A Year of Experiences: Elevating the United Way NEXT Member Journey
At United Way NEXT, we believe the best way to honor our past is by investing in our future. And this year, we’re all about creating meaningful experiences for our members!
As we celebrate 35 years of connection, leadership, and belonging; we’re focusing on what matters most: helping our members feel supported, engaged, and connected. 2025 Board Chair, Paul DeBassio said it best at our March New & Prospective Member Orientation when he shared, “I want this to be the year of experience and the year of reconnection.”
And with a new Membership & Engagement Coordinator and a new Marketing, Communications, & Events Manager on board, we’re doing just that! From upgraded communications and a newly redesigned website to a renewed focus on belonging and the launch of our Consultant Collaborative, we are working to improve how our members experience UW NEXT at every step of their journey.
Stronger Communications for a Stronger Connection
Since onboarding our MC&E Manager, Ivy Cirillo, we’ve taken a closer look at how and when we communicate with our members. In doing so, we’ve made strategic updates to ensure the experience is more welcoming, consistent, and aligned with the value of UW NEXT.
Our refreshed new member and renewal communications now speak directly to the reasons people join and stay connected within our community. These personalized emails provide clearer messaging about benefits, invitations to engage, and encouragement to explore everything their membership offers from the start.
“Our goal was to create a membership experience that feels personal, purposeful, and full of possibility,” said Kerstin Rust, UW NEXT Membership and Engagement Coordinator. “We want members to feel seen, valued, and excited about what comes NEXT.”
A Website Designed with You in Mind
On July 15th, we launched a brand new website with a focus on simplifying navigation, ensuring consistency across devices, prioritizing accessibility, and improving member experience.
Whether you’re interested in exploring membership levels, registering for an event, or ready to give back, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible! Plus, the content has been streamlined, the layout simplified, and the overall look reflects the energy and spirit of our community.
Amongst the pages, you’ll find member-provided testimonials and photographs. Plus, a Member Voices page spotlighting the books, blogs, podcasts, and newsletters that our members have written and recorded. With plans to give members access to a membership hub & a member directory!
According to Neil Parekh, Chair of the United Way NEXT Marketing Work Group, “This is more than a website update. It is a commitment to how we show up for our members online.”
Honoring the People Who Make Us Feel Like We Belong
United Way NEXT prides itself on creating a diverse and inclusive space where everyone has a seat at the table. It is with intention that we continue building opportunities for our members to experience a profound sense of belongingness.
In our 35th year, we’re excited to share more than our commitment by lifting up the voices of our members. It’s through our 35th Anniversary Tributes and our 35th Anniversary Social Media Campaign that we’re truly able to see what this community means to our members & who’s made them feel welcomed in the United Way network!
We’re excited to spotlight the moments that made a difference in our community through members' social posts, personal reflections, photos, and testimonials. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a brand new member, we hope you’ll join us in telling your story.
“This campaign started with a simple idea: let’s celebrate the people who make this network extraordinary,” said Jeffrey Wilcox, who helped champion the campaign’s launch. “It is about honoring legacy and creating space for connection.”
A New Resource for United Way Alumni
For more than 18 months, UW NEXT President & CEO Carole Peters has been working behind the scenes to launch a new member resource aimed to support current and former United Way professionals working as consultants.
Offering memberships at both the individual level & the local United Way level, Carole has seen first-hand the path from United Way employee to consultancy and the organizations seeking consultants. With the launch of the Consultant Collaborative, UW NEXT will be able to support both the individual and the organization!
Not only will UW NEXT members be able to search a dedicated directory of consultants, but they can request warm introductions through Carole herself. Plus, UW NEXT members identifying as consultants will have the opportunity to attend quarterly roundtables, exclusive professional development sessions, early access to our guest speaker application, and more.
“The Consultant Collaborative is an incredible resource that brings our shared experience full circle,” said Patrick Jinks, Chair of the Consultant Collaborative & Engage and Exchange Work Group Member. “These professionals are deeply rooted in United Way values and are ready to help others move forward with confidence.”
The Best is Yet to Come
As Paul said, this is “the year of experience and the year of reconnection” and we are dedicated to building a better experience for United Way NEXT members. From the way you receive information to the opportunities you have to connect, grow, lead, and inspire, your journey is at the center of our work!
We hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate with us and:
And if you have any ideas on how we can improve your member experience, we’d love to hear them! Feel free to email us at info@unitedwaynext.org at anytime 💙