But where did this new look and feel come from? And what exactly is "Live United" anyway?

"Live United" is a national initiative and invitation to join United Way in addressing our community problems together. It's an acknowledgement that when combined, our individual passions, skills, and effort can make real impact in the lives of others and therefore, ourselves. We can advance the common good, together.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

Those are the three pillars of the "Live United" movement. Anyone-literally anyone-can lend their voice to the community through one or all of those actions. They can give to United Way and make an investment in the future of Central Texas. They can advocate for an issue or cause they believe in through United Way resources. And they can volunteer their time, energy, and expertise.

"Live United" is about creating opportunities for everyone to succeed, so we're focusing on the building blocks of a good life: Education, Health, and Financial Stability. A good education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. These are where we're focusing our efforts because we believe they are fundamental to a successful and happy life.

United Way joined forces with McCann Erickson, one of the largest and most influential ad agencies in the world, to visually embody the "Live United" spirit. You can see it here, in this newsletter, and all over the new United Way Web site: www.liveunitedcentraltexas.org. McCann Erickson, working pro bono, managed to capture the spirit and mission of the "new" United Way.

If you haven't taken a moment to explore our new Web site, go ahead do so now. Don't worry. We'll wait right here while you check it out. We're all in this together, after all.

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2006-2007 Annual Community Report. 2007 was an exciting year for us, as we launched our new organizational direction known as Community Impact. The Community Impact model represents a significant change for United Way, an organization that's been a proud member of Central Texas for more than 80 years.

More than just an autobiography of the past 18 months, this Annual Report looks the future squarely in the eye. We wanted to chart a clear course for you, our supporters and friends. See where we were, where we are, and where we're headed.

So take a moment to download the 2007 United Way Capital Area Annual Report. We hope the report illustrates how we intend to change community conditions and provide opportunities for everyone in our community to succeed.

As always, the single quickest and best ways to find a volunteer opportunity are to either visit the volunteer section of United Way Capital Area online, or to dial 2-1-1.

1. Be selective
   Think about what matters to you, and be selective about where you spend your time. Choosing opportunities that make you feel good while helping others builds stronger communities, and enriches your own life at the same time.
   
   
2. Choose carefully
   Hands on Central Texas works with volunteers and local nonprofits to develop the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors to serve. When you work with United Way, you can feel confident about the quality of the opportunity you choose and about the organization you donate your time to support.
   
   
3. Research causes that are important to you
   Whether it's helping children achieve their potential, helping families become financially stable, or improving people's health, find out what cause is closest to your heart and make a difference.
   
   
4. Consider the skills you have to offer
   Would you like to write an agency's newsletter? Or would you rather build a house? Find something you enjoy doing and enhance your skills through volunteering.
   
   
5. Learn something new
   Volunteering can also teach you valuable new skills that you can use in other parts of your life. For example, learning how to handle crisis calls may help you communicate better.
   
   

Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer center of United Way, presents several ways to arm yourself with the skills of a community leader: The Community Innovation Workshops & Volunteer Project Leader Training.

Volunteer Project Leader Training - July 17, 2008

Community Innovation Workshop - July 24, 2008

And save the date of September 5, 2008, for our Fall Day of Caring, presented by Freescale.

1. VOLUNTEER PROJECT LEADER TRAINING
Supported by AMD

July 17, 2008
9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
WorkSource - 6505 Airport Blvd., #101E; Austin, TX 78752

2. COMMUNITY INNOVATION WORKSHOPS
Presented by the University of Texas and Hands On Central Texas
The Community Innovation Workshops equip citizen leaders through technical sessions that accelerate community change.

Next workshop: "Changing Community Conditions"
July 24, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
United Way Offices: 2000 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78702

Here are some photos from the June 21 event, "Live United: A Call to Action." Thanks to everyone who attended this fun, family-friendly event celebrating the launch of the new Live United movement in Austin.

In the early hours of a warm Saturday morning, the Live United movement kicks off at Jo's Coffee on South Congress.

As the kickoff event kicks off, the Zen runners prepare to take off on a run around Town Lake, all sporting their promise to "Live United."

Two excited United Wayers pose for the first of many "Live United" photos throughout the day.

Is there any better way to show how you Live United than by offering a cup of coffee?

As their parents pose for a Live United portrait and learn about what United Way is doing in the community, these girls just want to focus on their Play-Doh masterpieces.

Exactly.