Welcome to Philanthropy’s Future Now! This newsletter is the best place to stay informed about United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s young professionals’ group, Emerging Leaders United (ELU). This month, we’re offering two different opportunities to give back to your community through volunteering.

We’re also getting to know a bit more about two of our Emerging Leaders in our new series of Member Spotlights. If you’re reading this and aren’t a member of ELU, we’d love to have you join us! Visit our website to learn more about signing up. Thanks for reading!

Join Emerging Leaders

UPCOMING EVENTS

VALENTINE'S DAY VOLUNTEERING AT HATAS

Enjoy Valentine’s Day with ELU and the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society! From 5 – 7 PM, our volunteers will be assembling bags of food for students who participate in the Albany City School District’s Feed and Read (FAR) program.

FAR assists students impacted by food insecurity by providing healthy meals and a book to help get through the weekend.

MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING

Join us at ELU's Monthly Member Meeting on Tuesday, February 20 from 12 – 12:30 PM. We meet on Zoom on the third Monday of each month.

JOIN US ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK

Celebrate the Luck of the Irish with Emerging Leaders on Sunday, March 17 from 9:00 to 10:30 AM as we sort produce at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham.

The Food Bank collects donated food and distributes it to nearly 900 charitable agencies feeding individuals in need throughout 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month. In 2022 alone, the Food Bank distributed more than 45 million pounds of food ( that's enough for 37.7 million meals!) to our neighbors in need. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food bank.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARER WITH UNITED WAY'S VITA PROGRAM

At United Way of the Greater Capital Region, we love tax season! Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps local families and individuals keep more of their hard-earned money by offering free tax preparation and counseling. Last year alone, 4,800 returns were filed through VITA, saving local residents more than $1.44 million in filing fees.

VITA couldn't exist without the help of our dedicated volunteers. It's not too late to sign up to become a volunteer tax preparer or greeter at one of 18 local sites this tax season. No past experience is necessary and on-site training and support are provided. If you're interested, please email United Way's VITA Program Coordinator Andrew Kochian at andrew@unitedwaygcr.org.

HERE'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

PITCHING IN AT GIRLS ON THE RUN'S FALL 5K

ELU had a great morning with other volunteers at Girls on the Run Capital Region's Fall Celebration 5K on November 18. By creating a positive and welcoming environment, ELU helped create an everlasting memory for the runners and their families.

SUPPORTING GIRLS INC.'S EUREKA PROGRAM

Last month, ELU members spent a Saturday morning at The Blake Annex, where they talked about career development and goals with girls from the Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region's Eureka! Program. They also worked together to create personalized vision boards and friendship bracelets.

Girls Inc.'s Eureka Program

JOIN EMERGING LEADERS UNITED

Emerging Leaders UNITED (ELU) is a diverse group of engaged young professionals committed to improving communities across the Capital Region through volunteerism and service initiatives. Powered by the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, ELU brings together service-oriented young professionals to become leaders of lasting social change.

Become a Member

We're always looking to expand our impact by welcoming new members, so don't hesitate to share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues and get them involved.

ELU LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Kevin Cordella
Corey Harris
Emily Dessingue

Melissa Jeffers
Allie Mantica
Belinda Washock

LEARN MORE ABOUT UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is an organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. It unites donors, volunteers, and community organizations in a common mission to strengthen our community and improve social conditions in the Capital Region.

Serving Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties.