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 59 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 2009

In 2009 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 to ensure that state government makes adequate appropriations
• to provide the critical service that communities throughout Illinois depend upon.

• Responsible management honoring existing contracts and providing timely reimbursement payments for services provided to our most vulnerable citizens.

• Greater Efficiency and Accountability by creating a public/private task force charged
• with review and study of the public contracting process to develop contract and
• administrative reforms that increase transparency, utilize cost-saving technologies
• and engage community service providers as equal partners.

Increasing access to health & human services

It is a UWI goal that all residents have access to the information necessary to be their

own advocates and benefit from important community services and volunteer

opportunities. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, toll-free, 24 hour, information line that

connects people in need with health and human services and volunteer opportunities.

2-1-1 takes the burden off the 9-1-1 system. UWI seeks to establish a public/private

partnership with state government to make 2-1-1 available to all Illinois residents.

In addition to its work in support of the human services sector and 2-1-1 UWI’s overall

agenda will remain flexible to respond to emerging and urgent issues. Federal issues

will be monitored in cooperation with the United Way of America’s policy team.

Join United Way in advancing the common good by advocating for issues important to

you and your community!