Author: Ed Rivera, Immediate Past Chair Title: 2024 - A Rewarding Year of Service & Growth
United Way NEXT continues to evolve its work through expanded engagement opportunities for the Board, Executive Committee, Work Groups, and our members. In addition, our CEO Carole Peters, who celebrated her second anniversary this past summer, has increased NEXT’s presence throughout the UW network. It was exciting to participate in and observe these important developments as we set our sights on even higher levels of support for, and engagement with, the UW network. In support of the ongoing work of the Board, the Executive Committee increased its meeting schedule in 2024 to facilitate and support the actions recommended by Carole Peters. Among many ideas and plans, our Executive Committee conversations led to two very importantopportunities for UW NEXT Board leaders to engage with LaDawnNaegle, United Way Worldwide’sEVP and Chief of Staff. We learned a great deal from these important exchanges with LaDawn, especially about the network’s pace of change and engagement facilitatedby UWW executives and network leadership advisory groups. Our ongoing discussions with UWW executives and network leaders will increasingly support UW NEXT’s future planning toward optimalalignment and use of our resources.
Again in 2024, UW NEXT experienced growth in membership with over 120 new individual members and 20 new local UWsjoining. We are grateful to the 200+ volunteerswho engaged in committee work, served as guest speakers, provided 52 mentorships to local UW staff, and authored countless newsletter articles. Over 1,302 participants joined 40 professional development learning sessions led by 48 guest speakers. This tremendous growth and engagement of members in our community is exciting and rewarding to be a part of.
I would like to acknowledge several outgoing NEXT board members whose service will end in 2024. Please join me in expressing gratitude to Carol Burger, Barbara Edmond, Susan Dunn, Diane Lebson, Pete Manzo, and Mary E. Tyler. We are indebted to each of these leaders for their commitment and service to United Way and UW NEXT. I began my relationship with the UW network in 1974 as a UW of America Group I intern. Over the years, I experienced great fulfillment in serving the UW network as a staff member, volunteer, and donor. It has been an extraordinary pleasure to serve as the 2024 Board Chair of UW NEXT. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 Board Chair, Paul DeBassio! Our Board members are very excited that Paul will lead UW NEXT in its 35th year.
