Community Voices FAQs
What is Community Voices?
Community Voices is a bureau of speakers designed to give important stakeholders of United Way a deeper understanding of the important work that United Way and its partner agencies carry out to advance the common good in our communities. Community Voices Speakers serve as ambassadors for United Way by participating in workplace campaign calls and sharing stories about the challenges they face and people they serve.
Why do we need Community Voices Speakers?
Speakers play an integral role in raising awareness and support around United Way’s three impact areas: Children, Youth and Families. They explain how United Way and its partner agencies work to find solutions that address issues in these impact areas. Speakers engage more donors to support the work done by United Way and its partner agencies thereby increasing the resources available to the community.
Who makes a good speaker?
-Passionate United Way partner agency’s staff members who love what they do, and speak enthusiastically about their work
-Experts in one of United Way’s three impact areas (Children, Youth and Families )
-Staff who are involved with United Way initiatives (e.g. Math, Science and Technology Initiative, Today’s Girls Tomorrow’s Leaders, Housing First, among others)
-Staff members who understand their agency’s relationship with United Way
-Staff members who are alumni of the programs at their agency
-Clients whose lives have been effected by agency programs, and who can serve as advocates on behalf of that agency
What do I gain by becoming a speaker?
Participating in Community Voices has direct benefits for you and your agency. It provides you with an opportunity to acquaint the public with your agency and the work you do in pursuit of our shared goals. It also positions your organization as a leader in your field.
Do I need to be trained before I can speak?
Yes. The 2009 Community Voices Speaker’s training will consist of a webinar to be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29th. Please contact us via email or call us at 617-624-8089 with any questions.
How many times will I have to speak?
The number of times you will be asked to speak depends on the kinds of requests that we receive. Last year’s Community Voices program featured over 300 engagements in the span of about four months (August- November). Therefore we ask that you commit to speak at least twice during this year’s campaign. You will be contacted by the Community Voices team via e-mail as speaking engagements become available.
When do engagements occur?
Our engagements occur year round with the majority taking place at various times throughout the day between the months of August and November. If you know of certain weeks in which you will be away, or unable to speak, please contact us via email or call us at 617-624-8089.
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What is a workplace engagement?
A workplace engagement is a meeting coordinated between a member of United Way’s Development staff and the Employee Campaign Manager (ECM) at an area company. Engagements vary, depending upon the workplace. Some engagements may be a pre-set company meeting where United Way is given time on the agenda. Others may be meetings held specifically to educate employees about United Way. Times also vary, however engagements typically last between 30 and 90 minutes and involve giving a 5-15 minute presentation alongside a United Way Development staff member or other community members.
What is the typical engagement audience?
Audience size and type varies. Some engagements are tailored toward executive management, staff, or a combination of each. When you receive an email asking if you are available to speak at an engagement, the size and type of the audience will always be included.
Where do engagements occur?
Engagements occur at workplaces throughout United Way’s Service Area. Please let us know if you rely on public transportation, or can only speak in a certain area.
What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
No problem! While we hope this doesn’t happen often, we understand that things come up. If you need to cancel an engagement, please try to give us as much notice as possible. If there is another trained speaker at your agency, please ask if s/he is available to take your place, and let us know about the substitution. If s/he is not available, please contact us via email or call us at 617-624-8089. and let us know of the cancellation.
Can I contact the company directly?
Any questions you have about your engagement should be directed to the United Way Development officer listed on your confirmation form. They are in direct contact with the company and will help you with any questions or problems.
What should I talk about?
During the training webinar on September 24th, you will receive guidelines that will help you create and present relevant and interesting messages to your audience. There will also be tools online to help you further develop your presentation. In addition, Community Voices staff is always available to help.