By: Michael Brazier, CEO and President
For the past three and half years, I have had the privilege of leading United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS). We often use the phrase "Get Involved, Change Lives, LIVE United" and it is even painted on the wall in our community room. But, what does that phrase mean to UWNNS? I wanted to share a little bit of my perspective.
Get Involved: This is all about YOU. We know that to build a strong, thriving northern Nevada, we must have an engaged community. Our work isn't possible without the community getting involved. From volunteering to read with a child, serving on a UWNNS committee, donating, sharing your story, or helping us pack literacy kits—these are all ways people regularly get involved with UWNNS. We want to serve as that conduit for you to give your time, talent, treasure, or testimony to make your community a better place.
Change Lives: Our reason to exist! We invest in solutions to issues facing our community with the goal of creating opportunities for success for every individual to produce a thriving northern Nevada. For the past couple of years, we have focused on third-grade reading because we know that by increasing third-grade reading proficiency we are paving a path for our youngest learners to succeed in school and in life.
LIVE United!: We believe there is more that connects us than divides us. That’s why Live United is not just about UWNNS, but our entire community. It is a vision of community that believes we are stronger when we are together. Living United is about us working together to change systems that will support all of our neighbors. It is the idea that we all benefit by investing in our region’s youngest learners to build a stronger workforce for the future of northern Nevada.
I am proud to lead an organization that stands at the center of the change that connects the power of the community to make a difference by getting involved, changing lives, and living United. I hope that this blog serves to keep you connected, involved, and informed on all things Living United. We are excited to highlight the voices of our community through our staff, board, donors, volunteers, and partners. I hope you will check back often and reach out to me to discuss how you LIVE United at michael.brazier@uwnns.org or 775.333.8265.