It’s Something You Feel Good About

Heidi Nel has been a Washingtonian for only five weeks. She is still learning her way around the subway, the Safeway and the snow drifts.

But as of last Wednesday night, she is learning about another local institution—United Way of the National Capital Area.

Elise Shutzer, a colleague of hers at a political consulting firm, invited Heidi to attend a Young Leaders social hour at Marvin, a club near U Street. Heidi was not only impressed with the turnout (standing-room only after 45 minutes), but with what UWNCA does.

“I’ve heard of United Way before,” said Heidi, who is 28. “But in all honesty, I was not aware of all the initiatives,” it operates. She’s aware now.

United Way staff mingled with Young Leaders and their invited guests, to explain the organization and its purpose. Volunteer sign-up sheets and fundraising pledge sheets were circulated. Meanwhile, monogrammed lanyards and literature were available on nearby tabletops, for the crowd to take home.

Heidi said she was hooked, and she intends to remain hooked. “I think our generation is into making a difference,” she said. “This is obviously a good way to do it.”

Elise Shutzer discovered United Way when she worked for the same consulting firm in Boston. She served on the Young Leaders leadership team there. “So when I moved here (nine months ago), it was obvious for me to continue that connection,” she said.

Elise was heavily involved with children’s initiatives while she lived in Boston. In Washington, her interest has shifted to housing. But United Way can accommodate either or both.

“When I talk to people about United Way, they know the brand, but they don’t really know what United Ways do,” said Elise, who’s 29. “They all do so much good in so many ways. And they find ways every day to see if what they’re doing is working.”

Elise is not only active in United Way herself. She is a recruiter. And she recently landed a recruit she has known all his life—her younger brother, Aaron.

“He called me and said it was time to get involved in something,” Elise said. “And here he is.”

Aaron was busily chatting with a cluster of young people on the other side of the room. He looked like a United Way veteran, even though he had been at the Young Leaders event for only a few minutes.

“We really needed him,” said Elise. “He’s in finance. We need money!”
“I love this. I really do,” she said. “It’s something you feel good about.”