This semester was a continuation in the service learning area that I started last semester. I have been working with the United Way as a part of the allocations committee. There were several allocation committee groups and each group’s responsibilities included review and recommendation for several organizations from the Southwest Louisiana area. For my allocation group there were several “worthy” organizations. Some of these included the 2nd Harvest, Iberia Parish Medical, Calcasieu Parish Parkinson’s Alliance, and a few others. The interesting thing about my group’s assignment is that all of these groups were “new” to the United Way. This meant that none of the organizations we reviewed had ever received United Way funding in the past, whereas all of the other organizations reviewed by other groups had received funding in previous years.
The early part of the semester concluded the season for the United Way with the allocation committees reviewing each site followed by the gathering of all committees and members to make a final decision on distribution of the funds. Last year there were collections of 2.4 million dollars with allocations to over 30 organizations in the Southwest Louisiana area. The most difficult task is to determine which organizations will receive what monetary amounts and often times there is consideration of what was received during the prior year. Most organizations experience a budget increase from year to year so organizations typically request an increase for this year’s United Way budget allocation. The allocation committee has to closely examine new organizations and their request as well as old organizations and their requests and previous allocations. This year, the collections were almost identical in numbers with 8 new organizations requesting funding. This presented a challenge as the total amount of funds available for this year was 2.4 million dollars and the total requests for funding exceeded 2.8 million dollars. It was ultimately decided to give each organization the same amount allocated as last year and new organizations would be given a small amount divided between them. While this is not optimal, it is felt by the committee to be the most appropriate way to distribute funds given the financial constraints.
In order to answer the question “what was the worst part of this semester,” I reflected on the allocations process and the significant amount of time spent listening to the presentations of each organization. The requests for funding from new organizations ranged from $1800 to $75000. It is difficult to realize how many organizations serve the underserved of Southwest Louisiana. They all seemed to have legitimate needs that would change lives because of the services or assistance each organization offered to these groups of people. The worst part of this semester is the thought that the money simply isn’t available for every need and every organization. Knowing that someone is lacking in his or her ability to serve is difficult to process and rationalize. This also relates to the most difficult part of the semester. To make a determination of who “needs” the funding more between two legitimate groups is difficult. Sifting through the facts and budgets and getting down to the individuals (poor, homeless, disabled, etc.) who need these groups can be heart wrenching. It makes it easy to have a great appreciation for the health, food, clothing, and shelter that I have.
Today was the kickoff breakfast of the new United Way campaign. It was set against a back drop of people buzzing with excitement. It started at 7:30 this morning and was deemed a “celebration” by the master of ceremonies. The local organizations that benefitted from the “success” of last year’s campaign were recounted and celebrated. Local dignitaries from Senators, City Councilmen, and local Mayors from around the area joined the celebration. There was even a local high school marching band. It truly had the feel of the first football game of the season! There was great anticipation as the “pace setters” (early campaigns among local businesses) have already collected over $500,000 toward next year’s campaign. This really set the tone and inspired those involved to get started in another successful year. While being a part of the success of last year’s campaign was rewarding, the “kickoff breakfast” was easily the best thing about this semester.
I learned so much about the things and people in my hometown through this event. I realized just how many “underserved” there are in Southwest Louisiana and the Lake Charles area. I also learned first-hand how different organizations contribute to meeting the needs of these individuals. More impressively, I learned how giving and how big the heart of my community is and it made me proud to see “Jesus” reflected in these groups of great people! The leadership is awe inspiring. I also learned that the best way for me to make a difference in my community and the underserved is to be involved! Whether it is in serving breakfast to the homeless at Abraham’s Tent, collecting dry goods for the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter, or actively participating in the United Way allocation committee, participation is needed and inspiring to others! On a professional level, I know that I can lead or be a voice my office’s campaign, volunteer at the Calcasieu Community Clinic, or even be a voice for the medically underserved in determining finance allocations.
I look forward to this year’s campaign and being a part of the campaign allocation committee in the spring of 2012. I hope to inspire those around me to be active and participate in the United Way or one of the dozens of organizations that need volunteers to be successful and change my community. I also look forward to bringing wisdom and good judgment to the process of allocating funds. Finally, I hope to successfully expand my role as a United Way volunteer when I can chair or vice-chair one of the committees. It is here that I foresee many of the qualities of leadership and expertise that are learned in the DNP process being used.
