A Call to [Summer] Action

In the middle of a heat wave with uncomfortable humidity and frayed tempers, it’s important to take time to consider that for the most vulnerable people in our community the impact of extreme heat can be significant.  For individuals experiencing homelessness, who already struggle to meet their basic needs on a daily basis, dehydration, heatstroke and sunburns can have a serious effect on health.  

At United Way KW we understand that no one organization or approach will address these needs and complex circumstances.  We invest in local programs and initiatives that together contribute to supporting community members to move “From Poverty to Possibility”.  Taking a focused approach to community investments means emphasizing meeting basic needs, particularly for those who might otherwise slip through the cracks.  Program investments are only a part of taking action that will lead towards lasting change.  In our call to action we emphasize the main components that we see leading to this change: Give. Volunteer. Act.    

Give. 

We live in a caring community.  Though contributions to food banks tend to decrease in the summer months with many people away on vacation, this community contributed 40,000 lbs of food to the local food bank, ensuring that healthy food remains accessible to those in need.

Contributing to United Way KW’s work in our community includes – but extends beyond – the annual workplace campaign.  A variety of options are available, so that you can give in a manner that best suits you and how you want to support your community.

Volunteer.

We know that for Canadians volunteering happens because of “individual preferences and motivations”.  47% of Canadians volunteer and that commitment extends to Kitchener Waterloo and the surrounding townships.  If you have an interest in a particular community issue then there is very likely a role that would benefit from your skills and enthusiasm.  Volunteering could include helping out at a one day special event, through a time limited project, or on an ongoing basis.  Locally, United Way KW supports the Volunteer Action Centre, which serves as a great resource for matching volunteers with the interests and issues that excite them.  The downtime for some during the summer months is a great opportunity to reflect on volunteering opportunities for the fall.

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at United Way KW.  Recruitment for the Community Investment Team has begun as we prepare for the next 3 year investment cycle in 2014.  This team of volunteers will review and assess program applications.  These assessments are based on the degree to which programs align with United Way KW’s Focus Areas and collective outcomes, and their contributions to collective community change. 

Act.

The systems that meet the basic needs of vulnerable people involve a number of moving parts.  No one group can make that change happen in isolation from another.  Community members that access emergency food hampers, frequently have limited or no access to fresh fruits and vegetables.  This has health consequences.  By contrast an estimated 25 million tonnes of produce end up in landfills each year.  In response provincial politicians are currently examining a proposal to provide tax breaks to farmers who would otherwise dispose of food they could not sell.  This is a small change that could enhance access to healthy food.

Making change like this happen can take time.  Sometimes this action seems slow –more so during the muggy days of summer.  Speaking up about issues you support (or those that you don’t) is one way you can support the good things happening in your community.  Sharing with your friends, family and colleagues the work of United Way KW is an opportunity to take action, whether through social media, at work or at the neighbourhood barbeque!  

A call to action.

Meeting basic needs like shelter, food and the skills to live independently are a daily challenge to the 200,000 people coping with homelessness each year in Canada, as well as the many working poor families, couples and seniors experiencing poverty.  Poverty is persistent, and change may take time, but taking time this summer to consider how you can get involved will benefit you and your community.   How would you like to be involved? Give. Volunteer. Act.