Today is my last day here at United Way! I can't believe I have already been here almost 5 months! I am sad to go, it has been a great experience. I am not sure what my future holds for me, but I am confident that what I have learned here and been exposed to will help me down that road. I have learned a variety of new programs, including In Design, Photoshop and Illustrator. Prior to this internship I had used them briefly, but now I am confident in the work that I do and feel much more comfortable using them. I also learned much more about marketing and communications, which seeing how I am a marketing major, has definitely helped me. I have had great role models and leadership in the office to follow after, and everyone was both great teachers and helpers. I love that I got to help out at events and experience United Way from all angles, not just from the office. I was fortunate to help out in the community, and see how United Way truly effects and helps so many individuals and companies in our local community. Above all I have been able to see how a non-profit organization is run and how much it is built upon each employee. Everyone who works here truly has an influence in the company, and their tasks, decisions and effort really make a difference. Seeing as how I want to work in the non-profit sector when I am older, this has been a great learning experience. Maybe it will even help me get into the Peace Corp one day :) While I am not sure where I will be in the next few months job wise, this internship definitely helped and prepared me for what I hope to start experiencing. I have no doubt that I will encounter these people again - hopefully sooner rather than later!
...So "Good bye, for now, until we meet again"...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Costume Contest
While the whole Human Race experience was great and the event was put on very successfully, one of the best parts of the day was after the race - the Costume/Dance Contest. There were many organizations whom participated in the race that had mascots to represent their company. For the 2-1-1 initiation back in February, United Way had ordered a huge phone costume, since 2-1-1 is a free phone number to call in order to get health and human services in your community. Our Resource Development Office, Rob Read, had the honors of wearing the costume and representing United Way at the Human Race this year. Some other costumes were "Reddy" - the large Redwood tree from Redwood Credit Union, as well as two mascots from the local radio station, BOB FM 96.7.
All of the mascots were to perform the "macarena" together, but due to the lack of the Macarena song, it ultimately turned into a "dance-off". All of the mascots were right in front the live band, dancing and showing their moves. Not only was it hilarious and entertaining to watch, but it definitely got the crowd enthused and involved. A bunch of little kids got up to dance with the mascots too, which added to the "family-friendly" atmosphere of the Human Race.After dancing to a few songs with much enthusiasm, the crowd did a brief ranking of each mascot, by yelling loudest for the mascot they thought deserved first place. Our own 2-1-1 phone won!! Rob did a great job out there; he is hardly one to get shy which definitely helped while dancing in front of a crowd in a large phone costume!
If you want to read more about Rob and the success of the Human Race, visit http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090509/ARTICLES/905099983/1349?Title=10-000-run-walk-in-annual-Human-Race
Successful Weekend
Human Race was a great success, to say the least! Although overall they raised less than last year, it was only a small percentage difference, and considering the economy it was a great accomplishment! When I arrived around 7:15am, the place was already packed! Over 50 different organizations had booths set up with information about their companies, as well as "freebies" to hand out. Many of them also had food and drinks for all of the runners and for other participants. United Way had a great booth; right on the corner so we were very noticeable. Our booth drew a lot of people, thanks in large part to our prize wheel! We had a wheel that people could spin their first time for free, and then the second time for $1. Some of the prizes consisted of a LIVE UNITED T-shirt, a cd, a sticker, a wristband, and the most desired - a yellow cow bell. The cow bells were also used for the Amgen Tour of California back in January and were a huge hit with the little kids! Some of the staff members working the booth, and I am sure parents as well, would agree the bells got pretty loud, pretty quickly! The line to spin the prize wheel was far longer than any other line though - we definitely engaged the crowds and brought awareness to our booth and initiatives. We were also selling the cow bells and LIVE UNITED shirts which were successful, and we also had pamphlets, fliers, magnets and business cards for 2-1-1, Healthy Kids and our regular United Way newsletter.
Me and Isaiah, the other intern, walked the Human Race course holding United Way branded signs. We were hoping to get people to notice the signs and brand, which would gain awareness to United Way and Healthy Kids. It was fun to be able to experience the course, even if we did just walk it. There were almost 10,000 people participating and about half of them were in unique costumes - which made it all the more entertaining. It was a great day, and we definitely made the community more aware about United Way and what we focus on.
Me and Isaiah, the other intern, walked the Human Race course holding United Way branded signs. We were hoping to get people to notice the signs and brand, which would gain awareness to United Way and Healthy Kids. It was fun to be able to experience the course, even if we did just walk it. There were almost 10,000 people participating and about half of them were in unique costumes - which made it all the more entertaining. It was a great day, and we definitely made the community more aware about United Way and what we focus on.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Spring Clean/Human Race
This past weekend was Spring Clean, which is a large volunteer day in Santa Rosa. Last year alone, they had over 2600 volunteers. They participated in a variety of activities to help clean and beautify Santa Rosa. There were over 50 different projects around the city that people could work on. Some of us from United Way participate at Southwest Community Park, where we put down new layers of bark surrounding the park, as well as picked up trash, weeded and mowed the grass. I was surprised at the amount of people there, and it was just one specific event. The kick-off was at Finley earlier in the morning, and then from there we dispersed into our different volunteer locations. The only downfall to Spring Clean this year was that it was raining. Who would have thought it May it would be raining! To show their dedication for the local community, volunteers still participated and gave back, despite the bad weather.
This coming weekend, May 9th, is the annual Human Race, held at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. This event is usually used as a fundraiser for local companies to get donations through a variety
of different ways, and to also have fun participating in the race. The Human Race is a very family fun event, with costume contests and t-shirt design winners, there are activities and entertainment for everyone. Following the race there is a large "fair" where different companies have booths set up. This year me and the other intern get to participate, by being active and vocal in spreading awareness about United Way. We are going to focus on our newest initiative 2-1-1, and well as Healthy Kids, since there will be many families and children there. I was also fortunate enough to attend the "Breakfast of Champions" back in February, which was the kick-off breakfast for the Human Race. There were hundreds of people there representing their companies, and they also had a few different guest speakers. I can't believe the event is already here, but I am excited! Never having been to the Human Race before it should be a lot of fun. It is the largest fundraiser in Sonoma County, so there should be thousands on people there! Hope to see you there!
This coming weekend, May 9th, is the annual Human Race, held at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. This event is usually used as a fundraiser for local companies to get donations through a variety
of different ways, and to also have fun participating in the race. The Human Race is a very family fun event, with costume contests and t-shirt design winners, there are activities and entertainment for everyone. Following the race there is a large "fair" where different companies have booths set up. This year me and the other intern get to participate, by being active and vocal in spreading awareness about United Way. We are going to focus on our newest initiative 2-1-1, and well as Healthy Kids, since there will be many families and children there. I was also fortunate enough to attend the "Breakfast of Champions" back in February, which was the kick-off breakfast for the Human Race. There were hundreds of people there representing their companies, and they also had a few different guest speakers. I can't believe the event is already here, but I am excited! Never having been to the Human Race before it should be a lot of fun. It is the largest fundraiser in Sonoma County, so there should be thousands on people there! Hope to see you there!
Monday, April 20, 2009
National Volunteer Week
This week, April 19th-April 25th is "National Volunteer Week", coinciding with Earth Day which is April 22. This presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofits and other businesses to give back to their community. Join United Way in thanking the people whom already volunteer, and congratulating those whom are starting today.While United Way of the Wine Country has a large impact in our community through our initiatives and programs, we also play a large role in giving back to the community through volunteering. Within the next few months we have some volunteer opportunities in our community. By volunteering your time, even if it is only for a few hours, we can together create a difference in our community.
May 2, 2009: SPRING CLEAN
Come as an individual or join the United Way team, and help make improvements to our community. Projects start at 8am and end around noon, followed by a festival at Finley Park. Last year there were over 2,200 volunteers at this event.
May 9, 2009: HUMAN RACE
At the Human Race, United Way will have a booth where we will be publicizing Healthy Kids, 2-1-1 and United Way as a whole. We will engage the community and raise awareness about our impact in the community and our different initiatives. Volunteers are needed from
8am-10am
10am-Noon
If you would like to volunteer at the Human Race, please contact Rob Read at mailto:atrob@unitedwaywinecountry.org
Sept. 9, 2009 : DAY OF CARING
This will be the 19th annual Day of Caring event, which has been one of the largest volunteer events in Sonoma and Mendocino County. We expect over 1,000 volunteers this year, with a variety of different projects to be completed for local service agencies. In the past, volunteers have helped deliver meals, build safer playgrounds, tutor children and help restore trails and parks.
If you want to volunteer at Day of Caring, please contact Stacy Ruppert at stacy@unitedwaywinecountry.org
Thursday, April 16, 2009
We've moved
A common phrase around our office was that it resembled an "airplane"; in the sense that there was a long open space in the middle with offices on either side lining the whole corridor. While the office was great, we wanted a larger space and a conference room was needed as well. Being in downtown Santa Rosa, we have a great location: we are easy to find, in the heart of the "business" area, near restaurants for meetings and surrounded by other local businesses which gives us an opportunity to gain awareness and promote our business through other companies. These were essential factors in finding a new office, and we were very lucky to find a nearby location. We literally moved four blocks, but to a much nicer and larger building. Our rent is also significantly lower than our previous location. With the extra money we are accumulating each month in savings, we can apply to our different programs and initiatives. Our landlord was very generous as well; he donated much of the improvement costs to us, once again saving us a large amount of capital spending. We now occupy the whole fourth floor, our offices are spacious yet allow privacy, we have a separate room for our meetings and conferences and the whole layout is much more open.
Old office: 751 4th St. (w/ everything cleared out for the move)
Old office: 751 4th St. (w/ everything cleared out for the move)
2-1-1
Being a marketing major, I love advertisements, fliers, billboards - anything that grabs your attention. I love the big picture of things, and seeing the outcome once all the small detail is put together. Although I am a marketing intern, having the "intern" title I didn't think I would be helping that much is the actual creation of marketing collateral. However, I have been able to assist in creating fliers, posters and other documents to help spread and gain awareness about our events, benefits and initiatives.
One of our most recent initiatives, 2-1-1, which launched on 2/11, is a phone number to call which connects local residents with a variety of different services and resources to assist them. It is already launched in numerous other counties and states across the country, and has been deemed successful in Sonoma County in just the short time it started. Upon dialing, you will reach a very knowledgable staff whom will provide you with the resource you need. Whether it be a critical situation, such as help during a fire or flood, housing or rent assistance, support for seniors and the disabled, opportunities to donate or childcare services, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
While 2-1-1 was known in other parts of the country, our United Way had to promote it and gain awareness for the residents of Sonoma County. I was lucky to assist in creating many different posters needed to help promote the launch. Using InDesign and Illustrator, I helped format different documents, choose pictures and help edit them at the end. These posters were passed out to local businesses including the Police Department and local hospital, as well as put on city buses. It was neat to see some of my work shown in the ads throughout the community, and see how I really helped out. To date, 2-1-1 has been one of our most successful initiatives. People all over Sonoma County use it daily, and it also helps gain awareness and business to other companies and organizations. The specialist connects you with resources that you wouldn't have known otherwise, which has had a huge impact in our community, especially when the economy is down and people need more assistance that usual. For more information on 2-1-1 or to utilize their assistance and resources, visit http://www.211wc.org/
One of our most recent initiatives, 2-1-1, which launched on 2/11, is a phone number to call which connects local residents with a variety of different services and resources to assist them. It is already launched in numerous other counties and states across the country, and has been deemed successful in Sonoma County in just the short time it started. Upon dialing, you will reach a very knowledgable staff whom will provide you with the resource you need. Whether it be a critical situation, such as help during a fire or flood, housing or rent assistance, support for seniors and the disabled, opportunities to donate or childcare services, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.While 2-1-1 was known in other parts of the country, our United Way had to promote it and gain awareness for the residents of Sonoma County. I was lucky to assist in creating many different posters needed to help promote the launch. Using InDesign and Illustrator, I helped format different documents, choose pictures and help edit them at the end. These posters were passed out to local businesses including the Police Department and local hospital, as well as put on city buses. It was neat to see some of my work shown in the ads throughout the community, and see how I really helped out. To date, 2-1-1 has been one of our most successful initiatives. People all over Sonoma County use it daily, and it also helps gain awareness and business to other companies and organizations. The specialist connects you with resources that you wouldn't have known otherwise, which has had a huge impact in our community, especially when the economy is down and people need more assistance that usual. For more information on 2-1-1 or to utilize their assistance and resources, visit http://www.211wc.org/
The purpose of this blog was to share my experience so far, in terms of what I have learned, my involvement and United Way as a whole. When I first started, way back in January, I created our "pledge documents", which are used to ask for pledges from our community. They had been already been made, but we switched programs to Adobe InDesign, so I basically had to "re-create" them. I had no experience with InDesign prior to this, but had used similar Adobe programs. Once I gained familiarity, and learned all the different tools and tricks, it was fairly easy. It wasn't difficult to enter all of the information and format it, but it was tough to get everything to line up perfectly, with the same amount of space in between each box and so forth. After skimming through our "InDesign in easy steps" book, as well as fully maximizing the Help tool, I finally got it!
One of the hardest parts was typing up the same document in Spanish. It is very difficult to type up a foreign language when you don't know all of the vocabulary. I couldn't look at a line and then type it up, I had to look at each individual word before I typed it, since I didn't know what it was saying! Luckily we had another source proof-read it, so we knew it was correct.
Once I got the hang of this program, it is really easy to use. There are so many different tools to use, and ways to edit and create even the smallest detail. Luckily for me, Stacy, who is basically my "boss", knows a lot of little tricks to ease the process and help it go quicker. I continue to use InDesign, and it gets easier every time. It has been a great experience, as I am sure a lot of companies today use programs similar to it. One more skill to add to my resume!
One of the hardest parts was typing up the same document in Spanish. It is very difficult to type up a foreign language when you don't know all of the vocabulary. I couldn't look at a line and then type it up, I had to look at each individual word before I typed it, since I didn't know what it was saying! Luckily we had another source proof-read it, so we knew it was correct.
Once I got the hang of this program, it is really easy to use. There are so many different tools to use, and ways to edit and create even the smallest detail. Luckily for me, Stacy, who is basically my "boss", knows a lot of little tricks to ease the process and help it go quicker. I continue to use InDesign, and it gets easier every time. It has been a great experience, as I am sure a lot of companies today use programs similar to it. One more skill to add to my resume!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Photo Shoot
One of the fun events I got to help with was the annual "LIVE UNITED" Photo Shoot. Throughout our community, there are numerous people and organizations that play a large role in creating a great environment as well as helping others. To show how we all "live united" and participate in society together, we capture some of our local idols, volunteers and board members supporting United Way. 
Among our influential members of the community, we were fortunate enough to have Guy Fieri, our own local chef, support the message "live united". We were able to place these images around town and in our fliers and newsletters which definitely helped raise awareness about United Way.
Overall there were about 20 people that got their photos taken, all in support of living united. Whether it be the CEO of a company, a world renowned chef, a first class cyclist, a young girl wanting to break into the modeling industry, or even an intern, all of the people have a huge impact in our community. Some of the "models" this year included the president of Catholic Charities, the employees of California Human Development, the employees of Pediatric Dental Initiative and their "mascot" Chompers, our United Way staff and board members, as well as many other individuals and companies that affect our community.
Among our influential members of the community, we were fortunate enough to have Guy Fieri, our own local chef, support the message "live united". We were able to place these images around town and in our fliers and newsletters which definitely helped raise awareness about United Way.
A few months ago Levi Leipheimer, Wine Country's most famous cyclist, donated his time to help spread the word about living united, as we also got a few pictures of him. His shot was right before the Tour of California kicked off here in the Wine Country, so it was great publicity for both the TOC as well as United Way of the Wine Country.
Overall there were about 20 people that got their photos taken, all in support of living united. Whether it be the CEO of a company, a world renowned chef, a first class cyclist, a young girl wanting to break into the modeling industry, or even an intern, all of the people have a huge impact in our community. Some of the "models" this year included the president of Catholic Charities, the employees of California Human Development, the employees of Pediatric Dental Initiative and their "mascot" Chompers, our United Way staff and board members, as well as many other individuals and companies that affect our community.Even though we had to arrive early and then help clean up at the end, it was great to see the wide variety of people supporting the "LIVE UNITED" message. It truly made me realize that everyone can have an impact, one way or another.
See more photos on how people in the Wine Country "LIVE UNITED"
Me, with Rob Read (Development Officer) and Isaiah Abetya (Resource Development Intern)
From the beginning
When I first started this internship a few months back, I didn't really know what to expect. had heard about United Way and their impact not only in our community, but nationwide, yet I didn't know much about how a non profit functioned and the areas that United Way of the Wine Country focused on. Being a marketing major I was excited to gain business experience, which is a must in the search for jobs today, as well as learn new skills that would help me down the job road ahead. Upon hearing I got the internship, I was more than happy, and was ready and prepared for the next few months ahead. Having already volunteered a lot throughout my lifetime and love the joy of helping others, I was excited to be part of an organization that plays such a large role in making others' lives better.
These past few months have exceeded my expectations, and I have experienced, witnessed and learned about more than I anticipated to gain. Before I dive into the projects I have completed and what I have gained, one of the most important aspects of my internship has been the employees. I have always been told that "If you enjoy what you do, you will never work another day in your life." This seems to hold true for the employees and volunteers here. Each employee is such an intracite part of the outcome of United Way and their success. They fully immerse themselves into each project, event, fundraiser or meeting they are a part of, and do so with passion. A non profit wouldn't be successful if people working there weren't eager to help others and thoroughly enjoyed what they are doing. Day after day they continue to impact people's lives for the betterment of our community and society. Giving up isn't something they are accustomed to, which is clearly showon and recognized. While there are minor setbacks that happen and are uncontrollable, the United Way staff always find a way to overcome these obstacles or work around them. I have been so fortunate to not only learn an immense amount about United Way, non profits in general, and key marketing tools, but I have been able to do so surrounded by a great atmosphere and work environment in which the employees strive to improve the lives of others and enjoy themselves while doing it. What more could I ask for?
These past few months have exceeded my expectations, and I have experienced, witnessed and learned about more than I anticipated to gain. Before I dive into the projects I have completed and what I have gained, one of the most important aspects of my internship has been the employees. I have always been told that "If you enjoy what you do, you will never work another day in your life." This seems to hold true for the employees and volunteers here. Each employee is such an intracite part of the outcome of United Way and their success. They fully immerse themselves into each project, event, fundraiser or meeting they are a part of, and do so with passion. A non profit wouldn't be successful if people working there weren't eager to help others and thoroughly enjoyed what they are doing. Day after day they continue to impact people's lives for the betterment of our community and society. Giving up isn't something they are accustomed to, which is clearly showon and recognized. While there are minor setbacks that happen and are uncontrollable, the United Way staff always find a way to overcome these obstacles or work around them. I have been so fortunate to not only learn an immense amount about United Way, non profits in general, and key marketing tools, but I have been able to do so surrounded by a great atmosphere and work environment in which the employees strive to improve the lives of others and enjoy themselves while doing it. What more could I ask for?
United Way Interns
Hi everybody! To keep everyone updated on events, volunteer opportunities and the activity happening in your local community, as well as experience a non profit from a "behind the scenes" view, I have decided to blog about my experience so far at United Way. Me, being Kim, the marketing intern for United Way of the Wine Country. I have been interning here since January, so the blog is a little late, but I will try my best to catch everyone up on everything that has been happening here. And let me tell you, it has been a lot! Everyone here truly does so much for their community and impacts where we live in such a positive light. All of the hard work and effort here at United Way is reflected right in our community, which is what makes this non profit so effective and amazing. Unlike other large non profits, the donated money we receive, the grants from companies and the fundraising profits are all placed back into the community through our initiatives. Our four main areas of focus are family, youth development, senior independence and resolving crises. We strive upon finding real, lasting solutions that truly play a role in making our community stronger; and we succeed through the numerous volunteers and the power of our community.
By each individual contributing a small amount, whether it be a donation, time volunteering or help fund raise for an event, by living united we can truly make an impact in our communities and provide opportunities for a better tomorrow. While it is most difficult with the downward turn of the economy, this is also the time when others in need appreciate it the most.
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