This is marketing and communications work I created during my internship at United Way of Central Minnesota. The work varies from the design and content of Event Invites to Campaign Materials to New Releases. One of the articles that I wrote was published in a locally distributed magazine.

1. LIVE UNITED:
2008 Speaker’s Bureau Training
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
LIVE UNITEDTM
2008 Speaker’s
Bureau Training
Please RSVP to Perry Rollings at
prollings@unitedwayhelps.org or 320.252.0227
by August 4, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
or
Thursday, August 28, 2008
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
The first hour of each session will be training for those
who are new to public speaking and those who would
like help in developing their presentations.
The second hour will focus on the new LIVE UNITEDTM
message, roles and expectations, best practices and a
presentation of
the 2008 campaign video.

2. Learning How to LIVE
UNITED Together:
2008 Campaign
Manager Training
Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
LIVE UNITEDTM
2008 Campaign
Manager Training
Please RSVP to United Way at 320 252 0227 or
jlarson@unitedwayhelps.org by July 9, 2008.
July 16, 2008 9:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m.
August 7, 2008 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
August 21, 2008 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
September 10, 2008 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
The first hour of each session is designed for new
campaign managers, however, all are welcome to
attend.
The last hour and a half of training is intended for
new and experienced campaign managers with a
tour and presentation of the 2008 LIVE UNITEDTM
campaign video.

3. HOW TO LIVE UNITED IN YOUR
CAMPAIGN:
JOIN
TOGETHER.
SHARE IDEAS.
CREATE A
THEME.
HAVE FUN.
GIVE.
ADVOCATE.
VOLUNTEER.
LIVE UNITEDTM
1
2 3
GIVEGIVE
ADVOCATEADVOCATE
VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEER
Campaign Ideas
Rustlin Up a Better Future
Pirates of the CAREibbean
Ordinary People with Extraordinary Hearts
The Caring Grand Prix
Kick in Your Share
Take Stock in the Community
The Great Give Together
We Don’t Mean to ‘Hammer’ Home the Point but
We Need Your Help
Red Carpet United Way Premier
Blanket Our Community with Caring
Horton Hears a Who
27 Dresses/Suits
Pledge and Play for United Way
Special Events That Can be Used With Any Theme
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rustlin Up a Better Future
Special Events:
Stick horse race
Pay people to baby-sit/protect your horse from
thieves and pay a ransom when stolen
Sell sheriff badges for casual day/free admission
Quick draw shooting contest using video game/
dart guns
Gold Rush (much like a football board)
Camp fire BBQ/chili cook-off or chuck wagon
lunch
Contest on best gang names i.e. apple dumpling
gang
Western trivia
Wanted poster (mystery outlaw) sell clues to the
identity
Jail n Bail
Paper horse race contest, employees purchase
paper horse name and decorate it and each day
they receive one draw to advance their horse
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Successful community giving...
Have two things in common: good planning and wide
participation. Here are ideas to spark involvement
and FUN! Successful managers say special events
take planning. Ask yourself these questions before
your event:
What are your organization’s goals for community
giving?
What do you hope to accomplish through special
events?
What non-monetary goals do you have?
- Creating greater community
understanding
- Increasing volunteering
- Building morale
What resources are available?
- People
- Materials
- Incentives
- Entertainment
- United Way consultant
Think about the return on your investment - what
makes a special event valuable? What “returns” do
you expect? Above all, have fun and say thanks to
everyone.
•
•
•
•

4. LIVEUNITED.
Companies Benefit From United Way
How can your company benefit by running a United Way campaign?
• Your participation in a United Way campaign promotes camaraderie and teambuilding among
employees and builds corporate spirit!
• Clients and employees will view you as a conscientious company. Creating a stronger community
creates a better business environment.
• Active and visible United Way support on the part of your company is well received in the eyes of the
community. Supporting United Way exhibits a strong social responsibility on the part of both the
company and the employees.
• If your company matches employee gifts, or provides a corporate gift, you receive tax benefits.
• Corporate leaders and employees are encouraged to take a leadership role in the direction of United
Way of Central Minnesota, including having a strong voice in the allocation of donor dollars.
LIVEUNITED.
Campaign Incentive Ideas
Incentives
Incentives are a great way to get employees involved and they do not have to be expensive. Incentives can
be awarded to departments or individuals for donating, or participating during special events. Companies
use incentives to recognize high participation rates, first time givers, and for meeting company/department
goals. They also encourage prompt return of pledge forms.
· Celebration lunch · Department store gift certificates
· Free massages · Movie tickets
· Weekend trips · Open soda machine for day or hour
· Time off from work · Pre-paid phone cards
· Restaurant gift certificates · Parking space
· Trade jobs for a day · Gym membership
· Sporting event tickets · Lunch with the boss
· Maid service · Casual dress days
· Lottery tickets · Free oil changes
· Free snacks or meals · Extra breaks or extended lunch periods
· Call in “well” day · Car washed by management
· Candy · In winter start or scrape car
These are only suggestions. There are many other possible incentives that would entice your employees.
Remember to utilize your Campaign Consultant for suggestions and assistance.
LIVEUNITED.
Why Give to United Way
Why should you choose to give to United Way through your workplace campaign?
There are many benefits to workplace giving vs. direct giving.
Local Dollars Meet Local Needs
· Local volunteers determine and prioritize local needs.
· Volunteer teams distribute money to programs meeting those needs.
Programs That Receive Dollars Are Held Accountable
· Annual review of financial reports and audits.
· Annual reports documenting the effectiveness of the services provided are
required.
Larger Gifts Are Possible Through the Convenience of Payroll Deduction
· Small installments once or twice a month add up to a lot in one year.
More Money Goes to Services Instead of Fundraising Costs
· Reduces the need for high cost direct mail, telemarketing or special events
fundraising.
· To reach you at home some charities can spend as much as 75 cents to raise $1.
· Lower cost of processing donations for the agencies, they process one check
instead of many.
· United Way has a low overhead--less than 15.5% administration and fundraising.
administration.
It Provides a Steady,Year-Round Investment in Community Issues
· United Way informs partners of their total annual gift.
· Dollars are paid monthly
LIVEUNITED.
Campaign Strategies to Increase Giving and
Participation
Must-Do Strategies
• Obtain CEO and top management support and endorsement.
• Communicate increasing community need to the donor.
• Develop a strong campaign structure including a committed campaign chair.
• Connect the donor’s personal well being with helping people in need. (“It takes everyone on the
community…
• Ask all employees to contribute. Make sure everyone has the opportunity to give.
• Utilize internal campaign data to focus and manage the campaign.
• Set internal goals based on potential.
Should-Do Strategies
• Recognize the contributor’s previous support.
• Meet with your Campaign Consultant.
• Utilize tours, speakers, testimonials and per community statistics.
• Hold group meetings to present reasons for increased contributions.
• Utilize company time for coordinator and committee trainings.
• Show immediate expression of appreciation to donors and potential donors.
• Solicit labor endorsement and participation on committee (if applicable).
• Plan use of campaign materials and activities.
Could-Do Strategies
• Use giving level structures.
• Use incentives (drawing, etc.) for employees that increase gifts.
• Send out endorsement letters stressing individual and company goals.
• Show video at group meetings.
• Meet with past coordinator for additional ideas
and strategies.
• Offer incentives for those who give for the first time.
• Appoint co-chairs of the campaign.

5. United Way
of Central Minnesota
2700 1st
Street N., Suite 300
St. Cloud, MN 56303
tel 320.252.0227
fax 320.252.6213
www.unitedwayhelps.org
Mission: To improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of Central Minnesota.
Opening up the World: The United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota Story
Imagine not being able to drive your car to work tomorrow, being unable to check your e-mails, or
not having the capability to walk out to your mail box to retrieve your mail. An individual may experience
situations like these as a result of cerebral palsy, a condition that affects body movement and muscle
coordination. What would your life be like? How would you do the every day tasks that you currently
partake in?
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota has the answers and possible solutions to those with
cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Their mission: To enrich the quality of life for the persons with
cerebral palsy and other disabilities. In order to assist in the fulfillment of their mission UCP provides
several programs and services to those who have CP or another disability. The programs and services that
UCP of Central Minnesota provides are agency funded. United Way of Central Minnesota is one of the
agencies that assist in funding.
UCP’s programs include Information, Referral and Public Education, Scholarship Program,
Financial Assistance, Computers Go Round, and Device Demonstration and Loan. One of their main
programs is financial assistance for specialized equipment. Many individuals who are diagnosed with
cerebral palsy participate in physical therapy. Their physical therapist may suggest that they get a bike,
not only for the movement of their body, but also in order to mobilize themselves. The bikes that are
purchased for individuals with cerebral palsy range from $700 to $3,000. With the help of UCP, these
individuals are able to get some, if not all, of their bike paid for allowing the individual to guide
themselves throughout the world.
Among UCP’s programs are events for those who are affected with cerebral palsy and other
diseases, such as bowling. Because an individual with cerebral palsy may be unable to control the
movement of his or her hand or may not be able to put their fingers into the
holes of the bowling ball UCP brought in metal ramps in which the
individuals were able to push the ball down the ramp and the bowling ball
would then roll down the bowling alley. Many parents were grateful for this
event as it allowed them to find an activity in which everyone in the family
could participate in together and also allowed their children to meet others
who may have a similar condition to theirs.
Another event in which UCP helps fund is therapeutic horse back
riding. This particular activity has been recommended by physical
therapists for those who have cerebral palsy because it helps strengthen
trunk muscles as well as leg muscles. However, this technique is not yet
funded by insurance. UCP assists in the funding of this technique.
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota helps those who are
diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other diseases without limits. UCP
opens up doors that many of these individuals may have not known were
there. Whether it be meeting new friends, getting a new bike in order to move around, or going to school,
UCP is there for a lifetime opening up new doors and opening up the world.

6. United Way
of Central Minnesota
2700 1st
Street N., Suite 300
St. Cloud, MN 56303
tel 320.252.0227
fax 320.252.6213
www.unitedwayhelps.org
Mission: To improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of Central Minnesota.
MEDIA ADVISORY
United Way 2-1-1: Finding help and resources within your community
The first step in finding help is knowing who to call. Dial your community help line at 2-1-1 or 1-800-
543-7709. United Way 2-1-1, formerly First Call for Help, is a free, confidential help line available 24 hours-
a-day and 7 days-a-week. Trained respondents provide callers with information about and referrals to
human services. United Way 2-1-1 can connect you to parenting and family resources, housing assistance,
food, health services, legal help, transportation, senior services and much more. If you are interested in
spreading the word about United Way 2-1-1 free information cards and posters are available for your
business, organization, school, service club, neighborhood, or faith community.
Last year, United Way 2-1-1 of Central Minnesota answered 7,353 calls and gave 11,116 referrals for
various services with 5,175 of those referrals being for basic needs. The following are samples of the types
of calls United Way 2-1-1 receives.
• A young woman called United Way 2-1-1. She was just kicked out of her home after she had told her
parents that she was pregnant. She had no place to stay and did not know where to turn – she was
16 years old. 2-1-1 referred her to a transitional program for women ages 14 and up who are
pregnant and in need of supportive services.
• A man called 2-1-1 during his lunch break and was seeking information on where he could see a
doctor. He did not have insurance until next month and could not afford to see his regular doctor.
2-1-1 referred him to a health clinic that would see him and go on a sliding scale fee based on his
income.
• An elderly woman called United Way 2-1-1 needing assistance with minor housing repairs for which
she had no one to help. In talking with the woman, the 2-1-1 specialist recognized that she also
needed help with food. 2-1-1 was able to refer her to an agency that could assist her with her
housing repairs as well as a program that could provide her with home delivered meals.
United Way 2-1-1 is a Minnesota statewide service. Central Minnesota United Way 2-1-1, based out of
St. Cloud, offers services for the eight county areas of Benton, Crow Wing, Kandiyohi, Morrison,
Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright. If you have any questions regarding United Way 2-1-1, please
contact the United Way office at 320-252-0227, 2-1-1, or 1-800-543-7709, or visit
www.unitedwayhelps.org.

7. United Way
of Central Minnesota
2700 1st
Street N., Suite 300
St. Cloud, MN 56303
tel 320.252.0227
fax 320.252.6213
www.unitedwayhelps.org
Mission: To improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of Central Minnesota.
CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Betty Schnettler July 22, 2008
Director of Partnerships and Services
United Way of Central Minnesota
United Way: 320.252.0227
Direct line: 320.229.3507
MEDIA ADVISORYMEDIA ADVISORYMEDIA ADVISORYMEDIA ADVISORY
United Way anUnited Way anUnited Way anUnited Way announces participation in Faminounces participation in Faminounces participation in Faminounces participation in FamilylylylyWize prescription drug discount cardsWize prescription drug discount cardsWize prescription drug discount cardsWize prescription drug discount cards
Many American families currently have insufficient or no prescription drug coverage as healthcare
costs continue rising. To help address this issue, FamilyWize offers prescription drug discount cards to
help people lower the cost of their medicine with an average savings of 35 percent on prescription drug
costs. FamilyWize cards are primarily for people with no health insurance or need medicine not covered
by their insurance plan. There are no age restrictions, no income restrictions and no limit on how many
times you can use the card.
United Way of Central Minnesota is distributing cards free-of-charge as are more than 670 United
Ways across the United States. FamilyWize cards can be obtained by going to TriCAP, Mid Minnesota
Family Medicine Center, Catholic Charities Emergency Services or United Way of Central Minnesota.
Another alternative is to visit the FamilyWize website, www.familywize.org, and print a card. This website
also contains information on participating pharmacies and information on drug prices. More than 50
pharmacies in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne and Wright counties are participating.
United Way believes that it takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter
future. Together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help promote the program or need additional
information, contact United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 211 or 1-800-543-7709.

8. United Way
of Central Minnesota
2700 1st
Street N., Suite 300
St. Cloud, MN 56303
tel 320.252.0227
fax 320.252.6213
www.unitedwayhelps.org
United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM) is an organization that offers an abundance of
opportunities to a variety of people. United Way’s focus is on education, income, and health in order
to advance the common good and create a better life for all.
UWCM currently invests in 46 partner programs in the community that fit within priority funding
areas including special initiatives such as Success By 6, United Way 2-1-1, Financial Stability, United
Way Volunteer Central, and Youth As Resources.
United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the
first place. One issue plaguing our community as well as our country is financial instability with over
12% of the U.S. population below the federal poverty level and soaring credit card debt. The average
family with a credit card carries $9,300 in debt, leaving them vulnerable to serious financial
difficulties in the event of unemployment, unexpected illness, or a costly repair. Research has
shown that one in three households have to use credit cards to cover basic living expenses such as
groceries or insurance. In order to address these issues and meet the needs of our community,
United Way has developed a Financial Stability Initiative.
The Financial Stability Initiative focuses on realistic solutions that increase financial health and
long-term economic independence for individuals and families. United Way’s approach to help
individuals and families through this process consists of three steps; increase income, build
savings, and gain and sustain assets.
The first step, increase income, offers a variety of approaches that allow individuals and families to
utilize available resources in order to increase their income. These approaches include claiming
earned income tax credits, credit repair and debt reduction, workforce development, and accessing
public and employer benefits. The second step, build savings, assists individuals and families to
learn and understand savings. Thirty-seven percent of lower income families have a savings or
checking account with at least $300 saved. Teaching others about saving campaigns and split
refunds allows for financial flexibility benefits including helping in a time of emergency. The third
step, to gain and sustain assets, educates individuals and families the importance of assets and
how they may help families get out of poverty and prevent further generations from experiencing
poverty.
United Way provides an array of services for individuals and families; the financial stability initiative
is one of the efforts to respond to local needs. UWCM promotes the earned income tax credit, free
tax preparation sites, provides funding to a local program for individual development accounts and
is working to educate the community on financial health.
Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people, connected,
interdependent, and united. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the
condition of all. It takes everyone in the community working together to LIVE UNITED.