UNITED, We Can!
United Way of Lincoln County is our community's connector hub, and that means that we are excited to introduce the first of our interest groups, or affinity groups, here. These groups are formed around common interests or experiences and may have different focuses. However, all of these groups are focused on community and connection, as well as support and service.
Read through the opportunities below to see if there is a United Interest Group for you! Check back throughout the next few months as more initiatives and information is shared!
Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Advocates
NextGen United is a chance for Lincoln County teens to get involved in our community, learn about the struggles that our neighbors are facing, and make a direct impact across the county. It is an extracurricular club open to all high school students across Lincoln County that focuses on community action and social responsibility. NextGen United will teach students to develop social responsibility, professionalism, and accountability. Members will engage with community leaders to learn how problems are solved and what they can do to impact others, and they will get hands-on experience by working on a team to tackle the problems that Lincoln County face. By engaging with and taking action to correct the biggest issues in Lincoln County, NextGen United will become community leaders for their generation.
Why NextGen United?
NextGen United is a chance for Lincoln County students to develop their social responsibility while getting hands-on experience impacting the efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in Lincoln County. Members will get a unique opportunity to be engaged with all parts of life for our community while developing leadership and critical thinking skills. These teens will engage with community leaders, hone their teamwork skills, and build relationships across the county. NextGen United will teach students how to solve problems, take accountability, and appreciate professionalism. Ultimately, NextGen United is perfect for students looking to become strong community-minded leaders, who are interested in gaining experience addressing county issues, building leadership skills, and engaging in the community.
Who Should Join NextGen United?
NextGen United is perfect for students in 9th through 12th grade who look at problems and see how to solve them, who want to make a difference in the world and in their communities, who believe that everyone deserves a hand up. High schoolers from all across Lincoln County are welcome.
What Will NextGen United Do?
NextGen United students will choose how they impact Lincoln County. By attending Development Meetings, members will learn from local nonprofit and government leaders and analyze real data from Lincoln County to better understand what issues are affecting our community the most. In Action Meetings, students get to take charge, deciding how they want to take action in the community and following through on those plans. For example, members may look through data and see a need for increased food and decide to take action by volunteering at a local food pantry.
For the Fall Semester, NextGen United will meet twice a month from August to December, engaging with their community and gaining insight from people on the frontlines of many of the issues plaguing our county. From January to June, for the Spring Semester, the members will work together to complete one final action, which can be anything from a fundraising effort to a series of little library boxes. Throughout the year they will continue to engage with leaders, advocates, and more to grow their understanding of philanthropy and civic engagement.
How Long Is NextGen United's Commitment?
NextGen United is a low-time but high-impact opportunity for Lincoln County high school students. Members will spend approximately 2 to 3 hours a month analyzing and working on Lincoln County issues. The exact schedule will be determined by the members to allow for their autonomy of the group.
Applications are currently closed. Please reach out to Communications and Community Impact Coordinator Faith Barnes-Martin (fbarnesmartin@unitedwayoflincolncounty.org) with any questions.
Building the Community We Want
In partnership with the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Lincoln County is proud to introduce Young Professionals United! Young Professionals United is a space for individuals in their twenties to thirties who want to give back to our community, while learning professional skills. This group is a space for people who love our county and the people in it to have a hands-on connection to the problems our neighbors face, gain professional experience, and network across the county.
Young Professional United is coming soon to our community, and for individuals who are interested in joining, please reach out to us at info@unitedwayoflincolncounty.org or call us at 704-240-8621.
Retired and Ready to Help
Retirees United is a space for all of the retired individuals in our community who are active and want to help keep our community the amazing place it is. Retirees United is focused on fostering community, connecting with each other, and helping ensure that everyone in Lincoln County is supported and loved.
Retirees United is coming soon to our community, and for any individuals interested in joining, please reach out to us at info@unitedwayoflincolncounty.org or call us at 704-240-8621.