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Get Involved

As a leading community impact organization, Ohio United Way knows that real and sustained change in community conditions requires more than money. Ohio United Way engages decision-makers and policy leaders at the local, state and national levels to help address the most important community needs.

Individuals' and groups' time, talent and energy is more essential than ever as we work together to strengthen our communities throughout Ohio. To find a volunteer opportunity in your area, contact your Local United Way or dial 2-1-1.

Ohio United Way Advocacy Agenda

Statewide 2-1-1

2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that, where available, connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. Ohio United Way believes 2-1-1 is an important asset that needs to be available to all Ohio citizens.  Working with Ohio AIRS (Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) and the Ohio 211 Collaborative, Ohio United Way has helped take the lead on a budget request to the Governor that would allow for 

  • statewide 2-1-1 Coordinator;
  • integration of current 2-1-1 databases;
  • pilot 2-1-1 project in SE Ohio;
  • a portion of operational support for existing 2-1-1 call centers.

Support for the federal Calling for 2-1-1 Act

The Calling for 2-1-1 Act looks to be gaining fresh momentum in the new Congress. H.R. 211 is legislation that would facilitate nationwide availability of the 2-1-1 telephone service, providing information and referral on health and human services, including volunteer services. Such services would reduce the strain on 9-1-1 emergency response centers and provide necessary human services information to Americans in these tough economic times.

With over 100 cosponsors in the U.S. House and another 35 in the U.S. Senate, awareness of the Act, as well as 2-1-1 services, is growing everyday. We encourage you to call your local Representative and voice your support for the Calling for 2-1-1 Act!

For a listing of Ohio's Congressional Delegation, click here.

Early Child Care & Education

Ohio United Way is a part of the GroundWork Campaign, advocating that Ohio's policy makers improve policies and increase financial resources to:

  • Provide voluntary access to high-quality pre-kindergarten program for all three- and four-year-olds in Ohio in any appropriate setting designed to meet families' unique needs.
  • Provide voluntary access to all-day kindergarten for every child in Ohio in any appropriate setting designed to meet families' unique needs.
  • Provide voluntary assessment, screening, and treatment f physical, behavioral development challenges for children aged birth to six years in Ohio.
  • Increasing use by all children birth to age six and their families of appropriated health services and support.