My Internship at United Way

Written by: Raashid Yassin, United Way Summer Intern

Summers offer a unique opportunity for college students like myself. Following the conclusion of a frenetic semester of college, the summer months present a brief window of time where young adults can escape the cloistered environment of campus life and gain the proverbial real-world experience that is necessary professional and personal growth.

When I decided to become an intern at United Way, I was faced with a recurring question that I couldn’t even fully answer myself: What does United Way do? Within the first few weeks of my internship, I was able to witness its mission of “improving people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of Central Minnesota” manifest through the Community Investment Team process. The work of the Community Investment Teams goes largely unnoticed by those in the community, which is a particular shame because it is, in my estimation, the best paradigm to understand how United Way works and who it works for. For those unfamiliar with the process, it’s quite simple. United Way commissions teams of local volunteers to debate the merits of local agencies who seek funding from United Way’s campaign. Volunteers drive the process, which removes any bureaucratic influence and puts funding decisions in the hands of a collective that represents the generous community that makes United Way’s work possible.  Agencies’ leaders visit to make their case for what is often a vital allocation of dollars, and usually do so with the help of the clients they serve. Every volunteer will tell you that the most effective presentations were the ones that integrated firsthand accounts of people who utilize the services that United Way helps to support.

Hearing testimonies about the everyday struggles people in our community endure was certainly depressing; it was not uncommon to see glassy eyes on volunteers and presenters alike. However, I cannot help but feel refreshed upon reflecting on the Community Investment Teams and my work at United Way. I have met so many impressive individuals who volunteer so much of their time and those that have dedicated their life’s work to ensuring that others have a better standard of living. Central Minnesota is lucky to have amazing citizens who tirelessly embody altruism every day. While their work may go unnoticed by some, it surely makes a world of difference to others.