Our government relations committee focuses on three priority areas: 1) promote the Community Vision Councils' priorities, 2) strengthen charities and nonprofits, and 3) Monitor TANF Reauthorization. Further explanation of these priorities is provided below. If your nonprofit organization is unsure about your ability to advocate, the Alliance for Justice provides extensive information on charities' lobbying.

Promote Community Vision Councils’ Priorities. In 2001, UWS convened local leaders to develop a community-wide plan for building a new health and human service infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all Greater Clevelanders. The following four Vision Councils were created from this effort: Strong Families = Successful Children, Health and Caring for All, Learning and Earning for Life and Senior Success. UWS will advocate for the issues identified by the Vision Councils as essential to community.

Strengthen Charities and Nonprofits. A healthy nonprofit sector is critical to United Way’s ability to meet its mission. Thus, UWS will focus on efforts to support and promote charities by tracking legislation and advocating on policies which will affect their administration and operations. UWS will also educate nonprofits on their ability to actively advocate their local, state and federal legislators on their own behalf.

Monitor TANF Reauthorization. In September of 2002, the nation’s welfare program, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), is scheduled to be considered for reauthorization. Welfare recipient rolls have declined dramatically in Cuyahoga County; however, many remaining members of the population are highly vulnerable with multiple barriers to self-sufficiency. UWS will monitor this debate to align goals, pursue opportunities for improvement, and augment strengths of the legislation.