directors and a community fund’s distribution team assign agency funding, and donors can designate how their donations are used. Funds are distributed in areas most crucial to Santa Rosa.
Aside from making donations, employees may identify, advocate for, and help connect people you know in the community who may need assistance. Employees also may volunteer and participate in special programs.
Debra Baez is the United Way of Santa Rosa County’s campaign director. Call her at 623-4507 to arrange a workplace campaign, donate or volunteer.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: BAEZ: Win-win campaign for Santa Rosa underway