Volunteer Driven

Through the work of hundreds of volunteers United Way successfully raises dollar that make a world of difference in the lives of ordinary people in our community.

Governed by a board of 31 individuals our United Way is one of 1,400 autonomous United Ways, or locally governed organization that belong by membership to United Way of America. Assisted by hundreds more individuals that volunteer to serve on our various committees United Way is the way to inject community values and morals into the funding equation. Adding a community process for helping that is fair and equitable to all that apply.

Our Board and Committees

Like most organizations a Board of Directors, individuals who donate their time and talent to guide our actions, governs United Way. Elected at our annual meeting our President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasure serve at the direction of our members. In addition we have individuals who serve as Vice Presidents in charge of various committees and a additional members who serve in one of three classes that rotate every three years.

In our Funds Distribution Committee process, we share the work of approving applications with 60+ individuals who give up evenings and some weekends to help make the spending decision for United Way. Looking over the financial statements, analyzing the programs offered, and acting as the eyes, ears and voice of the community our funds distribution committee members verify that dollars donated to United Way are spent wisely. The process takes several weeks and requires meetings with each agency board before the work is complete.

Our Campaign Cabinet made up of dozens of individuals who serve as Division chairs and Panel Chairs and volunteers helps United Way raise the community's awareness and direct their gifts.

Our Pacesetter Committee, chaired by a member of our Board, invites local businesses to run an early campaign and set the pace for the community campaign. With special promotions and extra special effort Pacesetter Companies typically see large increase in employee gifts, in employee participation, and in Leadership Giving. Pacesetter Companies agree to set an example…leading the community in What Matters.

A panel of several individuals serves on our Communications Committee. These individuals make the marketing decisions for United Way. Helping to draft and coordinate the video, print the various brochures and arranging media coverage. They help keep you informed. It is through the generosity of local media that we share our message and the message of need with you!

The Loaned Executive Committee and their team are the backbone of the United Way's successful fund drive. It is the through the willingness of local businesses to lend their top executives to our campaign effort that provides many of our workers, helping keep the cost of fundraising low. Loaned Executives receive training and then assist local businesses in running their United Way Campaign. Our Loaned Executive chair and co-chairs supervise the advancement of these individuals to complete the training process.

Our Training Chair works in conjunction with our Loaned Executive Committee to help train volunteers to work in our campaign and return to their jobs with enhanced skills. The challenge to encourage individuals who volunteer to continue to learn is part of this team's effort.

Serving as a critical part of our long-range strategic plan is our Planning Chair and the planning committee. Responsible for our efforts in 2004 to once again evaluate our needs as a community this committee's work will enable organizations small and large to qualify for funds from outside sources because they can better address community need. Look for an opportunity to participate in the Needs Assessment process soon.

We keep connected to the agencies we serve through the work of our Agency Council.

Every non-profit requires guidance to insure they operate under strict rules and invest wisely. Our Finance Committee directed by our Treasurer, meets monthly and reviews our budget, our spending, and our income to insure your gifts are well spent. Asking volunteers to hold United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill accountable to the community we serve is one of the many ways we insure we are doing What Matters.

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