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United Way’s Emerging Leaders go to the Capitol!

April 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

On April 6, United Way’s Emerging Leaders were in Sacramento for our annual “Day at the Capitol.” They met with ten Senators and Assembly members to advocate for legislation that ensures effective and efficient health care enrollment for low-income families under the Affordable Care Act.  Emerging Leaders also helped United Way voice our opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 486, which would eliminate First 5, which serves more than one million low-income children, ages 0 to 5 years.

United Way's Lorne Needle and Remi Spector were joined by Emerging Leader Ashley Gray (right) for a meeting with Senator Leland Yee (center)

“Capitol Day was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Ashley Gray, an Emerging Leader and Capitol Day volunteer.  “As an Emerging Leader, I already appreciated United Way’s fundraising and volunteer opportunities.  Now, I also understand how fundamental United Way’s advocacy work is in helping children. Capitol Day gave me a new and different appreciation for how I can help children and families – regardless of my political affiliations.  I am really motivated to do more advocacy, and I look forward to the next Capitol Day.”

Take Action Today!
Help preserve First 5 funding – join us today in a statewide phone campaign.  We’ll be calling the California Senate Health Committee to let them know that the people of California oppose Senate Bill (SB) 486 and stand behind the crucial work First 5 does with families of children ages 0-5 years.

First 5 is essential for giving low-income children the support and opportunities they need in the first five years of life to ensure they grow up to become successful adults.  First 5 serves more than one million low-income children under five years of age and approximately 1.1 million parents and care providers.  It provides critical support to programs and nonprofits that deliver early health and education support to young children.

Please call Committee Chair Ed Hernandez and at least one other Senate committee member; the list of phone numbers is below.  You can use the previous two paragraphs as your talking points.

  • Senator Ed Hernandez (Chair) – LA   (916) 651-4024
  • Senator Tony Strickland (Vice Chair) – Ventura, Santa Barbara, LA   (916) 651-4019
  • Senator Elaine Alquist – Santa Clara   (916) 651-4013
  • Senator Joel Anderson – Riverside, San Diego   (916) 651-4036
  • Senator Sam Blakeslee – San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara   (916) 651-4015
  • Senator Kevin de León – LA   (916) 651-4022
  • Senator Mark DeSaulnier – Contra Costa   (916) 651-4007
  • Senator Michael Rubio – Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Kern  (916) 651-4016
  • Senator Lois Wolk – Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Yolo (916) 651-4005

For more information on how you can get involved in United Way’s policy work, contact Susan Jeong at sjeong@uwba.org.

Filed Under: Volunteer Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Tonic for What Ails You – New Venue for Emerging Leaders Happy Hour!

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Great news from United Way’s Emerging Leaders: due to the tremendous response we’ve received for our March 3rd Guest-Bartending Happy Hour, we have changed venues from Rebel to Tonic.

New Details:
When: Thursday, March 3rd from 6pm to 9pm.
Where: Tonic, 2360 Polk Street (the corner of Union Street)

Support the United Way and our Emerging Leaders members as they shake, swirl, and muddle for a cause. This is their bartending debut so please be kind! And remember all tips are a step toward our goal to cut poverty in half in the Bay Area by 2020.

For more information, contact Remi Spector at 415-808-4414 or rspector@uwba.org.

United Way’s Emerging Leaders are a group of young, dynamic professionals who are driven to create lasting change across the Bay Area. This diverse group of individuals represents the next generation of business and community leaders. Learn more at www.uwba.org/el.

Photo courtesy of Southern Foodway Alliance via Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Pathways out of Poverty Tagged With: ,

“If I can do it, you can do it”

July 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Fiona Ma, Speaker pro Tempore of the CA State Assembly speaking to the Emerging Leaders

Last night, United Way’s Emerging Leaders held a cocktail reception with special guest Fiona Ma, Speaker pro Tempore of the CA State Assembly. Hosted by Winston and Strawn LLP, The Speaker Pro Tem shared her personal story, and her transition from small business owner to politician. She reminded United Way’s Emerging Leaders that change is possible and that they can lead it. She said, “If I can do it, you can do it.”

Fiona Ma was big hit with crowd and stayed long after her talk was finished and chatted with the assembled young leaders. She even reminded guests that her seat on the California State Assembly, representing the 12th District, is opening up in soon and that they could fill her shoes.

This is the latest in what has been a string of fun, and interesting Emerging Leaders events. To find out more about Emerging Leaders contact Shelley Hardeman, shardeman@uwba.org.

Filed Under: Road to Recovery Tagged With: , ,