Advancing the Common Good
United Way of Illinois is Advancing the Common Good through Advocacy
United Way of Illinois (UWI) is a statewide association of 57 local organizations that create long-lasting community change by addressing underlying causes of the most significant issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and family independence, and improving people’s health.
In rural areas, towns and cities across Illinois, local United Ways assess the needs of their communities and work on-the-ground, devising plans to meet local human needs. Through our work, our assessments, and our close ties to community partners and to those we serve, United Ways attain accurate, detailed knowledge about local human needs. This information is a vital tool for policy makers at all levels of government.
United Way brings together stakeholders from all across the community -- government, business, organized labor, nonprofits, and ordinary people to tackle these issues. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
UWI recognizes the critical role that state government plays in creating systemic change that can improve people’s lives. United Way engages in public policy advocacy because we recognize that it is our civic obligation to use our experience and knowledge to help inform policy-makers’ decisions regarding policy and funding of critical human service programs.
United Way’s role in public policy is focused on educating elected officials about how health and human service policies affect constituents and advocating for policies and services that promote healthy communities.
By positioning itself as a non-partisan convener, facilitator and coalition builder UWI can bring stakeholders together to listen and create achievable policy solutions to community problems.
Plans for 2010
In 2010 United Way of Illinois will advocate for sound policies affecting the human service sector’s capacity to advance the common good.
Moving Illinoisans forward in challenging fiscal times
We all have a shared interest and responsibility to promote the common good by ensuring our public infrastructure includes a strong, well-managed network of community services that complement traditional government institutions. In order for communities throughout Illinois and the families that call them home to succeed and prosper, we must repair and strengthen the community services that protect public health, improve public safety, revitalize local economies and enhance learning.
Like most states, Illinois must meet the needs of its residents while closing a significant budget gap and adjusting to a rapidly changing economic landscape. United Way advocates:
- Wise, strategic investments - Advocate for the adoption of a state budget that preserves the current level of investment in Illinois' health and human service system and protects funding of critical programs and services that support individuals and families in our communities.
- Responsible management - Support policies and procedures that prioritize social service provider reimbursements and ensure prompt payment on an ongoing basis. Government should bear the financial responsibility of compensating providers in a timely manner and for mid-term contract changes.
- Greater Efficiency and Accountability - Promote fair, efficient and transparent contracting practices between service providers and government funders. United Way of Illinois endorses the recommendations for government contracting with nonprofit providers as put forth in the "Partnership Principles for a Sustainable Human Service System."*
- Increased access to health & human services - Build on the public-private partnership which state government established through enactment of 2-1-1- Service Act so that an increasing number of Illinois residents have access to this easy-to-remember, toll-free 24-hour information line that connects people in need with health and human services and people who wish to volunteer with opportunities.
*http://www.unitedwayillinois.org/documents/DonorsForumPartnershipPrinciples
Join United Way in advancing the common good by advocating for issues important to you and your community!
