2007 SLC Blog

Pittsburgh skyline
Brian's opening remarks
Knowledge Cafe Winners
Brian with Nashville team
Poker Icebreaker
John Havron
Terry Worthington

Labels: photos

Labels: photos

Ok! I was unable to write a blog daily while at the Forum and the SLC. But, here are some comments/thoughts per day on a five day journey to Pittsburgh!

Day one, it is 1:00 AM and I can't go to sleep! I need to be up at 5:30 AM because my team will be ready to go north at 6:30 AM, so I'm planning to be at UWA building by 6:00 AM. Well I was able to accomplish getting to the office by 6:10 AM. I needed to stop at Starbucks to buy some gifts we are going to exchange/raffle with the Financial Management and Human Resources Planning Committee and Forum members. Mission accomplished, I arrived at the office on time for our group departure. Ken was driving one of the minivans and Evelyn (VP HR) was driving the second minivan with UWA staff members. We stopped only once, in PA, for some breakfast, and then Chantel and I took a nap on our way to Pittsburgh.
We were in the city of bridges by 11:40 AM. Arrived at the Omni hotel and then went directly to the convention center. Immediately started working with the FM & HR Forum bags and presentations! All done in record time because of the team effort by the UWA staff and planning committee members.

Day two for me started at 5:00 AM, by 6:00 AM I was at the Convention Center and the Forum started sharp at 8:00 AM. I was happy to see many familiar faces and new staff attending the Forum! I was not able to attend Session one, but I was told that the update from FIC, NPC Issues Committee and the HR Human Capital project was of interest to all.
Then the day started to go faster than ever. I was part of the UWA Reviews and Research session, where Karen Brunn made an outstanding presentation on the just "off the press" results from the 2006 Public Opinion Poll! Did you know that from the 6 brand value propositions/promises the two with the highest response rate are, in my opinion, related to accountability? First with 96% favorable rate is “UW makes sure money is well spent” and second with 89% is “UW let’s people know what’s accomplished”. I was able to give an overview of the 990, Financial Statements and UWA Investment Form project, and Ken updated the audience on FASB, IRS Form 990 overhaul and other topics. The day went well and we finished all 17 session with great reviews. At the end of the day we were able to join the rest of the SLC participants on the convention center rooftop for a great welcome reception.

Day three, for me Mike Eskew’s speech was great, inspirational and full of energy! Mike is the CEO of UPS, a great UW partner in the USA and across the globe! If you have a chance, see the podcast of this session by visiting the following link: http://online.unitedway.org/site/vopenfile.cfm?fid=2913891

Day four, both of the Business Challenge Institutes; “Back Office–Debunking the Myths” and “Changing the Focus of Your Metrics” were great! I helped with the session on changing the metrics. WOW!!! What a session! I found a quote from Bill Kitson, CEO UW Greater Toledo that I’ll make a tagline in future conversations, "The real story of this campaign's success is not told in dollar figures alone, but in the lives changed."
In essence we need to get away from staking our value proposition on low overhead. It's not about how much money we spend. It's about the value we create and the lives we change!
Then in the afternoon we conducted 3 more sessions, I personally attended the “Risk Auditing Standards” and the BoardSource session!

Day five was all about ethics and how we can use the 7 pillars of an ethical workplace to better our organization(s). As the closing session from the SLC goes on, our team is working on gathering materials and equipment that will return with us to Alexandria, VA. Last member to join us for the trip back is Jenny Palazio. Jenny has been working behind the giant screen of the main stage for the past three days! All onboard the Membership Accountability and Human Resources team begin their journey back to VA!

Almost 5 hours later we are moving luggage into our personal vehicles heading home for a short weekend before we need to start another week! In general the Financial Management and Human Resources Forum was a great success and the unique experience for new staff to attend some of the SLC events was fulfilling!

We are working on uploading all PowerPoint presentation to United Way Online. Please check Breakfast with United Way for more details! We’ll see you next year at the 2008 Financial Management and Human Resources Forum!

I attended two great sessions and I would be remiss not to mention them...as I reflect upon the conference.

First - Mega Gifts was Mega Cool. The reality of the work going forward is that we need to cultivate donors who can give at 'mega levels' - but to do that its only half the work of resource development staff - the reality is..there should have been a lot more Community Investment staff in the room - we need to also develop the products that people can give too!

Second - Just the Facts Ma'am was just want the doctor ordered. A warm, meaty, hearty and comforting "chicken soup for the research soul". Continued stories of how United Ways are using market research to focus in on the target and drive the business - the reality is..this is our business going forward. Using information to become smarter and nicer to our customer.

If this was a dinner...I would leave a big tip for both of them (25%)...If you were in these sessions...here is your chance to leave a tip for them...make a comment on this blog....

Charles (B Log)

In his typical, smooth way, Brian left us with some final thoughts, and reminded us we are leaders. The great closing to this conference was the performance at the end by an amazing group of young people! The dancers and musicians were unique and inspiring! What a great way to close the week with smiling kids full of hope. Reminds us all why we do what we do! See you in Baltimore!

Ok, I know I shouldn't be negative, but this is a blog, so real thoughts coming......The only response I honestly have after listening to Joel Kotkin is, "what?"

I'll have a final live posting as the session wraps up! Looking forward to the grand finale.

I really looked forward to hearing Ron today. Having read his latest book, I was not surprised to hear him focus on the theme of leadership as it relates to authority. "Leading from any chair" is a concept UW professionals are finding to be critical to master. Direction, protection, and order are the three things humans seek. Authority is given to those who people trust to provide these things. Technical leadership (know-how) is effective in delivering this kind of provision. But when things change in such a way that there are no known answers, then adaptive leadership is called for, which is not always related to authority. Since it's authority's job to have answers, the people in authority will provide answers even if they are wrong. It's much harder for leaders to admit they don't have the answers. Not only is it harder, but it is also more dangerous for a leader.

Heifetz's book "Leadership on the Line" focuses on this dynamic.

Heifetz delivery style took some time to get momentum this morning, but the substance built to a great revealing point of climax. Our challenge as community problem solvers is adaptive. We have to provide leadership without authority. When we realize this is the kind of work needed, we will make progress!

Am very curious to see how this morning's leadership general session will go. Have found that many books and lectures on leadership muse on the qualities, a little on the behaviours associated with, and much on the failure of leadership... but to what end?

What really affects our day-to-day actions? Helps us to express our shared values in every action? Makes us more likely to take the necessary risks? Stimulates us to mentor and coach joyfully, day after day? Rolls up our sleeves when it's time to just get something done? Pauses us... so we can think and dream when dreams are urgently needed? Takes our hand and helps us gently press another into limelight because their voice is important to the goal?

I will keep my ears open this morning for a mention of leaders in unexpected places. That embodying our shared values and goals, for example, means that every individual working and volunteering for United Way has participated in the process of community engagement.

Some day, I would love to know that everyone who calls themselves a part of their United Way has served on a Vision Council, been there when community leaders convened, educated themselves on a community investment goal important to them and talked to a neighbor about it, led an agency visit, offered a personal insight to the community investment folks on a program strategy, metric, implementation challenge. Everyone… the board chair, finance staff, fundraisers, audit committee members, office managers, marketing geniuses, campaign chair, program officers… you get the idea.

Ok. Off the soap box!

[What do you call the box you stand on when you’re listening instead of speechifying?]

Today we will hear from Joel Kotkin from the New American Foundation. He is one of the countries experts on global, economic, political and social trends. In particular, he is a subject matter expert on how cities came to be.

As we wrap up this conference in Pittsburgh, one is struck by its historic strengths, immediate challenges and future opportunities. This is true of all of our cities. Some have more of a bent towards the historic, while others have a leaning towards the new.

Recently in Detroit there was an exhibit that is travelling to New York, Germany, and Tokyo. The exhibit, called Shrinking Cities, looked at communities across the world that share something in common. They are shrinking. As a matter of fact, there are over 350 cities in the world that are shrinking.

My own city of Detroit ---- once a population of 2 million. Today 700,000. Pittsburgh ---once one million strong now 300,000. This is a reality for not only many cities in the US, but across the world.

At dinner last night, I asked Joel "if you had the mayors, United Way execs, county execs, business leaders of these cities together, what advice would you give?"

He had a few thoughts:

• First, figure out who you are as a city. Don't try to be someplace else. Be who you are. "If you have a cool or hip campaign about your region, then your not cool or hip."
• A competitive advantage that many have is they can offer an affordable life. A middle class can actually grow and thrive. Unlike many of the cities on the coast where it has become virtually impossible. This is a huge opportunity he feels.
• Too often 'shrinking cities' get focused on stadiums and festivals, not neighborhoods and schools. Sustainable growth comes when you can return a middle class to the city. And a middle class want strong neighborhoods and good schools.

I like that we have a conference in a city that is working on the struggle of how to change and evolve. I like that I can see how our mission plays a role to this change effort.

To the Pittsburgh team, you did good. We appreciate all your hard work. Thanks for making the SLC a winner.

Had to post this panoramic shot I took tonight from the famous incline. I wish we had a few more nights here!

Let's not forget that conferences are no fun if there's no fun! I am thrilled that next year's CLC is in Baltimore, because once again, our entire staff can go in a car together. Here's a shot of two of our leaders, Joy Stone (left) and Debbie Flinn in the Pittsburgh Steelers' locker room shower!

This has been a great team experience for the 4 of us (me, Joy, Debbie, and Jean Walker) in Danville. Thanks to UWA and UW in Pittsburgh for a great conference!

When you look at communities that have made progress, they often have had stellar leadership at the helm for a sustained period of time. We often overlook the importance of that.

Take Leslie Ann Howard --- the CEO of the United Way in Dane County -Madison,Wisconsin. Leslie came up through the organization and has held the CEO role for a decade. No other United Way can claim what Madison can. Real measurable work at a community level that has changed the way the community believes it can get things done. Eliminate the racial achievement gap. Done. Work to end homelessness. Underway.

Leadership matters and it matters over the long haul.

Seeing today the 50 plus individuals on stage who have put over 30 years into United Way reminds us not only is this a potential career, but it is through those leaders that success at a community level takes place.

Thanks to each of you for teaching us.

Dr. Robert Ross of the California Endowment addressed the SLC at lunch. He defined leadership as 'hope in action.' Our work, our mission and our future is dependent on our ability to move our aspiration into action that creates results. Period.

I read the other day that vision absent of implementation is a hallucination.

As Dr. Ross spoke today I thought of that simple idea. So often we get caught up in our process or our vision that we miss the key ingredient of action. United Way ought to have a bias towards action. We ought to be known for our unique ability to get things done at a community, regional, national and global level. We can take vision ---our hope --- and put it into action.

Earlier today we saw how communities have done just that ---- recognition for outstanding leadership ----awards given through UWA's knowledge cafe. If one wants to see leadership in our system, just visit the highlighted communities in the knowledge cafe. They each demonstrate a core competency for moving 'hope into action.'

Or as Dr. Ross would say, the ability to LEAD.

Today's Webinar was a great success. To view a replay of the webcast, please visit:

Morning General Session: Keynote Speak: Milton Little, Joe Haggerty, and the Knowledge Cafe Contest Winners

Afternoon General Session, Part 1: Alternative Spring Break and 30-year awards

Afternoon General Session, Part 2: Keynote Speaker, Dr. Robert Ross, Spirit of America and Summit Award Winners.

Labels: general session, webcast

This SLC just keeps getting better! Dr. Robert Ross just gave a superb keynote. Again, this is a mobile blog, so I'll keep it short:

1. Changing the world is possible.

2. Leadership = Hope in Action.

3. Chairty is good. Change is better!

4. Grassroots to Treetops - getting the grassroots issues and workable solutions to the treetop policy makers.

A most entertaining and authentic leader and speaker!

Learning made easy - Jacqui Hall! You are inspiring a lot of us with the "romancing" techniques and "closing the deal" on Major Gifts. Your colleagues at United Way International, and our members from Russia are learning, learning and absorbing all that is being taught and exchanged. Thanks all United Way colleagues for sharing your experiences and comments. There's more to go........can't wait to be back in class after this break...

Learning made easy - Jacqui Hall! You are inspiring a lot of us with the "romancing" techniques and "closing the deal" on Major Gifts. Your colleagues at United Way International, and our members from Russia are learning, learning and absorbing all that is being taught and exchanged. Thanks all United Way colleagues for sharing your experiences and comments. There's more to go........can't wait to be back in class after this break...

I attended one of the best breakout sessions in a long time. Changing the focus of our metrics was the topic with Bill Kitson in Toledo, Lauren Segal in Minneapolis, and John Ross in Boston.

The discussion was around changing the conversation about overhead. Bottom line, we have to get away from staking our value proposition on low overhead. It's not about how much money we spend. It's about the value we create. Since this is a mobile posting from my Treo, my thumbs don't feel like going into any more detail! But this was an excellent session on analyzing how UWs are spending, investing, creating, leveraging, and reporting.

I hope UWA continues this contest! This is the best "best practices" session ever. Congrats to United Ways in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Palm Beach, and Dane County. The video presentations followed by café conversations with the winners was very inspirational. One thing I noticed in dismay: No small UW's won. Danville, VA intends to change that, so look out!

Joe Haggerty and Milton Little's conversation around business challenges brought several things out:

1. We are still challenged by operating in the new model when the old model is a die hard!
2. We are differentiated by the fact that we don't just do one thing, or focus on just one issue. The space is open in our communities for such an organization, but we have to lead with excellence.
3. We cannot continue to be obsessed with operating as cheaply as possible. We must effectively leverage investments in our capacity. Talent is a must. We have to be very intentional about the talent we recruit and develop. We must be stewards, but not just by focusing on low "overhead."

Usually it's tough for me to get up early at conferences. This one's different. Thursday's line-up actually has much more in it for me...too much to choose from in fact! We're walking over to the center now, and I'm looking forward to another productive day. If there was one main taleaway from yesterday for me, it was the reminder that this impact work is iterative.

The morning sessions were very inspirational and empowering...to the point that it reminded of a song I love..."Be the Revolution" - the message is very simple _ don't wait for someone else to lead the change.

The opening ceremony was very impactful...listening to Brain talk about his first days of work brought me back to memories of my first days (as an intern) my whole staff was off to Birmingham, Al for the SLC while I sat leafing thru the Internet and reading HR manuals. I believe that Brian's point was that one person can create a chain of events by a simple point of contact where someone of authority took the time to make a difference. I have to share this...I had a an experience as a young staff where someone took a little time with me and it created a chain of events, that i would like to believe made a huge difference. This person doesn't know it..but now they will...it was Meg Plantz with UWA.

I am more conscious now than ever...take the time to make a difference in a young professionals' life and it will pay you back 10 fold.

Ok - I gotta go..I think Burger King is still open. Charles (B Log)

... and a shout out to my girlz of United Way International... blogging fools! They're here to soak up everything you have to offer, so if you see one of us say hey: Wamite, Lauren, Ying, Kyong Suk, Tomoko, Kendra, Agnieszka, Juanita, Joyce, Mila, Roma...

... and mos def the boss lady Teresa.

(yeah, foreign chick trying out american slang... try not to cringe too hard!)

Over two thousand people are at this SLC. Amazing.
Walking into the main hall was an experience. Hundreds of circular tables covered with white table cloth, smiling people introducing themselves left and right, music in the background livening up the mood, and a state-of-the-art stage that boasted three large screens that captured the movements of our key speakers. I was impressed by the environment, but more impressed and inspired by the words of these speakers.

One speaker recited the poem "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole as part of his talk. Indeed, people who do good work are truly bridge builders-- and I think it is more critical than ever to pave good paths for our youth, the future leaders of society. Here is the poem again!

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide—
Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

When I was a kid I lived surrounded by poverty. Tweens who had survived on the streets since they were five lived under corrugated iron angled against the stucco walls defending five bedroom villas. When I got home from school I’d swipe a bottle of clean water from the fridge and swig gulp after gulp cause… gosh… a 2 hour ride home on an un-air-conditioned school bus in 115 degrees Fahrenheit is pretty tough. Corrugated iron. Steel sweep of bright yellow roof. You think this is going to be a story about terrible suffering, a la Sally Struthers. Or maybe how audacious hope and compassion turned some kids’ lives around.

Nope – those are true, but are not this story. Just trying to say that today, those kids might be alive, maybe not… but their successors are still finding a way to survive. And most of them are smart and audacious. They’ve learned enough English to be charming to tourists. Enough acting to be irresistible to donors. Enough canniness to know when to take a risk and when to duck. Enough teamwork to know when to share bread and lentils and when to scatter and regroup after the danger’s over. They sell trinkets, cigarettes, their services as guides… or as sex workers. They never stop. Their energy for survival drives them to work, and work, and work. They, as much as your children, cousins, nieces, nephews, are the future of our species.

And I’ll tell you finally what I’m trying to explain: they embody many of the qualities I want to see in my leaders. They are most decidedly not the least of us.

Dividendo por Colombia knows that the way to nourish healthy neighborhoods now and in the future is to make sure the children of destitute families get a good education; they’ve gotten the department of education, businesses and parents group to join them in this effort.


I learned last week that, thanks to the United Way in Edmonton, Canada, 90% of their 3rd graders are now prepared for 4th grade and beyond; used to be 30%.


I learned today that the United Way of Central Indiana also recognizes the leadership potential in children: their teenagers give, volunteer and help make funding decisions.


Some day, there will be a United Way in Egypt, founded by Egyptians who share our hope and determination… and that’s why I’m here. Because what we’ve learned in Edmonton, and Indianapolis, and Bogota can be transformed into tools for visionaries everywhere working with their neighbors to build better lives. And besides… Cairo’s just the next neighborhood over.

Let the learning begin!

First, as a relative newbie to the system, my first impressions of the SLC has been great! I personnally would like a soundtrack from the first two general sessions.

now, down to business.

The first Fundamental session began with a great new version of poker. All dealt one card, we were asked to make a "winning hand" by finding people in the crowd with the same cards. Basically, this meant finding your matching cards in a sea of chaos. Dealt a pretty good card, Queen of Hearts, I immedietely found my home with the royal flush of hearts. In the grand excitement of the moment, I grabbed all five cards and ran to the front to show the judges. (In my defense, someone did yell at me to go to the front). However, upon arrival at the judges, I realized i had left my entire team behind! So i had to go back to find the bunch- again aligning myself in the sea of chaos.

Sadly, we lost the competition to the royal flush of spades. Then, close behind us was the ever-powerful group of 8 2's. Maybe not the best hand, but deserves an E for Effort for doing your best with the cards you were dealt.


Lessons i took away from this activity -
a) Never leave your team behind, you can't make it alone.
b) Even if you are a two of hearts, still do your best to make the best team you can

Then, we moved on to the first module of the Overview of United Way. It was a great way to meet people from United Ways accross the county and other newbies. It is always motivating to hear how other people got involved in United Way and see that we are all a part of such a giant and powerful movement.

Topics of the Day
-Mission, Vision, Values, Theory of Change
-Structure, Leadership, Membership, Standards of Excellence

Special shout out to my very own United Way International with our own informational slide. If anyone in the session wants more information, please let me know!

Now time for some celebration at Heinz field. Thanks to everyone for making this such an enjoyable and productive experience.

I was struck when our host city CEO -- Bill Meyer of Pittsburgh --- said that he began with United Way 37 year's ago. Then a bit later, Mark O'Connell of Atlanta, had just reached that milestone.

Both of these men are retiring from United Way in the coming weeks. I have had the chance to know them for many years. For me, while I am happy for them, I have a bit of melancholy about the departure of this combined 75 years of service.

Within them rests a deep perspective about what United Way stands for, where we have been and where we might go. They have a deep curiosity about why some communities make progress and others don't. They care about those around them and work to mentor others. Mission first, institution second, self last. They represent the best of who we are.

I have a great deal of respect for the work they have done. Much of our progress today in some ways is built upon the work they have accomplished over the years. Simply, they made others and the communities in which they served better.

My hope is that for a system like ours that isn't very good at taking time for reflection and development of critical thinking, we need to find ways to keep the talents of Bill, Mark and others engaged with us. We must create the pathway --- the space --- for that engagement. Why? Because it will make us all better at the work we do each day.

To you Bill and Mark, I say thank you and God's speed in the days ahead.

Mark O'Connell, CEO of Metro Atlanta United Way, introduced UPS as United Way's best friend. How true. At the end of his introduction, he brought out Mike Eskew, Chairman and CEO, of UPS. Mike shared with us the UPS story --- the transformation of UPS since 1907.

As I listened to how UPS has made a global imprint, I thought of how they do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission. In Northern Michigan, there is a small beautiful town located on Mackinac Island. Christopher Reeves once made a film at the Grand Hotel located on the island. A small location of paradise in the waters of Lake Michigan. The deal is though, no cars allowed. Hence, no trucks. Any trucks. Even Brown Trucks.

On a recent visit, as I walked up to the Grand Hotel, there went past me on horse a UPS driver with packages for delivery. Dressed in his 'browns', the driver headed off to get the package to the customer.

So when they say the do whatever it takes to satisfy a customer ---- they mean it. We can learn much from our partner UPS, but their fierce focus on mission and the satisfaction of a customer is a beacon we must follow. Even if it means climbing on the horse.

Brian Gallagher, in his keynote address to the Staff Leader's Conference today, spoke of the importance of United Way leaders putting voice to the 'common good.' That is, in a society that has created a core capacity for special interest, there must be organizations/leaders who stand for a broader ---- more inclusive----target. The Common Good is a clear recognition that none of us truly succeed when we have large portions of our communities falling further behind.

As I view it, United Way will need to be more often identified as creating 'pathways' to the common good. When we are at our best, United Way provides individuals and institutions ways to 'connect with', 'participate in' and 'link with other interested parties' who are working on the common good.

When we are viewed by others as the pathway for the expression of a personal mission or organization's mission, we have lifted up our role in community in a more powerful way.

So when we talk about increasing our investment in issues like financial stability from $1 billion to $1.5 billion ----- that is important. But as powerful is if United Way creates the pathway for citizens to help others leverage assets like EITC. Could United Way set a national target to mobilize 1, 000, 000 trained volunteers to work in communities to double the utilization of Earned Income Tax Credits? Can United Way be the pathway to engagement? The pathway to connect to a larger purpose? The mobilizer of action. The pathway to the common good?

I think the answer is yes.

An incredible amount of work behind the scenes goes into making the conference a success. There are many people that work night and day to give us such a great experience and I'd like to introduce you to one such individual - Michael the video guy!

Michael manages all of the camera feeds and videos that you see in the general sessions and without him, we would be staring at a blank screen... I always find it interesting to ask people about what they do, and here's what he said:



More from "behind the scenes" later!

Every year, I find it very exciting to see the months and months of preparations, planning and hard work come together in the opening General Session. The first session is so important because it sets the tone for the rest of the conference. It is also very exciting for those of us behind the scenes - as we hold our collective breath until the first speaker takes the first few steps on stage.

For the webcasting crew, today marked a very successful launch of the 2007 SLC webcast series. Our morning started at 6am - giving us just enough time to get ready for the first session:



After all was said and done, we had about 120 locations log on for the first webinar and nearly 90 log on to the second. All of the post-session feedback was extremely positive and we are looking forward to the remaining four webcasts on Thursday and Friday.

If you missed the live general session (either in person or online),

Click here to view Webcast #1

Click here to view Webcast #2

What a great treat to celebrate UPS as a partner with United Way. Mark O'Connell introduced the CEO of UPS (Mike Eskew) by saying UPS was an organizational "best friend." Best friend indeed.

As I listen to Mike Eskew, I heard him say something we should be able to relate to.... he said UPS is NOT a trucking company. It is a technology company with trucks. I immediately thought that similarly, UW is NOT a fund-raising organization. We are a community impact organization that does fund-raising.

Mike focused on partnership, and said that the reason UPS is such a friend to UW is that we are local, and we increase access to opportunities. We are not a short-term charity. We are about lasting solutions. He also applauded our sense of accountability. He urged that our partnership must continue to develop and move forward...raising the bar.

Then Mike shared a term they use at UPS: Constructive Dissatisfaction....always looking to improve. I like that term.

Finally, Mike discussed leadership. He said the essence of leadership is vision. Leaders must continue sharing and communicating the vision, and creating inspiration around the vision.

He left us with 3 areas we should focus on:
1. Global future.
2. Voluntarism.
3. Tell your story. Share your vision.

Good stuff!

Here is my first official post for SLC and it is on the Opening Session. Since this is my first SLC I do not know what to expect. So walking into the room and hearing Shakira on the loud speaker, well it shattered any idea that this will be stuffy event. Then the dancers in the beginning great way to open!

Kudos to Bill on all the work he began with creating Day of Caring. It made me think of how far an idea can go. Especially since United Way Ghana had their first Day of Caring last year. I wonder if Bill thought his idea would spread the waters? That is the "Audacity to Hope" as he stated.

During Brian's speech he said a few quick things that really stuck out to me. First, "resources under you management," I love that phrase. It will be added to my United Way vocabulary. He mentioned United Way's great progress but how we need to move at a faster rate. I concur, I am sure everyone here is ready for this challenge. Another issue which I have coincidentally been in conversations about a lot lately is America's graduation rate. How it is not as positive as the statistics first made it seem. Of course once he spoke of United Way International (UWI) I became excited (yay for the UWI team). I hope his words encouraged all UW staff to broaden their scope of community impact, since America's communities/corporations have a global face.

Time for lunch so till next time.

Labels: international

The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades (Timbuk 3) - "I love my classes I got a crazy teacher, he wears dark glasses Things are going great, and they're only getting better I'm doing all right, getting good grades The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades "

Not only is this a great quote from a great song and if you can guess it - then not only were you a product of the 80's, but also on the top of the roof of the convention center for the SLC opening reception - I know I am gonna love my classes/seminars - I know I will have some crazy teachers - they may be wearing the sunglasses that were handed out last night - and after seeing all the late night "networking", I am sure the sunglasses will be used today - despite the rain...Today, will be bright.

I would love to hear from others - what song would sum up your first experience at the conference...

Side Note:
After the great reception - we headed out to a great local place for food called "Tapas" - its kinda like a very fancy sushi. While it was a great experience - i couldn't help but crave something a little more hearty like "Cincy Chile" that really sticks to your ribs.

Charles (B Log )

Ok, while it would have been cool for each of us to get a Steeler Terrible Towel, the welcome event is a huge hit. Great big band music, super food and drink, great environment, and Steeler QB Charlie Batch. Not to mention the super fellowship you only get among UW pros! Thanks to the Steelers and the NFL for their partnership and hospitality.

Brian doesn't give many speeches without talking about the global work and network. He reminded us that along with business and government, the voluntary sector MUST work at a global level.

Finally, he reiterated that the UW profession is an honorable place to be, and the best place to be in the non-profit sector. But we must remember that we don't succeed unless everyone succeeds.

All people want in life is a good job, a decent place to live, and financial stability. And we (UW) have the responsibility to lead our communities to a greater future.

Following Brian's speech, an overview on the Financial Stability Partnership.

More of Brian's keynote....

The social contract has changed. The givens have changed. As I listen to Brian talk about EITC and other fiancial stability issues, I am reminded that we are an organization focused on the issues that make America what it is. Big issues. Issues the government grapples with. Schools wrestle with them. Families struggle with them. We're talking about the very fabric of our communitites. What a big job! And what a great position we are in to become/be the leaders. The Financial Stability Partnership is UW's response, but is still in early stages.

Brian shared a story of a woman in San Antonio who has struggled her way to financial stability. It always helps to put a real face on the issues.

It's not just about human services. It's about changing systems.

Brian opens with what it means to be a UW professional. In usual Brian Gallagher fashion, pride is a theme. "We need each other," he said. He spoke about mentors that help us become the best professionals we can be.

Next, it was on to "what were we talking about 5 years ago?" We were talking about restoring pride, and creating impact. We took courageous steps toward tall orders. And we have made progress. Brand value is up, resources/revenue is up, and impact is up.

Next, challenges:
1. We're too slow. We still have old value proposition. We need to be more bold. We are making institutional progress, but we are still not making community progress at a fast enough rate.

Great start to the week at the opening session. The dance presentation was a very inspirational way for us to see "the people we help." It's a good reminder that the people for whom we work each day have many different faces, and as many individual stories and needs. The message is clear. We don't do what we do to raise money, crunch numbers, or facilitate meetings. We do it to give people hope.

Brian's next. More to come......

The gloves really are nice...stop by the United eWay booth and see...grow your campaigns - naturally!

randy
United eWay

What a great start! Very nice reception last night, and then a real treat for me to get together with my fellow ExecuSTEP alumni for dinner at the 1902 Tavern. This morning, it's over to the center to register (got in late last night), and then to breakfast with a member of the Resident Fellowes program to learn more about her experience and progress in leading in her United Way Role.

I am looking forward to the opening session this morning as well. I always enjoy hearing Brian's perspective on how the system is doing. In our dinner conversation last night, we discussed how the United Way "movement" is alive and well. But we're always asking - what next? We know we're not "there" yet, but we're moving forward, and that's always exciting!

The world is flat...or at least seemed to be smaller to me today at the conclusion of two days spent pre-SLC in conference with the Major Gifts Expansion Intiative pilot participants from the UWI. As each participant described his or her local environment and the issues and challenges faced in major giving, we all discovered that no matter whether in Moscow or Cape Town, South Africa, we all shared many of the same issues. For example, what is the best strategy and tactical steps to take in segmenting the potential "market" for donors? What do you do first? How do you involve volunteers and provide opportunities for them to best contribute?

During our two days together, much knowlege and learning was exchaged, as well as warm connections made. I am confident that these eight UWI's, as well as their new Sister Cities, will continue to build relationships with one another, and will find ways to share their good work as they move forward in their countries and regions.

Ah, the SLC…where high-tech and high-touch coexist harmoniously…where partnerships are formed, naturally…for the benefit of all, you’ll see…so stop by the booth for a chat with Doug, Michael, Brian or me…after all it’s Pittsburgh, birthplace of the Smiley :-)

Randy
eWay

For the last two years, United Way has webcast the general sessions from the Community Leaders Conference and this year will be no different. All of the six general sessions will be broadcast live and we invite you to join us! Of course, some of the webcast sessions will start as early as 7:30 a.m. ET, and we expect that many of our West coast colleagues may still be asleep in their beds. Or if you are one of those late risers on the East coast, all of the general sessions will also be available for replay online later.

If you would like to watch one or more of the virtual sessions live, you only need to register once by clicking on the link below:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

We also realized that many people have no idea what goes into producing a conference of this magnitude. I remember my first time behind the scenes at the 2005 CLC in Grapevine, Texas. I was amazed at all of the technology and manpower required to make everything happen on time.

In the spirit of sharing, we thought we would periodically update you with the "behnind the scenes" view of this years Staff Leaders Conference.

To start, here is a short video that we recorded earlier today.



See you online soon!

Jon Beekman and Marcia Struniak

Okay - since my last posting, I have been able to complete my packing, set the "out of office" assistant, and changed the voicemail message to "gone fishing at the SLC lake of knowledge". More importantly - this past weekend I attended a college graduation ceremony (only the third person in my family to attend college).

As an individual that came from a very poor (but well bonded) farm family - I find the Financial Stability model inspirational and exciting - but there is a reality of the mountain that families will have to climb to see what it looks like.

I have to admit that several times during the activities I thought about our new national and local initiative "Economical Stability" (aka Financial Stability). I saw a mass of young people walking down a pathway of this thing we are calling Financial Stability - making the right choices of financial literacy, good credit, continued education, marketable skills, job readiness, etc. It was taking our conceptual theory and putting in 'real time'.

Two things came to mind with my combined ten hours of driving (pre SLC):

1. Will (and should) the UWA provide not only a 'conceptual model of Financial Stability' but also have the 'real life faces' of what the initiative looks life in our communities?
2. Not only promote the fact that 'Financial Stability' is the next national initiative - BUT provide the information that supports why this was more important than the other things that could have made the spot behind UW211 and Success By 6.

Safe travels - and I look forward to hearing from my fellow travellers on these two views....B Log.

So I am thinking it would be cool to do some real time (live) blogging right from the SLC sessions I attend. So here's a test from my Palm Treo. Trying to make sure I can post without a computer! Maybe some apt summaries/reviews would be of some value to those either unable to attend, or who are at other sessions.

In the meantime, all 4 of our staff will be leaving together early in the morning (Tues) for the long drive to Pittsburgh. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

I hope there are some learning opportunities geared toward staff leaders of smaller United Ways. As President of a small United Way, we are doing some great work toward community impact many of the tools used and issues faced by larger UWs are simply not applicable or feasible. In particular, the piece on operational excellence. The Standards of Excellence has been a superb tool for us, but I'd like to know more about operational capacity and efficiency for smaller organizations. We are bringing our entire staff of 4 (RD, Community Investment, Finance, and President). Anyone know of any sessions our staff should look out for?

This is my first SLC and I'm a bit curious about how different it will be compared to the CLC. Apparently since there are no volunteers at the SLC things have a little different tenor. I've heard the expression, "the SLC is where we let our hair down." I always enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of people "letting their hair down" and I'm looking forward to seeing what that actually means in UW parlance.

Watching people let their hair down is just one of my people watching goals for the week. As an introvert, conferences are quite the mixed blessing for me. Something like having a really good ice cream that gives you "brain freeze." Conferences make me wish I had a little more true extroversion to leverage. Oh well. I'm still really looking forwarding to seeing folks but if you see me curled up in the fetal position under a table, it's probably just the introvert brain freeze :-)

Introvert or not, the conference is a huge opportunity for me. There's a great and short conference article by Peter Sorenson that can get the introverts (and the unfocused extroverts) a lot more bang for their conference buck. It's a short quick read: http://www.workteams.unt.edu/old/conf/Fall2005/sorenson.htm

See you in Pittsburgh!

Labels: introvert

4 days and counting!!! I can't wait for the weekend! Anyway, I want to let you know that on Thursday, May 17th we are offering two session related to SoE Component 5-Operations during the Business Challenge Institutes:
1. Back Office-Debunking the Myths in Room 414. As you may know collaborations does not mean merger by stealth. In reality it is all about finding the ways to best utilize capacity among UWs for the benefit of the community and the system as a whole.
2. Changing the Focus of Your Metrics will be in Room 415. Learn how to turn overhead and other financial terms into brand assets.
These two sessions will be packed with promising practices, examples and actual strategies for you to use in your community. Please make sure you consider either one of these great sessions.
Finally, thanks to all the members of the Financial Management and Human Resources Forum for their guidance and tireless effort. We would not be able to make this a reality without their support! Special kudos to Mike Green, Senior VP and CFO, UW of Metropolitan Nashville and Sonia Johnson, VP of Human Resources & Administration, UW of the Quad Cities Area (Chairs) for their leadership during this journey!
I'll be packing and paying bills during the weekend, plus I need to clear my mind of all the Forum details, so I'll not be posting anything Saturday or Sunday! Look for more on Monday; when I'll tell you how the drive was (over 4 hours) from Alexandria, VA to Pittsburgh, PA!!! :-)
Mahalo!

Even before I started going to the national conferences, I would get excited when seeing the announcements for the SLC/CLC coming out - it was the sign that spring was here and shortly after the event - I would be off to vacation in the Caribbean with my wife (no kids allowed) - things haven't changed - five days after the conference, I will be sitting in the sun by the pool in Jamaica.

SO - here it is five days before we leave for the conference and we all have a million things to do before we leave...here are a few of my things:

1. Answer the flurry of emails from those asking "are you going and can we connect"?
2. Finding some clean team wear - I was told we are suppose to wear it Wednesday!
3. Dusting off my Bengals gear - cause we are going to our arch rival city! Who Dey! Who Dey gonna beat those Bengals!
4. Getting an oil change because our arranged transportation (a bus) never happened! And I have been practicing all my favorite 'bus songs' for the last three months.
5. Staying up late to fine tune my resume and passing it out during the conference (just kidding Rob).
6. Charging up the blackberry - "always on always connected" is the motto of the Young Leaders.

I am sure I am forgetting something - I'll save that for next posting. If you have things on your last minute list..please post!

My United Way Thought for The Day:

I find some irony in the fact that in today's world we believe that technology has made us "more connected" - but I find that people get so excited about the CLC/SLC because it gets back to the best way to really connect with each other - in person, with real conversation, hand shakes for new friends, and hugs for old friends.

Oh yea, I must give a shout out to all my Peep's in Cincy that couldn't make it to the SLC. The Blog will be great to connect with people at the conference but also with all the important people back home - keeping the 'wheels on the impact bus' in motion (that's for you - Lauren).
Charles (B Log)

The SLC program on Friday morning is all about leadership development and leadership behavior--kicked off by Ron Heifitz of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Heifitz, a trained psychoanalyst, is one of the more sensitive and thoughtful writers on the leadership topic we know--which is why he was invited to the conference! His two well known books, Leadership Without Easy Answers and Leadership on the Line both deal with what he calls "adaptive leadership" and "adaptive situations"--and suggest a much more nuanced model of leadership than classical, hierachical-with-authority approaches. In addition to stimulating what I