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To educate, inform and inspire greater community involvement through new and innovative strategies
The genesis for Community Builders, a partnership between United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Mount Wachusett Community College and ASHOKA INNOVATORS FOR THE PUBLIC to build social capital, initiated from a United Way strategic planning session that identified building volunteerism as a critical community issue.
Coincidentally, the idea dovetailed with the work of the United Way’s 25th Anniversary Committee, which was established to celebrate the organization’s silver milestone. In addition to the standard celebratory events, the committee was charged with looking forward to the next 25 years.
Rather than pursuing this important cause alone, it was felt that a true partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College made the most sense. The college had embraced a mission of placing civic engagement at the center of its academic and community work. The group of partners has recently expanded to include Ashoka: Innovators for the Public.
Community Builders mission is to:
Celebrating the engaged citizen
Community Builders will honor "ordinary" folks doing extraordinary work by recognizing them throughout the year with a very special token of appreciation.
Building a better way
Community Builders will strengthen volunteerism by providing tools, awareness and training to community organizations that depend on volunteerism for their success.
We will increase the impact of volunteerism and heighten the volunteer experience for community members, and the people who benefit from their work.
Informing & engaging volunteers
Community Builders is working to inform and engage new volunteers through a host of activities.
- Community Builders Fellows - Competitive cash awards to community members - residents, businesses, nonprofits, and public organizations - to catalyze ideas to increase volunteerism.
- Conferences - Events designed to engage and inspire individuals and organizations.
- Volunteer Center Web Site - An interactive web site that will allow individuals and organizations to find volunteer opportunities in their community. Click here to learn more about volunteering.
Community Builders is run by a steering committee for public, for-profit, nonprofit, and philanthropic people.
And, we owe a special thanks to our corporate partners:
To download our Community Builder Brochure click here.
Leave a lasting legacy, remember the United Way of North Central Massachusetts in your will or estate plan.
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