United Way rethinks mission, tackles common causes

After year-long review agency moving to a more collaborative approach

After a year-long analysis, the United Way of Calgary has launched a reset, working more collaboratively with teams of stakeholders towards a common cause.

Instead of just funnelling funds into agencies, the United Way is also working with stakeholders inside new “social impact labs,” setting goals and quick targets for solutions on a variety of issues from poverty to domestic violence.

“People saw us as this umbrella organization that just gave money to other agencies like a funnel,” said Karen Young, the United Way’s new CEO.

“But now we are creating new partnerships working towards common causes and outcomes,” she said Thursday.

“It’s about convening the social sector so we can make an impact right away.”

Young explained that collaborative groups work inside “social impact labs,” brainstorming over walls of colourful sticky notes, discussing best practices and setting quick targets of 30, 60 or 90 days to come up with solutions and put plans to work right away.

Most recently, the United Way spearheaded “All In for Youth,” bringing together 22 agencies around the cause of high school completion.

Other efforts have gathered agencies, community associations and other stakeholders around common causes such as domestic violence, poverty and financial empowerment.

This past year, the United Way brought together more than 850 volunteers to help complete 8,445 tax returns for low-income families, bringing in more than $3.7 million in tax refunds.

Young said attracting and utilizing the skills of Calgary’s volunteers and corporate community is a big part of the new strategy.

The new 2018-2022 strategic plan, dubbed Our Way Forward, was guided by a year-long planning process that included numerous reports, research, analysis, consultations and stakeholder engagement.

Young called the new strategy more inclusive, bringing more stakeholders to the table that can drive change quicker.

“We are local experts who bring people together to solve complex social issues,” said Young.

“Our original founding purpose remains unchanged: to improve lives through the power of community,” she said. “Calgarians are the type of people that want to help others because they believe everyone has the right to a good quality of life and it shouldn’t depend on where you live. All of us deserve to thrive.”

Jason Hatcher, principal of Navigator Ltd. and new United Way of Calgary board chair, agreed the new strategy’s partnerships will have more impact.

“As a social impact organization, everything we do is driven by our desire to create lasting social change,” he said.

“To respond to all the social needs within our city is impossible for one individual or organization to do alone. Partnerships are key.”

Moving forward, the United Way will also look to expand its digital presence through social media and other online platforms, to expand social impact labs using more unique designs and to expand its work with Indigenous communities in the areas of diversity and inclusion.