These heels were made for walking…
We all struggle to find extra time to give back, with busy lives
and obligations beyond our capacity. However, getting involved
and supporting your community can be easier than you think.
Especially when you think outside the box and help out in a
non-traditional way. I’d say two men strapping on a pair of red
high heels is pretty non-traditional. But then again, so is
holding a toilet paper drive…the possibilities are endless!
Talking the Talk AND Walking the, uh, Walk…
Both of us recently participated in an event called “Walk a Mile
in Her Shoes”. This event was organized by WEAVE, a certified
United Way partner, to raise awareness and donations for domestic
violence. We literally walked the walk—a mile to be exact—along
with hundreds of other Sacramento men. The click-clack on the
course of heels hitting the pavement was the start to a fun day
of building awareness and new relationships. Participating in an
event like this not only benefits the cause, but also allows you
to add others to your social and professional network. A true
win-win. Walks supporting various causes occur almost every
weekend of the year. Check out the United
Way calendar on the website or the Sacramento
Bee Community Events Calendar for upcoming events. Looking
for something more specific? Check out the website for certified
United Way certified nonprofit partner Volunteers of America.
Gee, that sounds fun…I’m ready to go! Now what?
Outside of participating in a walk or volunteering your time,
consider getting involved in the LIVE
UNITED movement. You can join us for the 3rd Annual LIVE
UNITED Toilet Paper Drive and make a difference in many people’s
lives—all by sparing a few squares (see photos on side). Consider
holding your own Toilet Paper Drive in your office or with a
group of friends and drop it by Cal Expo on Thursday, June 16th
from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The toilet paper will be distributed the
following week to many of United Way’s 142 certified nonprofit
partners in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo
counties, allowing local nonprofits to offset the thousands of
dollars they spend each year on toilet paper—money they could be
spending on vital programs. Looking for something different? You
can even make a difference by shopping online at some of your
favorite retailers using the tool
Cafégive from the convenience of your home. A portion of the
proceeds will come directly back to your local United Way.
I’m ready for a more long term commitment!
Aside from continuing to help out in non-traditional ways, such
as helping to collect toilet paper or participating in a walk,
consider joining one of United Way’s
member groups such as Women in Philanthropy or Emerging
Leaders. This is an easy way to meet like-minded professionals
ready to give back. Some members are extremely involved, while
others get involved when they can—so you will not be alone if you
agree to participate at whatever capacity you’d prefer.
Bottom line—there are options for everyone and every type of
schedule when it comes to giving back. So get involved today and
have fun, change lives, meet new friends, do good, and walk the
walk.
Cole Forstedt and Brian Jones both work at United Way California Capital Region in Resource Development
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