United Way Worldwide recently released its Public Policy Agenda for the 115th Congress. It’s part of the organization’s comprehensive effort to stand up for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

UWW is committed to assisting national policy-makers in crafting the best possible governmental policies in these areas, while also tackling important policies that strengthen communities at-large. See the full agenda here.

Locally, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is developing its own public policy agenda.

“We know that our community goals are ambitious: improve high school graduation rates, reduce disparities in infant mortality rates, increase the number of financially stable households in the region, and ensure our regional community has a safety net to access basic necessities. We also know that no single strategy alone is enough to achieve them,” said Jennifer Nottingham, Associate Director for Community Impact.

A public policy agenda adds to an already strong set of strategies that include investing financial resources to improve community outcomes; mobilizing volunteers to support our community; and developing partnerships to create change.

“We recognize that the systems that affect our community and our ability to achieve our community goals are influenced by policy, and that a robust public policy agenda can help to drive change in our region,” Nottingham said.

“We believe that as a neutral convener and catalyst committed to the well-being of the entire community, it is our responsibility to speak up,” she added. “It is our responsibility to identify the opportunities to educate policymakers about how their decisions can improve the quality of life for Kalamazoo County and Battle Creek residents.”

If you’d like to be notified when United Way BCKR’s public policy agenda is released, have questions, or would like to become an advocate, please fill out the form below or contact Jennifer Nottingham at 269-441-1727.