How to be an advocate in Central Texas

United Way Capital Areas public policy is largely handled through our membership of the state association of Texas United Ways, United Ways of Texas. With 69 United Way members across our state, the association works to represent the public policy interests of members, leads statewide initiatives designed to improve Texas communities as well as provide legislative and other educational guidance and opportunities. United Ways of Texas office is located in the heart of Austin, just west of the state’s Capitol building.

With 1,300 United Ways nationwide, the movement raised more than $4 billion annually for local communities across the country. In Texas, United Ways of Texas members raised almost $250 million last year. This money alone however, cannot solve Texas’ greatest community challenges. So today, United Ways are building upon their greatest resource to change and improve community conditions: the power of collaboration and advocacy.

United Ways of Texas also partners with charitable foundations, community organizations and state agencies to educate and engage Texans from all walks of life, on issues critical to our state, ranging from the linkages between early childhood education and economic development, to the realities confronted by the elderly in rural communities. United Ways of Texas often provides additional funding to aid the work of our partners, many of which are our members. We are proud partners of:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Pre-K Now
• Pew Charitable Trusts

United Ways of Texas is also responsible for managing the Texas State Employee Charitable Campaign, a combined campaign offering state employees opportunities to designate donations to the charity of their choice through payroll deduction.

For more information on United Ways of Texas work, contact Jason Sabo at Jason.sabo@uwtexas.org or 512-372-8427