United Way of Northern New Jersey

UNITED WAY ALICE PROJECT

Learning Community

May 20, 2015

Today’s workshop

• Brief update: New states coming onboard

• Results of the ALICE Project Survey 

• Upcoming ALICE Research Advisory Committees meeting

• ALICE Workforce Tune-Up

• Questions; general discussion 

• Date and Topic for next state logistics call

United Way ALICE Team

MollyRennie

Associate Director,United Way ALICE Project

Leader of ALICE Learning Community

United Way ALICE Team

Stephanie Hoopes Halpin, Ph.D.

National Director,United Way ALICE Project

Results ALICE Project Survey 

Survey Results: Geographic distribution

120

14

7

8

5

Survey Results: ALICE resonates

Survey Results: Using the Report

In general, how is your United Way using the Report? Check all that apply

Survey Results: Press coverage

Well above averageFar below average

Overall, how would you rate the press coverage stemming from the launch of the Report in your area compared to other United Way initiatives in your area?

Survey Results: Press launch

Survey Results: Resource development

Survey Results: Community Impact

Can you share how you have used ALICE tools in Community Impact

Survey Results: best ALICE experience

Having one our United Way CEOs stopped on the street in his city by a stranger who introduced himself as coming from and ALICE household; the stranger thanked the CEO for creating awareness of his challenges to improve conditions for his kids.

I share our ALICE strategy when presenting to donors, local board members, and corporate audiences. Some of my corporate accounts are very interested in ALICE testimonials as part of their campaign kick-off.

ALICE Storytelling Workshop with a group of WLC members....learning to share personal ALICE Stories, realizing who the ALICE's were in their lives. ALICE Scholarship Recipients---hearing personal stories of triumph due to UW work inspired all.

Survey Results: best ALICE experience

There may not be a direct connection but the CEO of Aetna increased the minimum wage for all Aetna employees. We used this as an opportunity to write a letter to the editor of major daily and it was published. Further, the daily is using this as the topic for a Key Issues Forum in September and they have asked me to be on panel to talk about ALICE Report.

I think the ALICE data has been incredible for helping us build our Community Impact strategy. It is really informing our work as we further develop our initiatives and refine our end statements.

Our United Way has a VITA program. We have experienced working with ALICES for years. The family that come for assistance for thier tax return with several w-2 because the family has multiple jobs to make ends meet. Their graditude for the assistance is genuine. Often we hear that the tax return will go to help with household necessities such as transportation. A GM employee who loss ther position in the companies downsizing remarked on how she had always supported United Way and never dreamed that one day she would need the services.

Survey Results: best ALICE experience

We have a CIO of a major insurance company who shared his personal story about growing up in an ALICE family. He related so much to our message that he shared his story with 200 of his employees at the campaign kick-off, and the campaign went up 30%. He shared the same story last night at a volunteer recognition event and we raised $17,000 in 20 minutes. Very powerful.

ALICE has already strengthened our relationships with area Chambers of Commerce. They are lending their support to the 1st ALICE Symposium in early 2016.

Enabled us to re-connect with The Hartford Courant -- the major daily in our state. The paper has gone through several changes of ownership and publishers along with downsizing staff and discontinuing to run a United Way campaign (at one time paper was one of our top corporate givers to United Way).

Survey Results: best ALICE experience

We had a Community Resource Day for city leaders, commissioners, schools, agencies, chamber, community foundations, banks, etc. Within the activities for the day, we share the Community Report Card information and website, 2-1-1 information, ALICE and our Harwood Community Conversations. The Indiana State Association staff, Lucinda Nord and Maggie Snyder helped with the presentation. Approximately 50 people attended this luncheon which was sponsored by a local bank. All websites were shared. Great event. It was held March 30, 2015. Radio coverage on WTRE in Greensburg, IN 47240 was great. Newspaper coverage from the Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN 47240 was very poor. Reporter showed up late and didn't cover the event very well; even with a media packet.

Survey Results: Additional ALICE materials

Which of the following resources would enable you to use the ALICE materials to do your job better? Check all that apply.

Survey Results: 2016 Updates

1 = most important 6 = least important

Survey Results: 2016 Updates

1 = most important 6 = least important

Survey Results: Feedback

• You guys are doing a great job - keep it up!

• I love ALICE.

What other quotes should we include? See notes…

TELLING YOUR ALICE STORY

Upcoming ALICE Research Advisory Committees meeting

June 1, 2015

ALICE WORK FORCE TUNE-UP

- ALICE workforce survey - Solutions and innovations- Working with employers- Next steps

What are the challenges facing ALICE in the work place?

• ALICE challenges in the workforce

• Low wages, few prospects for advancement

• Demanding personal and family situations

• Lack of safety net

• Employer challenges

• Attracting the right workers

• Employee turnover

• Tight profit margin

-- St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “corporations that support it [ALICE] can benefit from better understanding the need.”

What is the most effective way for United Ways to help ALICE workers?

United Way competitive advantages

• Relationships with businesses

• Trusted by businesses as a long term partner

• Team player

ALICE Workforce Tune-up

• Target ALICE companies - large, midsize and small companies

• Goals

improve wages and opportunities for ALICE workers

meet employer demands for reduced turnover and greater productivity

provide high-quality services to consumers

Improve the bottom line for companies and ALICE workers

ALICE Workforce Tune-up

What’s involved?

• Employee survey – anonymous, online survey

o Why workers are attracted to Model Company and why they stay

o Quality of service and job performance

o Personal issues that impede productivity

• Solutions and innovations

o company examples and business literature

• Tailor solutions –

o Example: challenges getting to work

Discounted mass transit tickets, carpools, van rides

ALICE on social media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayALICE

post media hits, events, etc.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitedWayALICE

Handle: @UnitedWayALICE

Build campaign, use #

#meetALICE

#IamALICE

#HelpALICE

Kaitlynn Colbert - kcolbert@uwmich.org

THANKS FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO ALICE

Your ALICE story