Our annual campaign just kicked off here at Middlesex United Way, and while this year may look different than most, we are still excited to help local businesses and organizations find new ways to host their workplace campaigns.
Even though many are still working remotely, the time of need has never been greater due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to continue to support local families and individuals during this crisis, and each workplace campaign helps us continue our progress.
In case you don’t know already what a workplace campaign is, here is a summary: At each workplace campaign, a key person or group of individuals, known as campaign coordinator(s), plan and execute employee giving campaigns, sometimes working with a group of volunteers within the company. Typically, most campaigns hold a kickoff event or meeting to introduce the campaign and inform employees about how they can make an impact with a gift to Middlesex United Way.
Any company — from two employees to 20,000 — can hold a Middlesex United Way campaign. All of the dollars raised by your company stay local here in Middlesex County — unless otherwise specified by the donor — to create measurable impact in education, health, housing, financial stability and racial equity and inclusion.
If your company currently runs a United Way campaign, you help make it bigger with an even larger employee engagement percentage. Share with your coworkers how and why you support United Way, become a campaign volunteer, or join one of our affinity groups and meet other like-minded individuals in the community.
Similar to how we have learned to adapt to the “new normal,” our campaigns have been tailored to suit socially distanced and remote working environments. We’ve adapted our workplace campaign strategy to fit companies’ needs with employees working from home or at a limited capacity. We provide ready-to-use promotional materials, as well as customizable templates. Companies can run their campaign in numerous ways, and contributors can make their pledges even more accessible by utilizing our virtual pledging and text messaging service.
Many companies offer special events to get employees involved and excited, and some companies even hold closing or wrap-up events to thank employees at the end of the campaign. Some examples include Pratt and Whitney’s annual golf tournaments and gourmet hot dog day, Middlesex Hospital’s food truck day, Liberty Bank’s LBay auction and many dress-down/jean days. Additional ideas can include virtual happy hours, Zoom karaoke, or a company trivia night. Throughout the campaign, our staff and loaned executive are here to guide the way and answer any questions you may have.
Every year, we offer a variety of resources to help our campaign partners promote their campaigns. In addition to the tools we’ve had in the past, we have added custom Zoom backgrounds and PowerPoint presentations to add some fun to your virtual campaign. Although we cannot meet in person and celebrate our campaign together, there are still ways you can keep the morale up with employees while socially distancing and working remotely. Some examples include hosting a baby photo match game, cutest pet contest, recipe exchange, and lunchtime bingo.
As we start this year’s campaign, we hope more and more will find their passion for helping and join the team.
If you are interested, we would love to tell you more. Contact Manny Martinez at 860-346-8695 or manny.martinez@middlesexunitedway.org.
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