Good Intentions

Rappahannock United Way, with the help of the Community Impact Task Force (CITF), has made progress in our journey to Community Impact. We have recently identified the Intentions for Rappahannock United Way’s Community Impact strategy under Education, Income, and Health. These Intentions serve as overall goals for our community in these Focus Areas.

Education: Children and adults fulfill their emotional, social, academic, and vocational potential.

Income: Households are financially independent.

Health: Individuals realize improved health status.

Click here to view an outline of Rappahannock United Way's Community Impact Strategy. You will see that after the Intentions have been determined, Goals, Strategies, and Indicators follow. Specific Goals help realize the Intentions; Strategies are methods by which to achieve the Goals; and Indicators are measures of success.

At this time, we have identified provisional Goals in each of the Focus Areas. These provisional Goals are subject to change, and must still be examined by experts in Education, Income, and Health before adopting them for our region. The Rappahannock United Way Board of Directors approved moving into the next phase during which we engage these experts to help us pinpoint our Goals.

Stay tuned for more as the journey continues!

Ready, Set, GOALS!

At our April Community Impact Task Force (CITF) meeting we began discussions in the development of an overall Vision Statement for Community Impact. This is a thought provoking, complicated process and as such will take some time to develop as the process evolves. Rappahannock United Way and its CITF members will meet in May to set Broad Goals for Community Impact. These Goals will then be passed on to the Board of Directors for approval.

The Journey Continues

The road to Community Impact may seem like a neverending stretch of pavement, but we're really getting there!

On March 24, Rappahannock United Way hosted a meeting as an opportunity for all agency staff members, executive directors, and board members to ask questions about United Way’s journey to Community Impact. Chairman of the Board Cathy Davis and Community Impact Task Force Chair Shawn Sloan led the meeting beginning with a slideshow illustrating the Community Impact timeline. At this meeting, 23 agencies were represented by over 30 individuals, composed of 19 executive directors, eight agency board members, and a handful of staffers. Following the presentation was a question and answer period during which agencies made queries relating to Community Impact.

Last week, the Community Impact Task Force met with several Community Impact Retreat participants to discuss an overall Vision for Rappahannock United Way’s Community Impact. The Visioning process sought to create an overall concept for what our community will ideally look like as a result of Community Impact under which specific goals and strategies will fall. The RUW Board of Directors will vote on this Vision in April.

Thank you to everyone who is helping us make these great strides in our Community Impact journey!

Community Impact Timeline

Since August, Rappahannock United Way has made great strides in our Community Impact journey, and we’re thankful for all of your support and participation along the way. Since we last communicated about our Interactive Sharing event, RUW has undergone a Community Impact Retreat and structured a timeline outlining our upcoming actions. Let us catch you up to speed with our recent steps and share where we are in our Community Impact timeline.

In February, the RUW Board of Directors, the Community Impact Taskforce, the Resource Development Cabinet, and RUW staff participated in an intensive, weekend-long Community Impact Retreat. The goal of the retreat was to define Issue Areas and Broad Goals in the areas of Education, Income, and Health as they relate to the Mission and Vision of Rappahannock United Way. Insightful discussion and creative brainstorming facilitated many problem-solving strategies. However, by the end of the weekend, we still lacked an overall Vision for the community. This Vision is critical, for it drives all goals and strategies that fall under its scope.

In April, RUW will convene a group of retreat participants to consider data from Community Engagement, the Interactive Sharing, and the Community Impact Retreat to then create a Vision for Community Impact. Once a strong Vision is in place, the Community Impact Taskforce will determine Broad Goals to support this Vision. In June, RUW staff will begin the transition of reflecting the Vision and Broad Goals in our messaging relating to fundraising and our community investment programs and initiatives.

We are excited to be moving steadily along down the road to Community Impact!

Our Interactive Sharing Experience

In January Rappahannock United Way (RUW) hosted an Interactive Sharing of the Community Engagement data that came out of our Engagement (hosted, community, and telephone meetings and this blog) and our Survey. The following themes recurrently came up as top priorities in the community:

- Early childhood development
- Parental engagement in education
- Increased employability
- Increased financial stability
- Eradicating family violence
- Promoting healthy lifestyle choices

We asked participants to comment on whether they felt the listed priorities were areas on which RUW should focus in the areas of Education, Income, and Health.

What do you think?

Thanks for Your Input!

Many thanks for your participation in the RUW Community Engagement 2010 initiative!

We've heard from a broad cross-section of the community about the issues and concerns that you have here in greater Fredericksburg, including many fantastic ideas for goals and strategies that we could use to address those challenges.

We very much appreciate the thoughtful input you provided in our survey, at our meetings and through this blog. The information you provided will guide us in establishing programming and funding priorities for our area over the next 10 years.

RUW and Virginia Tech are in the process of preparing our report based on the findings from this effort. Stay tuned for an update in January 2011!

Studies Show Social, Economic Conditions Affect Child/Adult Health

A 2008 report from the Virginia Department of Health shows that the economic and social conditions within which children are born and raised affect them throughout their lives.  Before they’re born and as they grow into adults, children go through several critical development periods—the environmental, social and economic elements in a child’s life may influence the body’s physiology for the remainder of that person’s life.

These include such effects as an increased potential for low birth weight babies among females and future risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease among children who were low birth weight or who grew up in poverty.

What effects do you see poverty having on children’s health in our community?

What are we doing today in our community to create and sustain positive social, economic and environmental conditions in support of our children’s health?

What other ways could we further support these efforts?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Health (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Educaton and Income.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)       

Sustained Racism and Isolation Contribute to Poverty

For the last 40+ years, cultural explanations of poverty have been like the Harry Potter character Lord Voldemort: That Which Must Not Be Named, according to a recent New York Times article.

These explanations are now being reconsidered given the recent 15-year high of the poverty level; today, 44 million people or one in seven live in poverty.  Researchers today are attributing destructive behaviors and attitudes that contribute to poverty not to a person’s moral character, rather to sustained racism and to isolation.

How does poverty affect you or your family – or people you know?

In what ways do you see sustained racism and isolation in our community today?  What effects can you see from these destructive attitudes and behaviors when it comes to poverty?

What more can we be doing to combat sustained racism and isolation, and in turn address poverty?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Income (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Educaton and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)      

Providing Equal Education for Everyone: Education Dept Reports 11% Jump in Civil Rights Complaints

The U.S. Department of Education reports receiving nearly 7,000 civil rights complaints this fiscal year.  This represents an 11% increase over last year and it is the biggest increase in at least the last decade, according to a recent article in USA Today.

Many of the cases being pursued by the DOE Office of Civil Rights involve discipline rates that vary among students (such as African American boys who are suspended at double and triple the rates of white male peers) as well as students with disabilities “and those with illnesses who are shortchanged at school because of their impairments.”

How has this issue affected you and your family?

What are we doing in greater Fredericksburg to ensure that every child’s right to a quality education is not compromised?

How can we further ensure the school success of every child?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Education (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Income and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)     

Public Health in Greater Fredericksburg

This recent story highlights how the recent health reform legislation seeks to reverse the idea that health disparities are inevitable and inexplicable.  The law is expected to address this issue in part by supporting a resurgence in public health as a movement.

Whereas doctors treat diseases, public health workers identify key trends, explain why people are getting sick and highlight conditions that trigger various illnesses.

What role do you see for a renewed emphasis on public health in greater Fredericksburg?

What disparities do you see in health in our community?

In what ways can we support programs that encourage wellness and prevent people from getting sick?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Health (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Income.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)    

Lower-Income Income Adults 45+ Struggling During Recession

A recent AARP study found that almost 60% of Americans aged 45+ with annual incomes under $25K report they are either “not too” or “not at all” confident they can cover living and medical expenses in retirement.  This figure compares with 36% of higher income adults.

The study also notes many say they are struggling to meet their basic needs, like buying food and paying for heat, electricity and water bills.

How has the recession affected the people you know over 45?  Do they have to choose between paying for food and for other daily needs, like prescriptions?

What important needs are low-income people over 45 putting off that you know of, like rent or medical tests or dental work?

How are we serving the needs of low-income older adults in greater Fredericksburg?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Income (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)   

Ensuring Educational Success for Children of Immigrants

Did you know that 20% or one in five school-age kids are the children of immigrants?  According a study by the Urban Institute, the number of school-age children whose parents are immigrants increased almost threefold from 1970 to 2000.  Nearly 75% of kids whose parents are immigrants are U.S. citizens.  Moreover, data show that many Asian-American and Latino children of immigrants are low-income and English Language Learners.

What services do we have in place in the greater Fredericksburg area to ensure the educational success of children of immigrants who are low-income and also English Language Learners?

How can we provide good support to immigrant parents in order to support the educational success of their children?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Education (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Income and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)  

How Well You Feel Has Everything To Do With Your Income, Poll Says

A recent Gallup poll showed that the higher an American’s income, the better they report feeling emotionally, physically and fiscally.

Adults polled rated 55 different items that made up a Well Being Index.  People making $24,000 or less annually rated their physical, emotional and fiscal health at 57.2, as compared to 67.7 for middle class folks and 74.3 among people who are financially wealthy.

How would you rate your physical, emotional and fiscal well being?

What do these findings tell us about the gaps between people who are well off – and those who aren’t?

What services or supports can we provide in greater Fredericksburg to bridge these gaps?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Health (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Income.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.) 

Demand for Social Services Skyrockets in Suburban Areas

According to a new Brookings Institute study, the demand for social services from suburban nonprofits has skyrocketed.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of these organizations are seeing more clients who have no previous connection with social safety net programs.  The needs of these individuals have changed too; almost 80% of suburban nonprofits report more requests for family food assistance and about 60% report that there are more frequent requests for rent or mortgage payment assistance.

As a growing area, Greater Fredericksburg has many newer suburban areas or subdivisions (such as Creekwood near Central Park), in addition to several established subdivisions such as Aquia Harbor in Stafford.

What can we do in the greater Fredericksburg to support the important services offered by our suburban nonprofits?

What can we do to more effectively serve the needs that Fredericksburg-areas individuals and families have in this difficult economy?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Income (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.) 

Arts Education: How Are We Preparing Students for the Workplace?

A recent study showed that 85% of business leaders “are currently having difficulty recruiting individuals who possess creative ability.” In fact, did you know that U.S. employers rate creativity/innovation as one of the top five skills expected to increase in importance by 2015?

But despite this fact, the study also reports that arts courses in schools usually are electives, with creative writing being the only required class in more than 50% of districts. Only 20% of schools require that student take a music class.

What can we do to better provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the working world?

How can we support arts education in area schools?

What role do you see arts education playing in creating a workforce that serves the needs of area employers in greater Fredericksburg?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Education (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Income and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)

Underinsurance Persists for Working Families

A recent Ohio study of parents with private health insurance revealed that the cost of healthcare services (such as paying for a test) was a barrier to receiving pediatric care for their kids, as compared to those who were covered by the State Children’s Health Insurance Program or public programs like Medicaid.  Families making less than $74,999 annually had the most difficult time obtaining care.

While the expansion of health coverage is covered under the recent health care reform act, some argue that the reforms will not completely address the challenges of underinsurance.

How does this issue affect you and your family?

What can we do to bridge the gap for those who already are insured – and also have trouble paying for co-pays and deductibles, tests and other required treatments?

What programs today are focused on this need in the greater Fredericksburg area?  How can we further improve them?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Health (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Income.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)

How Can We Better Support Low-Income Families in the Greater Fredericksburg Area?

A recent NPR story highlighted how low-income families try to get by. Reporter Jamie Tarabay visited a Walmart in the Fredericksburg area as an example of how families load up with necessities like groceries and diapers starting at about 11pm on the last day of the month. Most of the supplies need to last the family for the whole month.

What are we doing in the greater Fredericksburg area to address the problems faced by low-income families?
What gaps are there in how we are supporting these families?
What can we do to further improve the quality of life for parents and children in low-income families?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Income (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.) 

Encouraging Healthy Eating in Greater Fredericksburg

Today there is a significant push to reduce dietary salt among members of the public, according to a recent report.  The soda maker Pepsi agrees with that emphasis, noting that sodium reduction is a goal that is achievable and that even a minor decline in salt intake can have significant positive effects in a population.  As many know, salt consumption contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and other chronic health issues.

What can we do to reduce obesity, high blood pressure and other chronic health issues that are based on salt consumption in our community?

What can we do to encourage healthy eating in general in greater Fredericksburg?

What efforts can we pursue that make people more aware of eating good food versus food that is “bad” for them (e.g., salty foods)?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Health (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Income.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.) 

Should We Provide Financial Incentives for Teachers?

A recent study examined a Chicago program that provided teachers with annual performance bonuses ($1,100 in the first year and $1,600 in the second year) based on observed classroom performance and their value-added to student achievement.  High-performing teachers were promoted and received salary increases of $7,000 and $15,000.

However, findings show that students in the participating schools did not have significantly higher scores on state reading or mathematics tests.  Also, the study reported no significant effect on teacher retention at either the school or district level.

The study’s findings raise some good questions for education in the greater Fredericksburg area.

Should we be considering rewarding teachers for improvements in test scores?  Perhaps the findings here might be different.

What role do parents and other community members play in supporting school success?

What programs are needed in the greater Fredericksburg area to support better test scores?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Education (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Income and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.) 

 

Less than 25% of Parents in Virginia Families Have Regular Employment

In 2008, the Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that just over a quarter of children (27%) nationwide were living in families where no parent had full-time employment all year round. In Virginia, that figure was 23%.

What can we do to support more full-time income opportunities on an annual basis for parents in our community?

What programs can we develop that serve this need?

Is having good skills enough? How can we create more good jobs in the greater Fredericksburg area?

Join the conversation - we need your input!

There are several ways you can provide your thoughts and input on these important questions.

1. Post your thoughts or a brief response below here (just click on "Comment")

2. Register to complete our online survey about aspirations and goals for Income (16 questions, takes about 10 minutes) ...we also will ask you about aspirations and goals for Education and Health.

3. Or, if you'd rather not complete the full survey, submit your thoughts in this brief online form (8 questions, takes about 5 minutes.)