United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is the regional trade association for local United Ways in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income and health.
Our Mission
To equitably advance the common good throughout the Pacific Northwest by enhancing the individual and collective ability of member United Ways to impact their communities and collaborate on regional and statewide issues.
Our Vision
United Ways in the Pacific Northwest will increase their ability both to impact their local communities and collaborate effectively on regional and statewide issues. Working together we will create opportunities for a better life for all.
Our Core Values
- Community Voices – Individually and collectively, United Ways are a strong unified voice advocating for their communities.
- Collective Impact – The state association is a leader and facilitator, helping United Ways learn, plan and succeed in local collective impact efforts.
- Collaboration – It takes whole communities working together to achieve long-term lasting change and advance the common good.
- Networking and Relationships – Our greatest asset is our ability to build effective networks and relationships, mobilizing people and organizations.
- Integrity – We are known for our integrity and commitment to improving our communities. With every action we earn the trust of our members and partners.
- Accountability – We hold ourselves accountable for achieving results with the resources entrusted to us.
- Inspiring – We work to demonstrate how the very best in people and communities adds up to a force for positive change.
- Common Ground – We acknowledge that people and communities differ in character, beliefs and values. As local United Ways and as an Association we continuously strive to be a place where people and institutions forge a shared understanding and vision for the common good.
Our Unique Value to Our Members
- Networking. Ability to connect in-person with United Way executive peers at least four times a year at board meetings, plus trainings and phone calls. Members-only website provides secure, 24/7 venue to seek feedback on any item. Relationships with executive peers provide the ability to call for help and advice at any time.
- Training and Resources. UWPNW provides reasonably priced training opportunities, including a biannual conference and monthly networking calls for small cities and marketing staff. UWPNW raises awareness about best practices and thinking via monthly board education items.
- Collective Projects. UWPNW relationships with PNW private and corporate foundations facilitate support for collective projects such as the Kindergarten Readiness calendar and Peer Group Coaching.
- Advocacy. UWPNW works to identify issues that are universal to local United Ways. When every United Way in the region contributes to a common priority, our ability to speak with one voice contributes to each community advancing the common good. Our state association works our shared agenda and maintains an active presence in Olympia & Salem on issues of importance to United Ways. During the legislative session, UWPNW represents United Ways at key policy tables. UWPNW annual Lobby Day has grown in stature and provides a great opportunity for communities to meet with decision makers.
- Single statewide contact. Many partner organizations prefer to work through one entity rather than responding to multiple similar requests. We have seen this play out with the kindergarten calendars (Boeing grant) and also with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Building Community Philanthropy project). UWPNW is seen as credible and trusted and is regularly sought after for feedback on the landscape of United Way in our state.