About United Way's Campus Engagement Initiatives

United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas.

The Campus Engagement team at United Worldwide works to empower college students to advance the common good, develop leadership skills, and join the LIVE UNITED movement. The team's flagship programs for students are United Way Alternative Spring Break and Student United Way, the student-led community change organization on college and university campuses. 

Learn more at LIVEUNITED.org/campusengagement

The Work

October 2008-Present
Alexandria, VA and St. Louis, MO

Student Leader Communications & Training

Amanda works with United Way Worldwide's Campus Engagement leadership to produce regular communications and learning opportunities for student leaders participating in Student United Way.

  • Monthly newsletter
  • Month rally calls
  • Online workshops
  • Public promotional pieces
  • Website updates
  • Action alerts for alumni group

National Student Leadership Retreat

For one weekend each fall, student leaders and local United Way representatives from across the country come together to build skills for advancing the common good, share promising practices, and meet each other. The first year, the retreat was held at the United Way of America headquarters near Washington, DC and this year it was hosted by the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

The retreats offer student leaders and their United Way advisors:

- Hands-on workshops from United Way of America pros
- An inside look at United Way's work and worldwide network
- Guidance and support for their local Student United Way chapters
- A growing national network of student leaders and young local United Way representatives
- Strategies to LIVE UNITED and Give, Advocate, and Volunteer to advance the common good

Visit the retreat's web page at LIVEUNITED.org/campusengagement

Amanda works directly with the Campus Engagement leadership to develop and facilitate the retreat agenda and goals. In 2008, Amanda developed and produced the first conference at United Way's headquarters in Alexandria, VA. In 2009, Amanda helped deliver the retreat in St. Louis and taught a popular workshop on building team culture.

  • Program Development
  • Conference Planning
  • Staff & Vendor Management
  • Pre & Post Event Communications
  • Workshop Facilitation

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    Testimonials from Attendees

    I would say that it was one of the greatest experiences this year for me. I was exposed to lots of new information and cleared up some misinformation. Also getting to connect with students from across the country who are passionate as am I was great! I am in the process of starting our SUW and I truly believe it has been made easier for me through attending this retreat.

    It reinforced my passion for United Way's mission and gave our organization a sense of direction. It definitely helped me see the big picture behind United Way and what you can offer us.

    It was helpful if you were new to everything United Way is about. I got to learn alot from the Health, Income, and Edu discussions and helped me understand UW better.
    I would definitely recommend the retreat to students. I think that the enthusiasm and passion that everyone brought to the table was inspiring. Plus, it was informative, even if someone may have been unfamiliar with United Way in general, they likely received any information they would have needed in moving forward.
    I would definitely recommend the Retreat. I met a lot of great people who had the same passion for community service that I have. I was very inspired to continue working hard on my service projects!