United Way Volunteers

A couple of weeks ago, seven Iron Range Engineering students volunteered to participate in the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota allocation panels. United Way of Northeastern Minnesota raised $913,286. Thirty-six agencies and programs from across the Iron Range sent in their applications to request funds. The thirty-six agencies were split across nine United Way panels, which consisted of eight to nine volunteers. Each volunteer read their panel’s four applications, made sight visits, and participated in the allocation interviews. This experience allowed us the opportunity to see how donations from the area are distributed and be a part of the decision making process as to what agencies will receive the money. The whole experience was very eye opening. We really got to see what our communities are all about and what the true need is. It also gave us the opportunity to learn more about United Way.

We learned that United Way focuses on the building blocks of life: education, income, health, and basic needs. They work to help children and youth achieve their potential, families and individuals become financially stable, to improve people’s health and wellbeing, and by supporting the transitional need for food, shelter, clothing, and safety.

United Way staff and volunteers raise additional funds for their initiatives throughout the year by holding events across the region:

·  Power of the purse

·  Bayview blast and arctic splash

·  Flavor of the north

·  Ride the range

·  Kooch County cruise

·  Hooked on talent

Besides raising money for their initiatives, United Way started and funds Imagination Library, Smiles Across Minnesota, and the Buddy Backpack Program.

Volunteering for United Way is a great way to give back to your community, which is an important part of being an engineer. Two Iron Range Engineering students were voted onto the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota board of directors at their annual campaign celebration dinner. To learn more about United Way or to volunteer visit UnitedWaynemn.org. 

Posted by: Katy Marking & Ron Ulseth

Proofread by: Emily Kilpatrick