Don’t be surprised if you see United Way everywhere you look this week.

Dozens of United Ways across Michigan, including United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, have joined forces to share local successes and invite the entire state to get involved in making a difference. This week’s unified kickoff will show up in on-air and online throughout the state.

“We’re hoping to raise awareness throughout Michigan that United Way is creating real, meaningful change locally that resonates beyond borders,” said Chris Sargent, President and CEO of UWBCKR.

This marks the fourth year of the unified kickoff, which began with the Michigan Association of United Ways and four local United Ways: Capital Area United Way, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, United Way of Jackson County and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

In addition to shared advertising and online promotion, participating United Ways are collaborating on a common landing page, letsliveunited.org, providing a single online resource to help people connect to their local United Way. The website also includes a video featuring nearly two dozen United Way leaders from across Michigan sharing their commitment and passion for changing lives.

The unified kickoff doesn’t replace our local outreach, nor does it add any costs. It simply offers the chance to coordinate and share United Way’s message of impact and partnership on a larger scale.

So wherever you go in Michigan, watch for signs of the shared kickoff. It’s a powerful example of United Way’s greatest strength: the spirit of collaboration that drives real, meaningful change in our communities.