70 Percent of Young Americans Are Unfit for Military Duty — Sphere News, Opinion and Analysis.  Click on this link for the complete article.

More evidence of the immediate need for finding ways to keep our children in school and on track for a meaningful graduation from high school.

The recent Graduation Pathwya Summit was part of United Way’s initiation on helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential through education.

One of the goals we are encouraging is “90 by 19″  — ninety percent graduation rates in Tampa Bay by 2019.

Want to learn more about the Graduation Pathway initiative contact Betty Tribble at btribble@uwtb.org .

With the fantastic change of weather last month came some of our crowning achievements. Our community impact goal to help children and youth achieve their potential was brought to the forefront during the Graduation Pathway Summit we hosted along with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County Schools. Nearly 400 interested and vested business and civic leaders attended, determined to place a stake in the ground to continue improving the graduation rate in Hillsborough County Schools.

 Not graduating from high school is bad for the child and bad for the community. Every dropout earns $300,000 less over his or her lifetime than a high school graduate. They are incarcerated more and their medical costs are higher.

At the Summit, businesses vowed to get involved using a well-known United Way vehicle – a pledge form – through which they made commitments individually or committed their companies to help in the five strategic areas:

1. Mentoring/Tutoring
2. Service Learning
3. Parent Involvement
4. Out-of-School Time
5. School and Work Readiness

The shared goal is to increase the graduation rate to 90 percent by 2019. With this much community interest, I’m confident we’ll get the job done.

 If you’re interested in making a difference in this vital community effort, click here  and get involved.

When you join the LIVE UNITED Network, you’re joining a group of aspiring leaders looking for more than professional development—they’re looking for personal development. LIVE UNITED Network identifies the next generation of community leaders, introduces them to influential philanthropists in the Tampa Bay area and prepares them for their role in serving our community. As a member, you support vital community impact programs through a minimum donation of $1,000 to United Way of Tampa Bay. As a LIVE UNITED Network member, you’ll rub elbows with high-level executives in the Tampa Bay area while making a positive impact in the community through the group’s volunteer, social, and networking projects and events.

And, through a unique opportunity, the McKnight Challenge Grant* turns your $1,000-plus gift into $2,000 or more. You’re doubling your gift, but more importantly, doubling the impact to your community.

To take advantage of this challenge grant opportunity or for additional information or questions about LIVE UNITED Network, contact Kimberly Hall, LIVE UNITED Network Liaison, at (813) 274-0979 or khall@uwtb.org.

* The McKnight Challenge Grant will match new and increased leadership gifts to a $23,000 cap. The matching money is earmarked for homeless and disabled programming. The McKnight Challenge Grant is administered through the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund. The challenge grant ends December 31, 2009.

Davin Joseph is big – six foot three inches, 313 pounds. That’s to be expected for an NFL lineman. 

 His heart is big, too. Davin helped start a program through United Way of Tampa Bay to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need. In 2008 “Turkey Time with the O-Line” served 600 meals. He participates in programs to help pediatric patients. And Davin’s Dream Team provides home game tickets to charitable groups.

Davin was selected as the player spokesman for United Way of Tampa Bay to highlight the 35-year collaboration between the groups, and to promote the LIVE UNITED message. How does he feel about his role?

“I’ve been in Tampa Bay since 2006 and I’m searching for more ways to make an impact on the community,” he said. “Becoming the United Way of Tampa Bay’s player spokesman has motivated me to get more involved. It’s gotten me grounded and helped me learn where I can make a difference.”

Davin puts a child through his paces.

He helped out in a big way – the only way he knows how – at the recent Hometown Huddle. A collaboration between United Way and the NFL, Hometown Huddle encourages kids to play at least 60 minutes a day. It’s part of United Way’s 10-year goal to increase by one-third the number of youth who are healthy and avoid risky behavior.

Hometown Huddle was held at the West Tampa Boys & Girls Club in early October. More than 120 children took turns throwing, catching, running, tackling and having a ball with United Way of Tampa Bay volunteers and the Buccaneer players and cheerleaders who came to play. Davin tiptoed through the nets and trotted slowly around the obstacle course so the children could keep up. He cheered as the kids tackled the dummy and picked it up for the next enthusiastic tackle. He posed for pictures and signed autographs.

“I learn from everyone, receive knowledge from everyone, and I’ve learned how much of an impact one person can make,” he said. “Our country is going through a rough time right now and I want to help as many people as I can – kids, families, seniors. I bet our Thanksgiving dinner giveaway will double this year.”

He continued, “I want to be the spark that inspires people to give, to volunteer, to get involved.”

How does Davin Joseph LIVE UNITED?

“I LIVE UNITED to help those in need and inspire others to give back.”

A Tampa child goes for a long one.

At 9:00 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tampa, local business executives, educators, community impact organizations and government leaders will meet at Graduation Pathway. Participants will learn how to positively influence high school graduation rates in Hillsborough County.

Convened by the Children’s Board, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Public Schools and United Way of Tampa Bay, Graduation Pathway offers area business leaders critical information to keep teens focused and graduating from high school.

Graduation Pathway addresses the issue as a community-wide challenge, not just that of schools or parents, and is designed for CEOs, COOs, senior executives, entrepreneurs and human resource directors.

Dr. Bill R. Daggett, president of the International Center for Leadership in Education, is the keynote speaker. His presentation,  The New 3 R’s: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships focuses on the impact of high school graduation on the future Tampa Bay workforce.

Dr. Daggett has also collaborated with education groups in several countries, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors’ Association, and other national organizations.  He is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move education systems toward more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for students. He has assisted several states and hundreds of school districts, including Hillsborough, with their school improvement initiatives, many in response to No Child Left Behind and its demanding adequate yearly progress provisions.

Also presenting is MaryEllen Elia, superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, the eighth largest school district in the United States with more than 189,000 students and almost 26,000 full-time employees. MaryEllen has been superintendent since July 2005 and draws on a deep reservoir of educational experience in her CEO responsibilities.

Dr. Daggett will facilitate a panel discussion on strategies proven to increase graduation rates.  The prominent panel participants are Joe Follman, Executive Director of Learn & Serve Florida; Gordon Gillette, CEO of TECO & People’s Gas; Judy Nee, Executive Director of the National Afterschool Association; Joe Radelet, VP of Mentoring for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America; and Chuck Saylors, President of the National PTA.

Breakout sessions on these strategies include Service Learning, Parent Involvement, Business Mentors, Out-of-School Time, and Ready for Work or School follow the panel. A complimentary luncheon provided by our sponsors follows with welcoming remarks by Mayor Pam Iorio, City of Tampa.

Graduation Pathway is free; attendees will receive lunch and program materials.  Interested individuals must register online.

Graduation Pathway is underwritten by State Farm Insurance, Humana and America’s Promise. Without their generous support, it would not be possible. The Tampa Bay Business Journal is the exclusive media sponsor.

 October is a busy month. Our workplace campaigns are under way. A Graduation Summit will bring together business leaders and educators, and our on-going collaboration with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to promote youth fitness plays out during Hometown Huddle Oct. 6. Our largest volunteer activity of the year, Day of Caring, is Oct. 15.  

I’m encouraged by the promising early results of our workplace campaigns and hope the good news continues for the sake of our community. Our campaign coordinators pull out all the stops to run creative company campaigns, from kickoff breakfasts to pumpkin-decorating contests to dunk the executive opportunities. One of my favorites is the agency tours Mosaic offers its employees so they can see exactly where their United Way dollars go.

 Please spread the word about the free tax preparation available in January for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. Instead of spending their hard-earned dollars to get early rebates, we encourage them to wait a few weeks longer and get their taxes done free. Our goal is to help them keep more of what they earn so they can use it to move toward financial stability and ensure a brighter future for their children.

 Thank you for your belief in our mission to improve lives and create lasting community change in Tampa Bay. Thank you for living united.

 If you know anyone who earned less than $49,000 in 2009, they may be eligible for up to $5,600 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – and they can get their taxes done free beginning in January. 

Many families have their taxes done using their year-end paycheck and sometimes pay more than they should, especially if they want a quick refund. By taking advantage of the free tax preparation, these working families and individuals can keep more of what they earn.

 Eligibility requirements for the 2009 EITC are:

•  Families with three or more qualifying children who earn less than $43,279 (or less than $48,279 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,657. 
• Families with two qualifying children who earn less than $40,295 (or less than $45,295 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,028. 
• Families with one qualifying child who earn less than $35,463 (or less than $40,463 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $3,043. 
• Workers without a qualifying child who earn less than $13,440 (or less than $18,440 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $457.

 Another credit sometimes overlooked is the Child Tax Credit, which is up to $1,000 per qualifying child. For tax year 2009, the minimum income threshold needed to qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit has been reduced from $12,050 to $3,000, so more families will be eligible.

 The free tax preparation service is offered by partners of the Prosperity Campaigns of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, including United Way of Tampa Bay. All tax preparers are trained volunteers. Thirty-seven sites will be open in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties by the end of January 2010. Site locations will be posted at www.unitedwaytampabay.org shortly. 

If you know anyone who would benefit, spread the word. Help low- and moderate-income working families and individuals keep more of what they earn.

It’s Showtime, Baby!

Follow the United Way ESPN 1040 Sports Auction starting today live on the ESPN airwaves and on eBay, all to benefit United Way of Tampa Bay. Click here to see the eBay auction items. Different and unique items will be on ESPN 1040, so be sure to listen to the live auction on radio, and visit eBay.

PARTIAL LISTING of eBAY ITEMS GOING UP FOR AUCTION!
This is just a partial listing of the great memorabilia that goes online on eBay starting September 21.

You can bid and win any or all of the following:

Jack Nicklaus & Arnold Palmer – 1971 Vintage Photo
B&W framed photo of Jack & Arnie from Laurel Valley Golf Club in 1971

Tiger Woods – Signed Flag Collage- US Open at Torrey Pines
Signed framed collage with flag from the 2008 US Open Championships; w/COA

Eli Manning – Signed Super Bowl Collage
Photo framed collage signed by Eli Manning with replica Super Bowl Ticket; w/COA

Urban Meyer – Signed Photo
Coach Meyer framed photo from the BCS Championship Victory; w/COA

Williams, Orr & Bird – Boston Greats Signed Shadowbox
Ted Williams, Bobby Orr & Larry Bird – Signed by the Boston sports greats with patch from their team; w/COA

Lebron James – Signed Shadowbox Collage
Cleveland Cavaliers star Lebron James – Signed framed photo collage with unique NBA card set; w/COA

Ted Williams & Babe Ruth – Photo Collage
Unique framed photo collage of Ted & the Babe with engraved signatures

Joe DiMaggio & Mickey Mantle – Vintage B&W 1951 Photo
Framed photo of DiMaggio & Mantle in 1951 which is Joe’s last year and Mickey’s first year as a Yankee

Magic Johnson & Michael Jordan – Photo Collage
Framed photo collage of the two NBA greats with engraved signatures

Dale Earnhardt Jr – Signed Two Photo Collage
Nice framed signed two photo collage of Dale Jr.; w/COA

Peyton Manning – Signed Photo
Signed framed photo of Super Bowl Champion & MVP

MORE ITEMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER IN THE WEEK!

Share this will all of your sport fan friends. Help United Way by “sharing” this on your Facebook Wall and on Twitter, too! Spread the word and help others!  Remember, there will be more  and different items on Radio ESPN1040, broadcasting in Tampa Bay throughout the week. If you are in Tampa Bay, listen for even more items!

Christine Nauman of the McNichols Company has been named to the United Way of Tampa Bay Campaign Coordinator Hall of Fame. The award was made during the 2009 Campaign Kick-Off, August 20th at Tropicana Field with additional celebration at United Way at the Ballpark, Saturday August 22nd.

Campaign Coordinators are responsible for managing United Way fund-raising campaigns in the companies where they work. They receive training in running campaigns and oversee all campaign strategies, including arranging agency tours, distributing campaign material, holding kickoff and recognition events, organizing pledges and evaluations, and managing donor and volunteer thanks.

The Hall of Fame award is given to the Campaign Coordinator who demonstrates United Way campaign best practices. Nauman, a Tampa native who has worked at McNichols for eight years, ran the company’s United Way workplace campaign in 18 locations across the country in 2008. Under her leadership, giving increased by nearly 20 percent over the prior year, and she achieved a donor participation rate of 70 percent.

“Workplace campaigns are vital to our goals of helping the Tampa Bay community,” said Diana Baker, CEO of United Way of Tampa Bay. “With the dedication of people like Christine, and the giving spirit of her coworkers at McNichols, we are able to reach many more people who need assistance. Her achievements are especially remarkable in today’s economy.”

The Hall of Fame plaque with Christine’s likeness and her accomplishments will hang in Tropicana Field for one year.

United Way of Tampa Bay needs volunteers to help prepare tax returns for low-income Hillsborough and Pinellas county residents January through April 2010. The EITC program has been heralded as the greatest single anti-poverty program in the Federal Government. In 2008 it returned $11.9 million to deserving families in the Tampa Bay area.

No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive free training and will emerge from the volunteer experience with valuable new skills. Training will be provided in the classroom, online or a combination of both during September, October and November 2009. Tax preparation will take place January through April 2010. Volunteers will prepare tax returns based on information provided by the taxpayer and by asking tax-related questions. They will help working families understand their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and can refer taxpayers with more complex returns to other sources.

Volunteer requirements include basic computer skills, a desire to help low-income families, the ability to work with people from varied backgrounds, and a willingness to commit to two to four hours per week at a designated location. Tax preparation sites will be open weekdays, evenings and weekends.

Bi-lingual volunteers are needed for sites that offer translation services. Volunteers will check taxpayers in and translate while their return is being prepared. No training is involved; hours needed are the same as the tax preparers.

Volunteers are also needed to assist at the sites by greeting taxpayers and verifying information. No training involved; hours needed are the same as the tax preparers.

For more information or to volunteer in Hillsborough contact Kara Moore at 813.274.0926 or email kmoore@uwtb.org; in Pinellas Cherin Stover at 727.328.0618 or email CherinStover@hotmail.com.