Advancing the Common Good: Because government is a critical decision-maker and the major provider and funder of health and human services, United Way must actively engage in public policy and develop partnerships that include local, state and federal governments along with the private sector and the nonprofit sector. (UWA Standards of Excellence; 1.4 Public Policy Engagement)

As a leading community impact organization, United Way knows that real and sustained change in community conditions requires more than money. United Way of Greenville County is dedicated to supporting local community partners as they work to advance the common good. Tactics to achieve the goals specified below involve building relationships, education, raising awareness and organizing grassroots efforts.

VISION
All children enter school ready to succeed.

PROMOTE
Policies that ensure students begin school on track; hence children are developmentally ready in the areas of literacy, social skills, emotional ability, physical development and health.

RATIONALE
Brain development occurs most rapidly during the first three years of life, and a child who enters school healthy and ready to learn is more likely to successfully graduate high school and less likely to live a life of poverty.

UWGC GOAL
Decrease the percentage of Greenville County first-grade children “not consistently demonstrating readiness” for first grade from 22.9 percent in 2008 to 12.9 percent in 2018.

VISION
All youth graduate from high school.

PROMOTE
Policies on the local, state and national level that will help increase graduation rates and subsequent entry into post-secondary education or work training to become gainfully employed.

RATIONALE
Adults who graduate from high school are less likely to live in poverty, commit a crime or live on welfare.

UWGC GOAL
Increase the high school graduation rate from 73 percent in 2008 to 85 percent by 2018.

VISION
Individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability.

PROMOTE
Legislation, policies and community practices that foster the development of a coordinated support system which will work to increase income, build savings and gain assets.

RATIONALE
Individuals and families who have access to higher wages are more likely to own homes, build savings, weather personal financial crises and raise healthy families.

UWGC GOAL
Decrease the number of Greenville County households that spend more than 40 percent of total household income on housing costs from 32,000 in 2008 to 22,000 by 2018.

VISION
Greenville's nonprofit organizations will exhibit the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness, which will result in a better quality of life for the citizens of our state.

PROMOTE
Policies, initiatives and programs that strengthen the capacity of local nonprofit organizations.

RATIONALE
United Way of Greenville County raises more than $14 million annually and is accountable to more than 40,000 donors; thus we have a responsibility to raise awareness of ethical and moral nonprofit practices.

UWGC GOAL
Advance the common good and achieve the 10-year community goals by 2018.

For additional information on United Way of Greenville County’s public policy priorities, call 864-467-3333, or click here to e-mail.