Emerging Leaders
The Emerging Leaders program through Oshkosh Area United Way provides early-to-mid career professionals an opportunity to further develop leadership skills, network with like-minded individuals and elevate their commitment to making a difference in the community.
Who is an Emerging Leader?
Community members age 40 and under, giving an annual gift of $500 to the Oshkosh Area United Way. They are a group of up-and-comers, with a desire to change the world. An Emerging Leader is interested in connecting on a deeper level with our community by taking ownership of initiatives that will enable us together to create lasting change in the Oshkosh Area.
How is Emerging Leaders different than other professional organizations?
Emerging Leaders begins with an United Way investment. As you may already know, the latest ALICE Report (Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed) states 46% of Oshkosh residents are unable to afford basic needs like food, shelter and utilities. These residents are our neighbors, our co-workers and our friends. They are our next generation of workers, civic leaders and decision makers. We have an opportunity and commitment to help lead them to success. An investment to Oshkosh Area United Way will help continue to fight for financially-stable Oshkosh families.
By giving an annual gift of $500, the OAUW and its’ funded programs are able to provide:
- One year of diapers for low-income parents
- Parenting classes for 20 parents
- Trauma counseling for four children
- One year of free books for 15 preschoolers
- A wellness visit, nutritious meal, and continued independence for 65 seniors
- 21 days of meals for 9 families of 4
- and much more!
These are just examples of what your investment as an Emerging Leader will provide. As an added bonus of the Emerging Leaders investment, the program offers professional development events and community networking throughout the year.
What if I am already a part of another professional organization?
Great! We love knowing there are committed community members like you gathering together for connecting in Oshkosh! We’d love to have your group visit one of our events, or talk to one of our staff, about how your whole group can join in. An investment from various members of your current group could create a large wave of change in our community!
Why is the commitment $500 or more?
United Way Worldwide and neighboring United Way Emerging Leaders programs have an investment level of $500. As we continue to grow a stronger United Way network in the greater Northeastern Wisconsin region, we want to create a united Emerging Leaders front. The annual investment of $500 is to ensure that ELs across all areas are able to attend events and networking opportunities with one another at the same level.
We want to focus on how much positive change $500 can make in our community. 1 in 3 people are impacted by a OAUW funded program. Your support as an Emerging Leader unites our community partners with success by allowing them to spend less time fundraising and more time focusing on executing programs for positive impact.
Okay, I'm interested! How do I get involved?
Emerging Leaders is recommended for people age 40 and under, giving an annual gift of $500 or more. The annual pledge can be gifted through a one-time annual donation or payroll deduction! If you are already donating at a $500 level and interested in getting more involved on a committee or are interested in increasing your gift to become an Emerging Leader, please contact Candice Lane at candice@oshkoshunitedway.org!
Join us at an upcoming TELTalk event! TELTalk is a bi-annual event offered to Emerging Leaders in the Oshkosh and Fox Cities communities offering executive level professional development opportunities of various topics. CLICK HERE for details on our next Emerging Leaders event!
All photos courtesy of Nic Charles Photography LLC