Make Your Moment
Engaging in public policy advocacy is a powerful way to make a difference in people’s lives.
For a community to thrive, we need to understand the complex issues that face our communities, our state, and our nation, and do our part in advocating for policies that help bring positive change. United Way of 1000 Lakes works with individuals and coalitions to ensure childhood success, individuals live healthy lives, and everyone has the opportunity to achieve financial well-being.
Be Informed and Be Vocal
Effective change requires increased awareness. You can help activate change in our community by making your voice heard for the causes and issues that matter most to you.
Help make your community strong
Ways You Can Take Action
To achieve real change it takes all of us - business, labor, nonprofits, and advocates raising our voices and working together to advance the common good.
Contact elected officials to tell them how you feel about upcoming bills or policies.
Learn who represents you. Find Out →
Participate in public meetings on education, basic needs, and health-related issues. Share stories and discuss policy with your local legislators at community meetings on social issues.
Share your opinion with us through our Community Needs Assessment Survey and help us learn how we can best support our region. Take Survey →
Write a letter to the editor on an issue affecting your community that you feel passionately about. United Way needs people who are passionate about early learning, financial stability, and health to make some noise.
Make Your Voice Heard
Throughout the year, United Ways of Minnesota and other coalitions hold advocacy events open to public participation. Join together with others to make a larger impact.
HOMELESS DAY ON THE HILL
March 8th, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church St. Paul
500 Cedar St, Saint Paul, MN
#MCHDOTH
Join organizations and individuals to advocate for housing stability for all Minnesotans. Coordinated by the Minnesota Coalition for Homeless, attendees connect with legislators to raise awareness and advocate for state investments that focus on preventing and ending homelessness Sign up by February 27th to meet with your legislator. Register
HUNGER DAY ON THE HILL
March 8th, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill
105 University Ave West, Saint Paul
#HungerDay2023
Lead by Hunger Solutions, Hunger Day on the Hill is your chance to gather with anti-hunger advocates and take part in the legislative process! Hunger Day on the Hill is a great opportunity to learn more about hunger-fighting efforts at the state level and to speak to your legislators about hunger in Minnesota and what we can do to fix it. Register
MENTAL HEALTH DAY ON THE HILL
March 9th, 2023
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill
105 University Ave West, Saint Paul
Transportation: 5:52 a.m. bus pickup at Culver’s (1175 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids)
Mental Health Day on the Hill, sponsored by the Mental Health Legislative Network, includes an overview of legislative and funding priorities, a rally, and the chance to meet with lawmakers! Advocates can participate by attending in person, meeting with a legislator in person or virtually, or attending a live stream of the rally. Transportation is available to those attending in person. Register
VOLUNTEERISM DAY AT THE CAPITOL
March 14TH, 2023
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, MN
The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) is working to pass a Volunteerism Bill designed to bring funds to community organizations to build and expand effective volunteer engagement. Nonprofit organizations are invited to join the efforts on March 14th to learn how advocacy at the State Capitol is essential to their work. Register
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN DAY
March 22nd, 2023
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, MN
Over 35,000 children in Minnesota don’t have access to affordable quality early care, education, and other supports. Advocacy for Children Day presents an opportunity to speak up, for and with our children, to make sure their care and education are prioritized in policy discussions and legislation this session. Anyone can register to join the efforts at the capitol, with or without children. Can’t attend? Get involved virtually by using #GreatStartMN and #ACD2023 to share why early childhood is important through photos, quotes or artwork! Register
How We Advocate
LOCAL
United Way of 1000 Lakes is a member of the Itasca Network for Youth coalition working to strengthen afterschool programming for youth and families across Itasca County. We also work with our homelessness prevention partners through the Itasca County Housing Issues Advisory Committee, contributing to helping people find housing.
STATE
United Way of 1000 Lakes is a member of and holds a seat of the United Ways of Minnesota Board of Directors. Working with other United Ways around the state, we work to address and strengthen 2-1-1 Information and Referral and advance Early Child Learning. During the legislative session, as a network, we testify and send letters to members of the legislature on issues that will improve the lives of Minnesota citizens, including the importance of early learning, financial stability, and healthy lives.
FEDERAL
On federal policy issues, United Way of 1000 Lakes follows the lead and recommendations of United Way Worldwide. When a federal issue impacts the Greater Itasca area, we work with them to find an appropriate method of advocacy. We also engage our representatives locally with initiatives in the community whenever possible.