You betcha. Finally, we’ve entered the new age of technology—so, without much ado—welcome to the You Keep it Real blog.
So, what’s “You Keep it Real?” In a nutshell, people have been telling us they need to hear from us all year long—not just during our campaign, when there may be someone in your workplace, or a friend asking you to donate.
We teamed up with a group of really bright people in town to find the best way to let you, and everyone else, know about what happens the whole ‘rest’ of the year, as a result of our campaign.
You Keep it Real. Basically, it means you’re the one who keeps all the good and the help real. You’ll start to see thought-provoking ads now, and all kinds of really cool and meaningful features that will showcase this.
(In case you wondered why we didn’t use You Make it Real – it’s because the word “make” implies it wasn’t there before… so it would mean you’re making it start. Not so – you’re keeping and evolving the good stuff. We liked “keep.”)
I almost forgot. The good folks at our web company, Auragen, have been helping me learn more about the power of blogging. They suggested that I have a photo of myself on this blog, or at least, a United Way logo so that we’ll have a strong host identifier in this.
Here’s the deal. This blog really has absolutely nothing to do with me (I’m the host – that’s about it), and a logo is just way too corporate and sends the wrong message.
So, I think I have a good compromise. I'll use a picture of me with the You Keep it Real billboard. Because, truly, this blog is about you.
We’ve got big plans for this blog. Soon, you’ll be hearing real life stories from people who work at local agencies, and seeing pictures about what’s happening in their lives. The day to day, real life elements that our funded programs—and you—face and fix.
We’re looking forward to some great conversations and dialogue.
Thanks for reading this. I hope you join us in this blog – write in, ask questions, learn more, and make a difference.
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2 comments:
Great idea. Nice way to keep the community aware of United Way efforts.
AIDS Rochester is a United Way Community Partner. Read on to find out how your United Way contribution made a difference for Frances.
In October of 1991, while at an appointment for a work physical, Frances picked up a pamphlet about HIV/AIDS. What she read matched many of the physical symptoms she had been experiencing so she decided to ask the doctor for an HIV test. When she returned for the results, the doctor asked where her ex-husband was. She knew immediately by his question that she had tested positive.
Frances had worked as a nurse in an operating room but had to switch positions as she became too fatigued to perform her duties. She eventually had to stop working all together. She was forced to cash in stocks she had saved to make payments on her home as, with 3 children still living at home and depending on her, she needed a roof over their heads.
Her children were shocked to find out about her diagnosis but all reacted in different ways to support her. Her four daughters, two sons, 24 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren never turned their back. One daughter told her that we all have to die from something. One son told her that she had six children to help her handle it. As a mother, she knows they are all worried about her but try not to show it. “I can see it sometimes . . . . Mothers pick up on their children’s worries”.
In 2003, she sold her house in Florida and moved to Rochester to help out her daughter who was expecting a baby. Her doctor in Florida referred her to AIDS Rochester. She remembers well the young woman she first spoke with who told her about all the help available to her. Over the past three years, AIDS Rochester has assisted her with case management, rental assistance, a utility bill, transportation, nutritional information, advice and what she considers most important – motivation. “The people here help me by keeping me motivated to keep on with my life.” She also says that when she doesn’t come in for a of couple weeks, people come up to her and tell her how much she was missed. “You feel good about going to a place where that happens. It’s nice to hear that about yourself.”
Having lived with HIV for 15 years now, she doesn’t plan on giving up any time soon. “You can’t live in denial. I’ll take one day at a time – I’ve got to.”
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