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.
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 12, 2025
Central Presbyterian Church St. Paul
500 Cedar St, Saint Paul, MN
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 Register
HUNGER DAY ON THE HILL
March 2025
Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill
105 University Ave West, Saint Paul
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
February 20, 2025
National Guard Armory
600 Cedar Street, Saint Paul
A welcome and policy briefing will be held on Thursday, February 20th at 10:00 AM at the National Guard Armory (near the Capitol), where you’ll hear an overview of current mental health policy issues. Then, at 1:00 PM, we will hold a rally in the Capitol rotunda, where you’ll hear from legislators and advocates and make your voice heard! You will also have a chance to meet with your legislators. Register
VOLUNTEERISM DAY AT THE CAPITOL
The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) recently passed a Volunteerism Bill designed to bring funds to community organizations to build and expand effective volunteer engagement. Learn more
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN DAY
Thursday, February 20, 2025
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, MN
For over 20 years, hundreds of young children, parents, early childhood professionals and advocates from across the state have come together to ask legislators to prioritize Minnesota’s youngest children. Join other advocates at the Capitol and to urge policymakers to go “All In For Our Kids”! Before attending we also encourage you to set up your own meeting with your legislators to talk with them about the importance of early childhood care and education.
Even if you cannot meet your legislators consider sending them an email or writing a letter to know you care about children’s education and care. You can find who represents you here.
Capitol Visits
If you’re interested in doing a tour after Advocacy for Children Day, there are free guided tours starting at the top of the hour. Reservations are also available for groups larger than 15 people. For more information visit this link.
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 strengthen United Way’s 211 community resource helpline and influence change for ALICE households. 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.