This is the first in a three-part series exploring UWSCMI’s recently adopted vision, mission and values. You can find them all in one place at unitedforscmi.org/vision-mission-values.
Part 2: What We Do | Part 3: The Heart of it All
Standing at the Lincoln Memorial on a steamy August day in 1963, one man talked about a dream. His words, full of power and passion, inspired both the massive crowd before him and a sea change in public policy. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared his vision for the future “deeply rooted in the American dream: One day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”
“I have a dream.”
Historian Jon Meacham later wrote, “With a single phrase, King joined Jefferson and Lincoln in the ranks of men who’ve shaped modern America.”
Regrettably, King’s dream isn’t fully realized yet. But it did drive important progress; within a year of his speech, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. And in the decades since, the call for racial equity remains intertwined with that dream.
The lesson for us is clear: To change things for the better, you must start with a meaningful vision.
Strong, Caring Communities
When you go on vacation, the first thing you do is decide where you’re going. That makes everything else—reservations, itinerary, packing, etc.—more focused and efficient, not to mention easier. When you choose your destination and then do the work to prepare, you’re more likely to have a great time.
The same is true for organizations like United Way. We impact our communities better by starting with the end in mind. We envision with our communities the future we can create together.
In 2022, United Way of South Central Michigan merged three legacy United Ways, each with a vision for the communities and people they served. The new United Way took a hard look at what our six-county region needed. That involved conversations, both within and outside our team, while also peering through the lens of our values and our legacy visions.
Here’s what we learned: Our communities want to be strong. People want less strife and more compassion and civility. Those who are pushed to the margins want to feel valued and to have an equal voice. Families want to thrive. People want to connect and be connected, working together for the good of all.
From this input grew our new vision: Strong, caring communities where every person is valued, thriving, and connected for the common good.
Driving Mission, Rooted in Values
This visioncalls for communities that are full of opportunities and systems allowing all people to succeed personally, economically and collectively.
It visualizes and celebrates equity for everyone, especially those who have been underrepresented or marginalized throughout history.
The vision underscores how essential it is for all people to be connected. We succeed together, and when challenges come, we have each other’s backs.
This vision is the starting point for every action we take at United Way. It drives our mission—what we do and how we do it. It’s rooted in our values—the things that define us and guide our approach. It shapes our long-term goals, our strategies and, importantly, our relationships.
Our vision is the start of our journey. We invite you to join along with us. A donation is an investment in your local community. You can also volunteer locally, or advocate for those who need partners to come alongside.
