ALMetro360

The year I was born was 1980. You listened to music on cassette tapes; you could watch Johnny Carson late night on the Tonight Show; you an- ticipated the release of one of the best movies, “The Empire Strikes Back,” and Ronald Reagan had just won the nomination for President of the United States. New computers were being invented every day; Pac-Man filled arcades while music videos played on MTV; ice cream trucks drove through your neighborhood and tele- phones could still be found in homes. The 80’s. The decade that defines me as a “Millennial.” The youngest millennials are just now entering the workforce while the older ones of my generation are filling management positions. We are preceded by many generations of people who understand what it means to give back to your community and support the ones who need it most. For more than 95 years, the River Region United Way has given people a ve- hicle to do just that. Through workplace giving cam- paigns and individual gifts, they have been able to raise millions of dollars to meet the ever-changing needs in our community. Unfortunately, we are cur- rently experiencing the retirement of the baby boomer generation and are losing many contributors in work- place campaigns across the board. While the millen- nial generation is certainly not uncharitable, they tend to give of their time and resources in different ways than their parents and grandparents. The United Way is currently competing with global fundraisers through web and app-based crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe. The world is changing and so is the way people give. We at the United Way will stay true to our core mission while also looking at innovative ways to attract young donors. W HY U NITED W AY ? As we ushered in the new year, I reflected on how my involvement with the River Region United Way (RRUW) began. My first opportunity to volunteer with the United Way was in 2010 at the Campaign Kickoff Event, Rally in the Alley. Shortly after, I joined RRUW’s Community Council where we identify needs in the River Region. Followed by joining the 56 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com F ROM A VERY YOUNG AGE , THIS INSTILLED IN ME A RESPONSIBILITY THAT I FIND A WAY TO GIVE OF MY TIME AND MY RESOURCES . E VERY DAY I STRIVE TO SET THE SAME EXAMPLE FOR MY SON . Generations of Giving B Y J ASON G OODSON Jason Goodson, 2018-19 Chair of the Board of the River Region UnitedWay, at the Recognition & Results Event at the Armory Learning Arts Center, January 2018. Photo by Carter Photography & Design