Cary, NC -- This past week, United Way Worldwide held the The Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day, their signature public policy and advocacy event. Leaders from across the network gathered in Washington, D.C. for policy updates, advocacy training and engagement with policymakers, and to share best practices for policy work.
This year, United Way emphasized strategies for navigating today’s policy environment and highlight the importance of policy as partnership.
Executive Director of United Way of Rutherford County, Sam Baker, recalled "The advocacy forum was absolutely time well spent, packed with engaging and informative sessions. But the real highlight was getting to connect with other United Way representatives. I learned so much from everyone and built some fantastic new relationships!"
Local United Ways, 211s, and partners walked away with actionable insights on federal, state, and local advocacy strategies, a deeper understanding of federal and state issues, and practical tips for engaging elected officials and policymakers. In addition, attendees networked with colleagues from across the country.
"I felt honored to carry the voices of citizens in my community to their elected officials. And I never take that lightly," says Mark Bumgarner, Executive Director of Catawba County United Way, "It does not escape me that many of these citizens are or feel voiceless. I was encouraged that NC was represented so well by our contingency. My peers are inspiring, passionate, well informed, focused on the good we can do, and most of all - powerful."
The NC United Ways had an incredible time, not only during the forum but in meeting with the following lawmakers about where the greatest needs are in their communities and advocating for more support of NC 211:
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Sen. Budd’s office
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Sen. Tillis’ office
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Rep. Greg Murphy’s office
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Rep. Richard Hudson’s office
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Rep. David Rouzer’s office
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Rep. Chuck Edward’s office
Thank you to the following United Way representatives who attended!
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Ali Edwards, Community Outreach Coordinator of Rowan County
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Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President and CEO of UWNC
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Carla Poplin, Executive Director of Stanly County
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Celesa Willett, Executive Director Haywood County
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David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations of UWNC
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Elisabeth Bocklet, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications of Asheville and Buncombe County
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Frank McCain, President and CEO of Greater Greensboro
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Ivy Vance, Manager, Philanthropy Operations & Database of Greater Triangle
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Jennifer Buell, Community Engagement Manager of Asheville and Buncombe County
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Mark Bumgarner, Executive Director of Catawba County
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Raquel Painter, Executive Director of Onslow County
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Sally Gordon, Director of Mission Advancement of UWNC
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Sam Baker, Executive Director of Rutherford County
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About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.