Don’t be surprised if you see United Way everywhere you turn in September—on billboards, online, in newspapers, on the air.

During the week of Sept. 14, United Ways across Michigan, including the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, will join forces to tell their stories on a statewide canvas. Billed as a “shared virtual kickoff,” these United Ways are coordinating their promotions to highlight local impact and partnerships that change lives.

“At United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, we believe all people deserve opportunities to realize their full potential,” said Mike Larson, president and CEO of the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region. “Collaboration remains critically important to our ability to positively impact lives.” 

This collaborative idea began with four United Ways: United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, Capital Area United Way, United Way of Jackson County and United Way of Southwest Michigan. They worked through the Michigan Association of United Ways to invite others.

The four organizing United Ways held a webinar in August to share draft materials, from digital billboard designs to social media artwork. These materials also include a link to a common landing page, letsliveunited.org, providing a single online landing page to help people connect to their local United Way.

The shared virtual kickoff doesn’t replace 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 the evidence of the shared virtual kickoff starting Sept. 14. It’s a powerful example of United Way’s greatest strength: the spirit of collaboration that drives real, meaningful change in our communities.