Project:U - Social Good

by Nicole Milbradt, Sr. Marketing Associate & Events Manager

People in their 20s and 30s are very social. They enjoy going out and meeting new people. What if they could do good in their community by simply attending happy hour or going to a Rainiers game. They can, through Project:U.

Project:U is a group of people in their 20s and 30s looking to support and serve the Pierce County community through events that benefit United Way and volunteer projects at local nonprofits that need help. They are using monthly happy hour socials to connect with new people, build their networks, see old friends and learn about the community. They added a barbecue to a volunteer project of sorting donated food items for a fun way to support the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. And they conducted an education fair at the Point Defiance Zoo for local kids, teaching them about the things they love, like cooking and art.

Young adults are tuned in to the issues and are often young professionals with the ability to make a real difference through donations of time and money. And what better way to do it than with a group of friends at your local hot spot. From supporting local causes and events to donating time and money, the members of Project:U have figured out that there are a variety of ways you can lend a helping hand to those who need one.

Are you in your 20s or 30s and looking for ways to get more involved in your community and more connected with your peers? Join Project:U. It is a great way to socialize, network and show your support for Pierce County. Find out more about Project:U at www.projectu.org or by finding them on Facebook.

Connect. Act. Be heard. Project:U.


Upcoming Events

7/23/09 -- Project:U Night at the Tacoma Rainiers
Come cheer on the Rainiers as they go up against the Sacramento River Cats and support the community too! Tickets are $10 with $4 going back to the United Way of Pierce County Community Fund. Bring your friends and family and meet some new people. To reserve your tickets, email Kirsten Willis at kirstenw@uwpc.org.
8/12/09 -- Monthly Social Event at the Top of Tacoma 5:30 p.m.Project:U is teaming up with the Top of Tacoma this month to bring you some delicious food and drink specials – plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way of Pierce County Community Fund.

How Do You LIVE UNITED? Kenna Little

One dirty shirt. It was the source of much amusement and an inspiration for many jokes over the course of my two weeks in Bolivia this past October with the non-profit Etta Projects. A few days into the trip, I realized that many of my once white t-shirts had turned a light shade of brown in certain spots. Everyone else in the group seemed so clean in comparison while my clothes were getting darker by the day. At first, I was embarrassed by my uncanny ability to attract dirt until I realized where it came from.

My mom and I had the opportunity to work in a small town called Betania, about an hour from our home city of Montero for two days. The first day a young boy named Lili ran up to me, grabbed my hand, and wrapped me in an amazing hug. His head came up to my stomach and as he let go and I looked down to talk to him, I noticed that his little dirty head had left an imprint on the front of my shirt. Lili became a constant companion and remained by my side for the rest of my time in Betania, leaving smudges of dirt all over the bottom of my shirt.

Those two days changed my perspective on the dirt. Instead of something to be embarrassed of, it was something to be treasured. It was a tangible reminder of all the memories from the trip. There was the ring of dirt around the bottom of my shirt to show the countless number of hugs I received from the children. A spot on the back where one of the teachers from Betania gave me an appreciative pat on the back to say thank you for teaching the children of the village, as well as their parents, for a day. The light coat of brown that covered the entire shirt came from sitting on the ground joking with the children in Spanish as dust storms covered us. A few spots of paint to remember the day the kids painted carved wooden cars. And the dirty sleeves are a result of the many taps I received on my shoulders as kids proudly showed their artwork. Each speck of dirt held more meaning then I could have ever imagined and once I realized this, whenever I would look down at my shirt I would start to smile.

Although my shirt was absolutely disgusting by the end of the trip and I received some well-deserved teasing from the group for still wearing it, it became a symbol of the experience. It is covered in memories that I will never forget. During the time in Bolivia, I imagined how nice it would feel to slip into a pair of jeans and a clean t-shirt. But now back in my clean clothes, I miss that dirt and where it came from. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to return and dirty another shirt.

Kenna is a recent graduate of Curtis High School, a Willie Stewart Scholarship winner, a 4-time Varsity Letter in Community Service recipient and just one example of how youth are LIVING UNITED.

The Power of Youth

by Nicole Milbradt, Sr. Marketing Associate & Events Manager

Youth are one of the most powerful demographics in our society. They are major consumers. They dictate current trends. And last year, they were one of the most demonstrative voices in the Presidential election. Youth are making a huge impact on everything they touch. That is just one reason their involvement in the community is so important.

Youth United is a youth engagement program run by United Way of Pierce County. Founded in 1994, the program has connected thousands of teens to their community. Youth volunteer days have put junior high and high school students on the front lines serving food, clearing trails and reading to younger children. Every summer, many teens come together to learn how to get things done around the issues they are passionate about. They are learning how to advocate for the things they want to change and making strides to do something about what’s important to them. They are leaders through Youth United’s Leadership Council, reaching out to three local communities (Tacoma, Puyallup and Bethel) and leading by their example.
But with their service also comes reward. In 2001, United Way of Pierce County launched the Varsity Letter in Community Service in conjunction with Youth United. To date, 766 students have received a varsity letter, just like those given to athletes and musicians, for their volunteerism. This unique program requires a minimum of 145 hours split between school-related and non school-related activities. What’s most remarkable about the recipients is that many of them blow that 145-hour minimum away.
Local youth are making a significant difference in our community through Youth United. Young people are taking the opportunity to discover and develop skills, to apply their academic knowledge through service learning activities and to receive recognition for their volunteer efforts. Youth United is just one way for young people to help others, have fun and learn something new.

ADVOCATE - My Name is Cheryl and I LIVE UNITED...

ADVOCATE - 10 Ways You Can Advocate

1. Tell your family and friends about United Way of Pierce County and what we do.
2. Make a point to learn about and discuss local issues with family and friends – then get involved.
3. If you're passionate about Education, Income or Health, write a letter to the editor or post a comment on a local blog.
4. Wear a LIVE UNITED t-shirt.
5. Call, email or visit your elected officials.
6. Encourage a person in need to call 2-1-1.
7. Register and vote in the next election.
8. Request a speaker for your workplace or social club and learn more about how United Way helps build lasting opportunities for a good life for all who live in our community.
9. Volunteer for a committee or advocacy team.
10. Volunteer for an agency that serves your community.

GIVE - My Name is Charley and I LIVE UNITED...