“United Way Day of Action” Kicks Off 10,000 Volunteer Challenge

June 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Volunteer recruitment will officially kick off on June 21, the longest day of the year, as part of the nationwide “United Way Day of Action.” United Way is seeking one million volunteers towards its goal of dramatically reducing the country’s high school dropout rate by 2018.

“We are sending out a call to action to all San Diegans, especially local businesses, to assist our children from the early years through high school,” said Doug Sawyer, UWSD president and CEO. “Whether it is a year-long mentor program or one-time career coaching presentation, we want San Diegans to pledge to get involved in education.”

On average, a third of San Diego County fourth graders cannot read proficiently, and in some parts of the county the number is as high as 78 percent. In high school, over 8,800 students in our county dropped out in 2009.

As part of its recently released report, “Voices for the Common Good: San Diego Speaks Out on Education,” United Way held multiple community conversations and found that San Diegans consider successful communities and successful schools to be interconnected. More importantly, they are ready to volunteer to be part of the solution.

UWSD has identified several community organizations that need readers, tutors and mentors – some with waiting lists of students needing volunteer support. The first partners announced include Rolling Readers; Big Brothers Big Sisters; and Chula Vista Serves, as well as the San Diego County Office of Education’s Foster Youth and Homeless Education Services. Locals who pledge to become part of the volunteer challenge will be matched up to an opportunity that best suits their interests, skill sets and schedule.

UC San Diego has also signed on to provide volunteers, as part of The Volunteer 50: Chancellor’s Call to Service. Sawyer said, “We are so pleased that UC San Diego is the first of what we hope will be many organizations to raise their hand to volunteer.”  

“Kids spend only 20 percent of their time in school, so it’s important that they have extra support beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Randolph E. Ward, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. “Anyone with passion and commitment can help a young person achieve greater academic success. Volunteers can make the difference.”

Individual and group volunteers can sign up by visiting http://www.uwsd.org and clicking on the “Volunteer” banner.

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United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates lasting change by raising money and mobilizing the community to solve education, income and health issues. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.uwsd.org