United Way brings together all sectors of society – businesses, individuals, charities and governments – to create long-term social change. The only nonprofit in Forbes’ 2010 list of the world’s top 50 most valuable brands, United Way raised $5.14 billion in private donations in 2012.
United Way London, the newest member of the United Way movement, shares United Way’s mission and is working to improve lives across London and the UK. In London, this will be accomplished through United Way London’s initial Future PROMISE programme, aimed to tackle the high levels of unemployment amongst young people, which has been exacerbated by the current recession. A recent survey of 3000 businesses1 found that 80 per cent of respondents believed young people were not ready for work, due in large part to a perceived lack of key skills of literacy, numeracy and communication.
Through the initiative, corporate partners are helping to raise the aspirations of London’s young people, motivating them to become influential members of the workforce and their local communities. United Way London, supported by founder member Costco, connects businesses wanting to donate time, money and expertise with organisations already working with young people.
As the 2011 London riots showed, youth disaffection is a volatile and powerful force. Employment has an important role to play in helping young people realise their potential and contribute to the social fabric of the country. Yet, despite frequent efforts to resolve the issue, a vast disparity exists between employers’ and young people’s expectations of each other.
United Way London wants to make this a thing of the past. Eithne Rynne, CEO of United Way London said, ‘This programme marks a new approach to supporting communities. Corporate partners have the opportunity to create lasting change in the lives of young Londoners.’
‘Whether it comes from staff mentoring young people; providing business advisory services to charities; organisations providing seed funding to young entrepreneurs, or facilitating discussions between the organisations and their next generation of employees, Future PROMISE is an exciting new way to help get young people into employment that makes a difference.’
The launch of United Way London will be held on Tuesday 28 May 2013 at the New Armouries in the Tower of London. Art and performances from youth groups will be featured, and guests will have the opportunity to meet United Way team members from around the world, as well as young people from across London who have experienced the benefits of the initiatives that form the Future PROMISE Programme.
If you or your organisation would like to learn more about getting involved with United Way London, please contact unitedwaylondon@lvsc.org.uk.
1 Federation of Small Businesses, August 2012
Notes for editors:
About United Way: A United Way organisation is a volunteer-led, non-profit organisation located in a geographic community that seeks and addresses the root causes of key issues, is accountable for stewardship of resources and is accountable for short-term and long-term results. http://worldwide.unitedway.org/pages/what-is-united-way
London Voluntary Service Council’s (LVSC) involvement in the United Way London programme:
LVSC along with partners from many voluntary sector organisations across London, and with funding from BIG as part of their Transforming Local Infrastructure initiative have been working to develop and implement a United Way model.
About Future PROMISE: Future PROMISE will:
o Prepare young people for work
o Realised young people’s potential
o Open opportunities
o Motivated the next workforce
o Inspire the future generation of Londoners to become active
members of their community
o Support every individual’s journey
o Every young person counts
o Build on excellent work already being delivered by the Charity sector
About the launch of Future PROMISE: United Way London thanks Costco for its generous support as the founding member of United Way London. Costco’s commitment and support will improve the lives of many young Londoners seeking employment or training.
For more information, please contact: Valerie Walwyn, United Way London Development Officer, unitedwaylondon@lvsc.org.uk, 0207 832 5827