IT TAKES ALL THREE
Why does Mesa United Way encourage you to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER? Because each action is part of a process that creates lasting change in lives of those we care about.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ADVOCATE.
It was not that long ago that people with disabilities often ended up in institutions when, with just a little extra help, they could have actually held down meaningful jobs and lived independently. It took the voices of everyday, ordinary people to question how our society treated our disabled neighbors. The actions of those advocates caused others, in turn, to also think about how detrimental it could be to relegate disabled persons to institutions when all that was really needed as a bit of understanding and a helping hand.
Because of these advocates, programs such as Foundation for Blind Children, the MARC Center and Advocates for the Disabled were born and continue strong today. The manner in which we treat the disabled today is just one demonstration of the power of advocacy. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have challenged us to see things as they should be instead of how they are.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO VOLUNTEER?
In Alexis de Tocqueville's book, Democracy in America, the author states, "America is great because she is good, and if she ever ceases to be good - she will cease to be great."
No nation on earth values its volunteers more than our own. Whether it's delivering a meal to a home-bound senior or organizing a food drive at work, Americans demonstrate with their actions that they understand that that which connects us as a people is far greater than anything that proposes to divide us. Volunteerism enhances the dollars available for services, allowing those that we care about to have a better life while returning to the volunteer the greatest reward - that of knowing the simple pleasure of helping someone else.
IF I VOLUNTEER, WHY DO I NEED TO GIVE?
Perhaps at some time you have participated in a food or clothing drive for an emergency shelter. If so, your generosity has directly benefited someone in need. However, if that shelter were to receive only canned food and used clothing, at some point it would eventually have to close its doors. Why? Because somehow the light bill has to be paid--along with the rent or mortgage. And then there's the staff person who's there at 2 o'clock in the morning to accept a child in need or a woman with her children on the run from a domestic abuse situation.
Yes, as important as advocacy and volunteerism is, the simple truth is that without adequate funds to run a program, many services just won't happen. By giving your financial support you help to ensure that essential emergency services will remain available to those in need.