How would you like an opportunity to help thousands of people in London and the surrounding areas? Western can help make this a reality.
The university is looking for a staff member to join the Sponsored Employee program for the 2009 United Way of London & Middlesex campaign, which kicks off in the fall.
The person successfully recruited into the position will continue to earn their Western salary while helping the United Way.
Several organizations and businesses lend one or more employees to the United Way to work on the campaign. Last year ITS employee Rob Atkinson helped lead Western to its largest contribution ever, raising $534,009.
“I wanted to get more involved in my community and do what I could to help out in London,” says Atkinson of his reason to assist with United Way. “I also wanted to meet more people from Western’s campus and learn more about where I work.”
Atkinson says his experience allowed him to take away a great sense of accomplishment in both being able to perform the role required and in being involved in the record-breaking fund raising campaign from Western.
What surprised him was discovering how much United Way is needed in London and Middlesex County.
“We all think we are doing ‘ok’ and that ‘that stuff’ doesn’t happen here, but it does,” says Atkinson.
“Fortunately, when you get involved and look around, there are lots of great support programs to assist people, but they all need funding assistance. United Way is the most effective and efficient way to invest in our community.”
Part of a team of sponsored employees from across the area that worked with more than 750 organizations on workplace fundraising, Atkinson helped raise $7.35 million.
In the seconded full-time position, paid by the university, duties include working with community partners, building donor relationships, understanding community needs, raising funds and managing associated administrative and database requirements. The employee’s unit is reimbursed salary costs to a specified level.
The sponsored employee will start their assignment in late August and work with the United Way until mid-December. They undertake a comprehensive training program and have the opportunity to work with several employers, assisting with their campaigns.
“The sponsored employee serves as an ambassador for Western in the broader community and will make many important community contacts,” says Malcolm Ruddock, Western’s Director of Employee and Advancement Communications, who is volunteering as staff co-chair of this year’s campus United Way campaign along with faculty co-chair Julie McMullin.
“This is a tremendous professional development opportunity for the individual selected, offering that person enhanced skills in public speaking, organization and time management. Of course, the role also contributes significantly to the success of our campus campaign.”
In addition, the sponsored employee will be assigned to the Western employee campaign and assist Ruddock and McMullin.
So, what advice does Atkinson give to those contemplating the sponsored employee program?
“Go for it. It’s one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I learned a lot about my community, my work place and myself,” says Atkinson.
“Western is a great place to work, not only because of the diversity of people here but also because there are so many people who care and want to get involved and who are active supporters of United Way.”
Those interested in participating in the United Way Sponsored Employee program are asked to submit an online resume to Human Resources.