ALMetro360

Board in 2014, I was honored to be elected Chair of the Board for 2018-19. By making a choice to volunteer to be part of River Region UnitedWay, I have been able to experience and learn about so many aspects of what goes into making this organization great at serving our community. I have been able to watch hundreds of community volunteers come together to achieve a common goal. I have seen them assess the needs in our area. Volunteers have gone out to businesses and individuals and spent countless hours acquiring the dollars and resources necessary to meet those needs. These volunteers have allocated funds to agencies that take on the very difficult tasks of assisting those in need of help, with everything from homelessness, cancer, domestic violence, child abuse, education and many other issues. Lastly, I have witnessed these volunteers seek results and outcomes from our affiliate agencies to ensure that every donor’s dollar is used efficiently and effectively. A H ISTORY OF G IVING B ACK I was born here and I grew up in the river region. My entire family is in the construction industry. As a child, I remember watching my father, my uncles and my grandfather come home from working long hours to provide for their families. No matter what, they always found a way to give back to their church and to their community. No matter the amount, they found a way to give to others and help where they could. From a very young age, this instilled in me a responsibility that I find a way to give of my time and my resources. Every day I strive to set the same example for my son. I hope to lay his foundation for contributing by vol- unteering and showing the importance of service to your fellow neighbor and community. While the year 1980 defines me as a “Millennial,” I sometimes feel caught between generations. I respect the foundation that was laid before me by my elders’ contributions that I still see as land- marks in our community today. At the same time, I am working alongside so many talented young people that care so much about our community and are striving to make it a better place for their own children. A C ALL TO A CTION For the last 95 years, River Region United Way has established its foundation, built by families, individuals and corporate part- nerships of all generations. I would ask anyone who is not engaged in some way that they reach out to us and find a way to volunteer, participate in your company’s workplace campaign, or go online and give whatever you can. No matter what generation you identify yourself with… make a point to get engaged. I’m hopeful that 95 years from now… the vision that formed the River Region United Way will still have a strong generation to partner with: individuals, companies, organizations, foundations, area health and human service providers to advance the common good upon which United Way was founded. I challenge everyone to act, whether giving of your time or financial abilities. Join me in Living United and supporting your River Region United Way. As River Region United Way commemorated its 95th Anniversary in 2018, ALMetro360 featured a different “Changemaker” each month. Closing out the series, the Changemaker for February is Jason Goodson, RRUW Chair of the Board and Project Manager at W.K. Upchurch Construction Company. For more information about United Way, visit www.RRUW.org. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter FEBRUARY 2019 57