Stand up for something
Standing up for important causes is always easier when you find a community of like-minded people to help you move forward. That’s what I found when I joined Women United, a donor network of United Way of Central Indiana.
By Becky Doemland, Women United Steering Committee
We have problems in our community. If you’re like me, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the issues we’re facing. After all, I can’t solve poverty alone. I can’t single-handedly ensure children have equitable access to safe, nurturing early-childhood programs. I am one person with a big heart but limited resources of time and money.
As a marketing nerd and a community activist, I’m inspired by United Way of Central Indiana’s rally cry: “Do Something About It.” I love the simplicity of this message and its call to action. I want to do something, but I’m covered up by the barriers I see ahead of me.
But what if DO SOMETHING means STAND UP FOR SOMETHING instead?
Wait – me? Who am I? I’m not an elected official with legislative power to make change or an influential CEO with a network of business leaders to support my cause. If I stand up for something − would anyone care?
Finding power with others
Standing up for important causes is always easier when you find a community of like-minded people to help you move forward. That’s what I found when I joined Women United, a donor network of United Way of Central Indiana. The women (and men!) in this passionate group have joined forces to amplify their voices, multiply their impact and push for real change in our community.
Women United of Central Indiana is committed to two signature causes: early childhood education and gender equity. These causes intersect naturally: We know that women most often lead child care responsibilities in the family, whether they’re working outside the home or not. And we know that women’s careers are often impacted by their caretaking responsibilities.
Access to safe, affordable child care and quality early-childhood education are essential for women. But high-quality child care comes at a high price: When it is available, it costs more than college tuition at a state public college. Today, low-income families spend nearly half their income – 42% − on child care for just one child. Quality child care programs are now out of reach for too many families, forcing many women to exit the workforce. We need these programs, and we need government funding to ensure the accessibility of such programs for families at all economic levels.
But how do we make it happen? How do we stand up for something as important as this? Here’s how I’m approaching it: SHOW UP. STAND UP. SPEAK UP.
The first step is to SHOW UP. Find your community (like Women United) and start following them. Learn when meetings are happening, put them on your calendar and show up. Don’t worry about whether you know other people or whether you have something important to say. Go to the meetings, introduce yourself to someone you don’t already know and listen to what people are saying.
Once you’ve identified your point of view and the things you’re passionate about, STAND UP. Volunteer to help with a project. Sign up for a committee and align yourself with issues that are important to you. Standing up for what you believe in is energizing for you and inspiring for those who are influenced by you.
When you’re ready, SPEAK UP. When someone asks you to share your opinion, do it. You’ll be amazed by the attentive audience waiting to hear your thoughts. Very few are truly experts in the field of your concerns, and most are involved because they share your passion and drive for change. Your opinions will be appreciated, and others will respect your willingness to share.
Waiting for an invitation?
The work we’ve undertaken in Women United – to advocate for gender equity and accessible early childhood education in our state – won’t be achieved quickly. It’s a marathon, but we’re grateful to be running the race alongside strong, smart and supportive Women United members who are driven to make a difference.
If that sounds like you, here’s your invitation: Join us or another donor network or committee that aligns with your interests and concerns. Start by showing up. Before you know it, you’ll be standing up for something, too.
Women United is a donor network that actively contributes to the ambitious mission of United Way of Central Indiana through advocacy, volunteerism and financial contributions. In 2021, Women United members gave over $3.9M to United Way. Learn more at www.uwci.org/women-united.