ADVOCACY

United Way of the Piedmont takes a high-level leadership role to educate legislators, partners, and community members on an issue with a clear policy position. Policies where we take a leadership role will be feasible, non-partisan, and move towards systems change. Staff dedicate time, resources, and capacity to support research, advocacy efforts, and partner mobilization efforts. Internal networks will be engaged for additional support and external partners may be engaged with action items. 

United Way of the Piedmont will have a clear policy stance at this level and bring visibility to an issue. Work will be focused on educating and empowering the community on an issue. United Way of the Piedmont may join coalitions at this level to advance policy and advocacy work. Staff provide educational materials, research, and actively track policy updates relating to the issue area. 

Advocacy at this level entails lending our organization’s name to sign-on letters, sharing information and data, and supporting other organizations. We will lean on those leading the work in the issue area and will be advised on how to utilize resources and social or political capital. 

We recognize that some issues outside of our purview of outlined priorities or mission will directly impact our work. United Way of the Piedmont will monitor bills and issues that directly or indirectly impact health, education, or economic mobility. We may or may not take a stance but will utilize available resources to track legislation and efforts of those organizing on the issue.