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A loan, never repaid
By Cam Tait
September 18, 2006
Let's see now; it's the third week of September, so by now, people who came into a room a few weeks ago as rigid strangers are becoming better and better friends. They've probably gone to lunch together, maybe had a few pops; maybe they've been out together for an evening. And their bonds will get stronger and stronger as they go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, and back again.
I'm talking about loaned representatives. No, it's not a fancy new buzzword in the financial community. The loaned representative program is one of the most innovative programs United Way has. It's also one of the most vital. Loaned reps are provided to local United Way campaigns for three or four months and are paid by their employers. They come from all different kinds of professions: bankers, engineers, firefighters, secretaries, soldiers and so many more. A good many of them, through no fault of their own, aren't familiar with United Way and how it works. But they soon learn...and in a hurry.
I know. I had the wonderful experience of being a loaned rep in Edmonton more than 10 years ago. Don't tell my boss, but sometimes I worked longer days during my United Way tenure then I do as a reporter. And although I'm sure a few things have changed, I'm guessing the basics are the same. Loaned reps put their own careers on hold and roll up their sleeves for the community, typically starting at the beginning of September. I remember the first morning all 39 of us looked at one another in bewilderment, wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. But after a weeklong crash course on fundraising and community services, we had a new understanding of what helping others was all about.
United Way generates most of its funds through workplace campaigns and then distributes the money to its member agencies. A loaned rep is assigned to several businesses to help with their United Way campaigns. Once the loaned rep contacts the workplace campaign, the work begins. Campaign goals are set, events are planned and the most important part of the process is discussed: how to get the United Way message out to employees. One of the most popular methods is to have a speaker from a United Way funded agency come and speak to employees. And who organizes this? The loaned rep, of course.
I'll never forget the incredible feeling of teamwork I experienced in what we called 'the war room' - a basement room with tables, papers and telephones with cords coming down from the ceiling. Someone would walk through the door with a forlorn look on his or her face when a campaign was going sideways. Then, within minutes, another loaned rep would stroll through the door, grinning from ear to ear because another campaign was going strong. It was amazing to see these two people come together - taking a moment to console and congratulate before refocusing on new strategies and ideas.
If there were an unsung hero department in United Way, the loaned representative program would certainly have to be considered. They are the people behind the scenes that really make the United Way machine roll. It might be only a few weeks into the campaign, but the loaned reps who are working on this year's campaign will find their friendships will grow and grow. But, then again, what else would you expect when people are helping people?
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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