As a backdrop leading to my involvement with United Way, I have always been philanthropic, and in choosing an employer, it was important to me to work for and with people who shared that value. My interest specifically in the United Way grew out of my employer’s focus on community involvement and our relationship with United Way in a number of our markets.
I started my involvement with United Way upon starting my career in Kansas City, and enjoyed each opportunity I had to make professional and personal connections that I would not have otherwise made while also making a difference. When I relocated to Chicago, I immediately sought to continue building those positive memories and contributing to the community in which I live and work through involvement with United Way and the Young Leaders Society of Metropolitan Chicago.
Now nearly 3 years out from my introduction to United Way, I continue to stay involved because of a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I also find that engaging in the non-profit Human Services industry allows me to develop my skillset in areas where I do not currently get hands-on professional experience, so it’s ultimately a win-win for me and the organizations and people I serve. In addition to spearheading a number of community service initiatives in my office, I LIVE UNITED by donating to United Way. I donate through modest withdrawals deducted from my paycheck each pay period and also give my time by serving as the Vice Chair of the YLS Communications Committee, serving as a YLS Executive Committee Member, serving on the sub-committee that planned and executed the 2009 YLS Holiday Party and volunteering at events hosted by UW/YLS.
My favorite United Way of Metropolitan Chicago experience thus far has been participating in the St. Leonards volunteer event. Although I enjoy the social and educational activities, this event allowed me to contribute and directly interact with the other UW contributors and the people who our efforts were going to positively impact. It was an eye-opening day during which barriers that we are all inclined to maintain were broken down as I prepared and enjoyed lunch alongside other young professionals and men who had been released from prison and who were in transition working towards improving their lives with the support of St. Leonards, which offers programs that United Way supports. This experience illustrates what I value most about UW/YLS: It offers a single source” option for philanthropic and social engagement. With the plethora of options in the marketplace to satisfy my need to develop my personal and professional networks and to give back to my community, it is incredibly satisfying to center a great deal of my activities around my UW/YLS activities.
With UW/YLS, I always know that the interests of the programs that they support as well as my interests as a donor and young leader are at the forefront of consideration when service initiatives and other events are coordinated. I appreciate not having to second guess the intent and the beneficiaries.Looking ahead to my continued community involvement, I will continue to LIVE UNITED not only by continuing to donate my time and money to improve the lives of others, but really by encouraging others to do the same and sharing the great message of UW /YLS and the many fulfilling experiences I have had through my involvement.
Jasmine Shaw
MarketSphere Consulting, LLC
& YLS Communications Vice Chair
