Speakers
In his 20-plus years with Harlem Children's Zone, Geoffrey Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families and as a passionate advocate for education reform.
The New York Times Magazine said the Zone Project "combines educational, social and medical services. It starts at birth and follows children to college. It meshes those services into an interlocking web, and then it drops that web over an entire neighborhood. The objective is to create a safety net woven so tightly that children in the neighborhood just can't slip through."
Canada, who grew up in the South Bronx, has dedicated his life to helping children with difficult early life experiences secure both educational and economic opportunities. He will share lessons learned and inspire us to stay the course on our goals to advance the common good.
David Plouffe is the renowned communications strategist who fueled President Barack Obama’s meteoric rise and record-breaking fundraising. Under his leadership, the Obama campaign created an online “brand loyalty” program that is arguably the most successful grassroots movement in history. President Obama cited Plouffe as “the unsung hero of the campaign.”
During this time of economic uncertainty, United Ways need innovative ways to mobilize communities. In this timely and electrifying presentation, you’ll learn how our organization can learn from Plouffe’s campaign experience to attract and engage partners. Plouffe will share advice on how to build energy around our 10-year goals to advance the common good in education, income and health by sharing his methods from a tried and true success story.
In this presentation with ample time set aside for audience questions, David Plouffe will:
Discuss his approach to overall grassroots strategy development and tactical implementation
- Share how to harness technologies to help you connect a dispersed group of people, engaging them to act, make phone calls, volunteer and persuade their neighbors with a sense of purpose and passion
- Provide steps you can take to ensure that the voices of your volunteer and membership base are heard
- Share tips on how to stick to your game plan in the face of crisis and skepticism
Brian Gallagher became President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America in 2002 and then of United Way Worldwide in 2009. In 2002, he immediately took on the challenge of leading the transformation of the organization to focus on community impact – improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In 2009, United Way of America integrated with its international organization to become United Way Worldwide. United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on education, income and health. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action—to give, advocate and volunteer—to improve the conditions in which they live.
