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United Way Blog

Dispatch: Amplifying Education with United Way this Summer

You may know the indie rock band DISPATCH for its popular songs The General, Here We Go, and Open Up, but you may not know that Dispatch’s Brad Corrigan, Pete Heimbold and Chad Stokes are also dedicated to improving education in America. Inspired by the research presented at the United Way Education Townhall on March 31, 2011, Dispatch reached out to United Way to ask how they could join the effort to make a difference. From this, a unique partnership emerged where Dispatch will be “Amplifying Education” with United Way during its highly anticipated summer tour.

 “Amplifying Education,” is Dispatch’s multi-platform campaign aiming to inspire and encourage fans to take action. Engagement opportunities with United Way include: education community conversations, volunteer opportunities, and the opportunity to pledge to become a volunteer reader, tutor or mentor. Here’s the scoop… 

On the road, Dispatch is helping United Way reach the goal to recruit one million readers, tutors and mentors through online recruitment and an innovative text-to-volunteer program. During each concert, Dispatch will educate, encourage and invite its fans to volunteer and make a difference in education. The tour is expected to reach approximately 150,000 fans directly who can join by:

As a special thanks to those who’ve volunteered Dispatch will share five free music downloads from its 2009 Kennedy Center performance. In addition to United Way, Dispatch will help to highlight the work of other local leading organizations working in the field of education.

The education community conversations are happening at the bookend tour dates and locations engaging a variety of groups focused on education, as well as interested parties such as students, teachers, community leaders and Dispatch music fans. May 31, launched the first Education Community Conversation where Dispatch: Amplifying Education and Mile High United Way in Denver co-hosted a successful program with nearly 500 people in attendance. The 90 minute conversation, was moderated by State Senator Michael Johnston, and featured panelists Sue-Lin Toussaint, Principal, Mapleton Public Schools;Toya Nelson, Executive Director, Serve Colorado; Marc Morgan,,Startup Director, City Year Denver; Nick Bucy, Founding Principal, KIPP Montbello College Prep; Lindsey Morgan Tracy Senior Director, Investment Resources Mile High United Way.

Together, they sought to inspire action and stress that everyone can make a difference through service, volunteering, and advocacy when it comes to improving  academic success for young people across the country. The intimate evening also included special acoustic sets at the start and culmination of the program. Check out photos from the Denver event by visiting the Student United Way page on Facebook. You can also catch a glimpse of Dispatch’s Denver - RedRocks Ampitheathre concert in this fun video.

Learn more about how you can get involved in the next community conversation co-hosted by United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley in Boston on June 23 by clicking here.

United Way is thrilled that Dispatch will be inspiring their legions of fans to stand up for education and volunteer to make a difference. “Having attended the community conversation in Denver, I can tell you that something magical happened. Dispatch is leveraging its celebrity to raise awareness about improving academic achievement in the U.S. - a topic which they are genuinely passionate about. When a personable, socially conscious, indie-rock band like them shares information, encourages involvement and invites action with their music - people respond.” Stated Kiren Bansal, Director of Volunteer & Employee Engagement at United Way Worldwide.

To see when they’ll be in your town, check out the list of tour dates here:

DISPATCH 2011 SUMMER TOUR

June 3 Morrison, CO Red Rocks
June 4 Morrison, CO Red Rocks
June 5 Morrison, CO Red Rocks
June 7 Chicago, IL ­ UIC Pavilion
June 8 Chicago, IL Millennium Park
June 11 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
June 12 L.A., CA Greek Theatre
June 18 Harrison, NJ Red Bull Arena
June 21 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
June 24 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 25 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 26 Boston, MA TD Garden
Aug. 26-28 New York, NY Governor’s Island*
Sep. 2-4 George, WA The Gorge*

*appearance on Dave Matthews Band Caravan

Questions? Contact United Way.