United Way of Forsyth County

1. 2010 Educate> Engage> Empower United Way of Forsyth County

2. WLC Mission • To reach out to women in our community to educate, engage, and empower them in meeting the most pressing needs in Forsyth County. • Our objective is to help women develop even further as philanthropic leaders, advocates and community investors through volunteer, education, and networking opportunities. United Way of Forsyth County

3. History of WLC: • The First WLC was started 10 years ago, now there are over 130 “chapters” across the country. • In 2007, United Way of Forsyth County started our local WLC. • Since inception, we have grown to over 840 members and have raised more than $1,500,000. United Way of Forsyth County

4. What is the WLC Focus? • An Increased Graduation Rate Provides Significant Benefits to our Community: • On average, high school graduates earn 32% more than high school drop-outs. • Graduates more likely to live above the poverty line and less likely to serve time in prison or to experience homelessness. • High graduation rates help attract new business to communities and fuels stronger local economies. • High school graduates are critical to a stable and productive workforce. United Way of Forsyth County

5. Focused Objective To provide success-ready students to the 9th grade, with initial focus on Middle School students that will enter 9th grade at Parkland Magnet High School by funding the following projects: • Tutoring program • Strengthening Families Program  • Summer Success Academy United Way of Forsyth County

6. Tutoring Program • 2 prong approach which includes both traditional afterschool tutoring, as well as an innovative model that includes an additional in classroom teacher in each Language Arts classroom. Over 230 students are being touched by this project, every single week. • Saturday Academy allowed students to receive additional tutoring hours to prepare for their EOG tests. • One 6th grader (Victor Gonzalez) has been quoted “My parents always want me to stay for tutoring all the time. They say it will help me do better in school and afterschool, and I want to pass the EOG this year.” United Way of Forsyth County

7. Strengthening Families Program • The goal of the Strengthening Families Program is to strengthen parenting skills, improve family relationships and communication and to reduce substance abuse and other problematic behaviors in middle school students. • A meal, childcare, and incentives for participation are provided. • SFP has completed 11sessions. • 49 families have graduated thanks to the efforts of WLC women who have provided over 400 volunteer hours. United Way of Forsyth County

8. Summer Success Academy • The 2009 Summer Success Academy at Philo Magnet Academy was held for two weeks in mid-July, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each weekday. This year WLC expanded to include rising 7th graders at Philo Magnet Academy and rising 6th graders at Hill Magnet School. • Transportation, breakfast and lunch were provided free of charge again this year. • We had 63 rising 6th graders and 40 rising 7th graders attended the Summer Success Academies. • WLC provided over 300 volunteer hours to support the Summer Success Academies. • The 2010 Summer Success Academy will be expanded to Mineral Springs Middle School United Way of Forsyth County

9. Measuring Our Success • Since we are working with middle school students, it will be several years before our projects have a direct impact on the county’s high school graduation rate. • Success will be measured by: • improvements in standardized test scores • the number of students that are functioning at grade level • the number of students that are promoted to the next grade • reduced behavior problems in school United Way of Forsyth County

10. How Can You Help? • Join WLC - Take Advantage of the R. J. Reynolds Foundation Challenge Match which is available to new and next Level Leadership Circle Donors • Let Us Hear From YOU! We welcome your ideas, involvement and creativity wlc@uwforsyth.org • Spread the Word – Invite your friends and colleagues to learn more about the WLC United Way of Forsyth County

11. How the Challenge Match Works • Leadership Circle Step-Up • (For New Leadership Circle Donors) • Members contributing $500 or commit to increase their contribution by at least $100 annually to reach the Leadership Circle level of $1,000 • Members will receive a match in each year equal to the difference between their contribution and $1,000 • These members will be recognized as Leadership Circle donors beginning in year one United Way of Forsyth County

12. Leadership Circle Step-Up United Way of Forsyth County

13. Here’s another example with a donor currently giving more than $500. Leadership Circle Step-Up United Way of Forsyth County

14. How the Challenge Match Works • Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge • (For Existing Leadership Circle Donors) • Those who are Leadership Circle members should commit to reaching the next level and increase their contributions based on the table on the next slide • Donors have up to 5 years to reach the next leadership level • Donors will be recognized at the next leadership level beginning in year one United Way of Forsyth County

15. Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge United Way of Forsyth County

16. For example, a woman already giving $1,000 should plan to increase her giftby $100 each year to get to $1,500. Leadership Circle Next Level Challenge United Way of Forsyth County

17. Common Questions Asked • If the woman has a spouse who gives, how can she qualify for the WLC match? • The intent of the match is to empower women to give more money to United Way, not to shift the couple’s giving. In addition to what the spouse currently gives, the woman needs to increase her personal contribution by the minimum requirement. • Can the woman designate her increase to an agency? • No, in order to become a WLC donor and receive the match, she must designate the increase to go to WLC. All increases and matches will go to the WLC project. • If a woman has already fulfilled her WLC commitment and reached her targeted Leadership Circle Level, what must she do to maintain her WLC membership? What match will she receive? • Your gift should increase annually by $25 or more. Your increase will be matched dollar-for dollar and will be used to fund WLC projects. United Way of Forsyth County

18. Common Questions Asked • Can the woman designate her entire contribution to the WLC? • No, so as not to negatively impact the United Way’s overall campaign funding, only the increased contribution and the match can go to the WLC. • Will the WLC match dollars be included in the company’s total United Way contribution? • No, but the company can count the increased contributions by its employees. • Can men join the WLC or contribute to the WLC in honor of a wife/mother/daughter/etc.? • No, the WLC is limited to women members. However, men are encouraged to take a brochure and pledge form home and ask his wife/daughter to make an individual contribution to participate in WLC. United Way of Forsyth County

19. For More Information • Visit United Way’s website • www.forsythunitedway.org • E-mail us atwlc@uwforsyth.org • Visit our Facebook page United Way of Forsyth County