Speak United

Bringing Brain Building to Beacon Hill

Russet Morrow — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:48:15 -0400

United Way brought its "Brain Building in Progress" message to Beacon Hill last week as it convened a breakfast for legislators and their staff. The event, sponsored by Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representatives Alice Peisch and Steven Walsh, featured representatives from leading statewide advocacy groups, who spoke about what they see on the ground - and how we can improve the lives of our most valuable asset, our children. read more »

Chain Reaction Update

Guest Blogger — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:18:22 -0400

Bikes Not Bombs began a mobile bike shop called Chain Reaction which goes to low income communities to sell bike parts at discounted prices and also put on “how-to” workshops that demonstrate the ins and outs of bike maintenance. Learn more abou this United Way Youth Venture funded program from its organizer. read more »

Chain Reaction

Guest Blogger — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:08:34 -0400

From the Desk of Author Jan Brett

Guest Blogger — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:33:00 -0400

Author Jan Brett recalls her childhood and the importance of reading. read more »

How To Have Fun in Greater Boston without Drinking

Guest Blogger — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:39:21 -0400

Hammered.org's founder discusses how he received a grant from United Way partner Youth Venture and launched his program. Hammered.org showcases fun local stuff to do without booze. Hammered.org currently serves the Boston area and will soon be expanding to other cities. read more »

Galvanizing the "City of the Damned"

Michael K. Durkin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:50:17 -0400

I submitted this letter to the editor of Boston Magazine today regarding the magazine's article: City of the Damned. By juxtaposing the purely negative aspects of Lawrence against the idyllic backdrops of the tonier towns in the region, Boston Magazine’s editor assured that this cover story would receive the focused attention of their readership. read more »

A Promise to Our Youth

Guest Blogger — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:21:18 -0500

Massachusetts is counting on us to solve this problem. We have a moral responsibility to ensure that our state's great education successes are reaching all of our young people. And our economic future depends on our preparing the next generation of skilled workers. read more »

A History of Reducing the Dropout Rate

Guest Blogger — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:12:54 -0500

8,000 students drop out of school each year in the Commonwealth. With the knowledge based economy, their prospects on the labor market are poor at best. But, are we ready to do what it takes to hold on to these students and help them persist through graduation? read more »

Broken Promises from a Broken System

Guest Blogger — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:47:58 -0500

I started junior year determined to prove my hunger for success. We met with the principal to discuss credit recovery and ask for a team to work with me to improve my GPA. I'll never forget what he said, and I quote: "I am going to promise you that I will hand you your diploma, shake your hand, and watch you walk across the stage in June of 2012." My team was never created. The follow up meeting never happened. He never spoke to me again. read more »

Boston College Students Spend Alternative Spring Break with Ellis Memorial Preschoolers

Brian Adams — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:56:25 -0500

During spring break, hundreds of student volunteers from across the United States team up with United Way to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country. Locally, a dozen "Alternative Spring Breakers" from Boston College are participating with United Way and our partner agencies through hands on projects and learning about the nonprofits in and around Greater Boston. read more »