UPS workers volunteer in the community year-round which helps employees understand community needs

In this difficult economic environment of layoffs and downsizing, UPS exceeded their campaign goal. We asked Jerry Lee, UPS’ Community Services Manager, to share the lessons he learned from the trail.

United Way: What were the most surprising aspects of your campaign?

Jerry: I was surprised that so many of our returning donors came back and came back at a higher level. People really stepped up if they could. This would have been a time for people to step back.  I was nicely  surprised to see how some people really stepped up.

United Way: What advice would you give Employee Campaign Coordinators worried about the economy?

Jerry: Do not get discouraged. You cannot walk into your campaign with a defeated attitude, thinking you will not make goal because things are rough. People may surprise you. Everyone understands the economic situation. People understand the need.

United Way: What messages resonated with your employees?

Jerry: Our message was simple: Now more than ever. If you have your job, there are people who need help.

United Way: What worked really well for you?

Jerry: Really getting the message out about the need in our community right now and the way the economy took a downturn. Everyone got hurt. Community groups have seen a huge surge in demand and a drop in funding. We also tried to have managers talk with each person one on one about the campaign.  People feel, “If it was not important enough for you to ask me, it must not be that important.”

Also, many of our employees are involved in nonprofits and are passionate about the community and the campaign. We do volunteer activities year round because we want people to be exposed to the agencies and community need. That way it is not a surprise when the campaign comes.

United Way: How did you give every employee an opportunity to give without feeling pressure?

Jerry: This year, we really emphasized privacy of employees. Some of them may be going through hard times. You never know what is happening in their life right now in terms of a spouse getting laid off or whatever. We did not do a hard press. We made sure we told the story. People who understood it, gave more. People who could not, did not. We made sure no one was judged because you simply never know.

United Way: What was your moment of pride in the campaign?

Jerry: Some departments that struggled last year really exceeded our expectations. A lot had to do with the energy of the managers who were running the campaigns. Surprising to see how some groups really came together and came in at 140% of their goal.