35 Years Of United Way NEXT: How Sponsored Memberships Strengthen Our Alumni And Professional Network
This year, United Way NEXT celebrates 35 years of connecting leaders, fostering community, and embracing the spirit of United Way! To mark this milestone, 2025 Board Chair Paul DeBassio honored the anniversary by gifting 20 individual memberships at the Leadership Giving Circle level to colleagues and friends who have made his career at United Way meaningful.
“Ever since joining United Way in 2000, the word that came to mind was community,” Paul reflects. “UW NEXT has been a continuation of that feeling, and it is an honor serving the organization as Board Chair during this 35th Anniversary. Celebrating the leaders who founded, nurtured, and grew this organization is what is so meaningful to me.”
Paul’s Gift: Honoring Relationships and Expanding Community
For Paul, this anniversary was the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the past and the future.
“One of my favorite benefits of UW NEXT has been reconnecting with former colleagues,” he says. “I saw the 35th anniversary as an opportunity to expand membership by sponsoring 20 individuals in the Leadership Circle for the 20 years I worked in the network.”
The recipients were not chosen at random. “These were individuals who made my experience working at UW more meaningful and complete,” shares Paul. “They became more than just colleagues. They became friends I enjoyed being with and care for, and now hope to see more often.”
Paul believes these memberships will help recipients engage with UW NEXT and inspire others in the broader community to consider sponsoring a first-year membership.
A screenshot of the recipients featured on our 35th Anniversary Tribute page.
New Member Perspective: Todd Langenberg
Receiving a gifted membership has been a meaningful and uplifting experience for many. Todd Langenberg shares what it has meant to him
“Like many across the United Way system, we came to cherish the relationships we build beyond our home community. Paul DeBassio's gift of my membership was a wonderful surprise. We shared many conversations over our years leading our respective regional UW teams, notes, challenges and opportunities. It was a wonderful gesture and I respect Paul very much.”
As a new member, Todd is most excited about continuing old relationships and forging new connections. “Some of us may have moved on from employment with a UW, but we never abandon the work of the mission of UW no matter where we are in our lives and careers,” he says.
Todd also highlights the broader value of UW NEXT: “As a leader within our organizations, we’re often a 'party of one.' We don't have the opportunity to have peer relationships which cover a safe space to discuss and dream. UW NEXT provides current UW team members the chance to connect with UW alums, share perspectives, and even discuss trends outside the world of UW. For alumni it keeps our hands connected to each other and reminds us there is more out there than the day to day professional circles we surround ourselves with each week.”
Paul DeBassio sharing his 2030 vision at United Way NEXT’s 2025 Board Retreat.
Looking Ahead: The Future of UW NEXT
As Paul’s year as Board Chair comes to an end, he’s optimistic about our future and excited about what lies ahead.
“There is great energy around maintaining meaningful programs for retirees while also capturing the enthusiasm of newer members — those who may still be working but are UW alumni, or those who may still be working within the UW network. This dynamic cross-generational aspect will fuel our future.”
Paul’s vision centers on building a strong and connected community where every member can find value and purpose. By creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning, UW NEXT will continue to bridge generations and support both individuals and local United Ways.
With a strong foundation built over the past 35 years, UW NEXT is poised for sustainable growth and with continued support, we can ensure a lasting impact for years to come!
Celebrating the Past & Investing in the Future
As we mark 35 years of connection, service, and impact, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the people and moments that have shaped your United Way journey! Whether you want to honor the time you spent in the network or another meaningful milestone, we hope this story has inspired you to join us in celebrating our 35th anniversary.
Here’s a few ways you can get involved:
Make a tribute in honor of someone that welcomed you into the United Way network.
Consider gifting a UW NEXT membership to a colleague or emerging leader.
Participate in the 35th Anniversary social media campaign.
Consider joining the Leadership Giving Circle yourself.
As Paul reminds us, “Gifting a membership is an easy way to show someone they made a difference in your United Way career.” By following his example, you help honor the past, celebrate today, and invest in the future of our network 💙