Every year Valley of the Sun United Way brings on members from other organizations and businesses in Maricopa County who want to give back to the community through working as loaned executives.
The Loaned Executive Program is a program set up to allow businesses around Phoenix to send one or more of their own team members to work with, and at United Way for 16 weeks from August through November, yet remain an employee of that company. Loaned executives are exactly that, loaned.
This program innovates the way that one can really donate their time. People and businesses who are looking for a way to really dive into the volunteer world and really invest their time can serve as ambassadors for United Way within the community to promote United Way during peak campaign season.
“I learned so much about where help is needed in our communities by participating in all of the volunteer opportunities afforded to me while I was an LE.” – Scott Wheaton, Class of 2009
The employee will not only donate their time, they will gain valuable leadership and communication training that they can then take back to their company at the end of the program.
“There is so much more to United Way than people see. If they knew what the money is being allocated to, they would also see, as I did, that it’s not just donating money, it’s me helping someone.” – Kim Higgins, SRP
The program has allowed many working professionals to advocate for their company’s commitment to fight for their community.
“It’s been years since I volunteered to be a Loaned Executive, still I remember how much fun I had learning how to raise money for such good cause.” – Natalie Starfish, Class of 2009
Throughout the program there are volunteer projects that take place, tours of partner organizations, and campaign presentations to other companies.
These loaned executives each take a memorable and unique experience back with them and gain insight into not only themselves as individuals, but also the community that they have dedicated their time to help unite.
A former loaned executive from APS, Kevin Duncan, shared how the program affected him and someone else in a personal way.
“I had help from United Way when I was younger with my own experience with Autism. I focused on it when presenting and one experience that stood out to me was when I was done presenting and a woman approached me to let me know that I gave her hope for her autistic son to be successful one day as well and although I was there to present for United Way, to her, it was a personal message that her son will be okay.” – Kevin Duncan, APS
Many former loaned executives, such as Kevin, have stories and memories that will stay with them forever.
“As an LE, I enjoyed learning about the services available in Maricopa County that help our homeless and our hungry. It’s not just facts and figures at Valley of the Sun United Way, it’s a visceral experience. You walk in the shoes of those in need. You won’t be the same person you were before you spent time as an LE, and you won’t want to be.” – Mary Colosimo, Class of 2015
Becoming a loaned executive is one way to not only unite against the cycle but bring a sense of kinship and community back with them to their companies. Check out all about this wonderful program and lets help fight for our community together.
