Leaders Driven to Make a Difference

Do you want to make a difference?! Then start here.

If you’re a passionate professional under 40 who is interested in volunteerism, advocacy or philanthropy, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) Emerging Leaders is the group for you.

Our Goal

We aim to help kids read on grade-level by supporting the Raise Me to Read initiative.

Our Annual Impact

members

donated back to the community

volunteer hours

Why Engage?

When you identify as an Emerging Leader and make a gift of $250 or more to UWM, you'll...

Stay Informed

Learn about the issues that confront kids in our metro area and how you can help

Get Connected

Join a network of change-makers who share your goals and successes

Make an Impact

Give back to the community by participating in fundraising and volunteer opportunities that make a big difference in kids’ lives

Gain Access

Receive invites to professional development training opportunities and special events

The Importance of Raise Me to Read

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is one of the most important predictors of high school graduation and career success.

To help more low-income children reach this important reading milestone, United Way of the Midlands supports Raise Me to Read.

This campaign focuses on three key areas that impact grade-level reading:

Preparing kids from birth to age five for school,
Encouraging students to attend school every day
Fostering learning during the summer months

Currently, 45% of children in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro aren’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade. And because children have spent less time in the classroom since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more children are at risk of falling behind.

By focusing on school readiness, school attendance and summer learning, the Raise Me to Read campaign will help many more children from low-income families succeed in school and graduate feeling prepared for college and their careers.

Join the Action

Help kids develop a love for reading by participating in our events.

“Tee Up To Read” Golf Tournament

This tournament brings golf-lovers together for a good cause. See photos from Tee Up to Read 2020!

Raise Me To Read Fundraisers

Every year we find fun ways to raise money to support grade-level reading and engage our community around local literacy efforts.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members bring smiles to kids’ faces by engaging in a variety of volunteer opportunities that help kids grow as readers!

UWM Signature Volunteer Opportunities

Join us as we participate in UWM’s community-wide signature volunteer events, Day of Action and Day of Caring.

Download Brochure

How to Get Involved

For more information or to express interest in getting involved, please contact emergingleaders@uwmidlands.org.

Join Emerging Leaders

Make a gift of $250 today through our donation form.

Does your company run a United Way campaign?

You can donate $250 and check the Emerging Leaders box when you fill out the electronic or paper pledge form to join us! To support the Emerging Leaders’ initiative, you can also choose to designate your funds to Raise Me to Read in the “Direct Your Dollars” portion of our donation forms.

United Way of the Midlands | 2201 Farnam Street | Omaha, NE 68102 | 402-342-8232

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