Advocacy Policy
At United Way of Cascade County advocacy is a key strategy to drive positive community change. We engage in advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national level to support policies that align with our mission and improve the lives of the people we serve.
Our Focus
- We consider advocacy actions when issues:
- Directly impact our mission and community goals
- Significantly affect local individuals and families
- Align with our strategic priorities and areas of expertise
- Show clear benefit with manageable risk
How We Decide
Advocacy positions are typically recommended by our Advocacy Committee and approved by our Board of Directors. In urgent cases, votes may occur via email. Certain routine actions (like letters of support) may be approved by our CEO.
We use a structured process—including an Advocacy Assessment Tool—to evaluate each issue thoughtfully and fairly.
During Legislative Sessions
We focus on legislation that:
- Supports our mission and the wellbeing of our community
- Aligns with United Way policy priorities
- Has potential for real impact through funding or policy change
The Advocacy Committee may:
Track legislation
- Share educational materials
- Join coalitions and sign-on efforts
- Submit testimony or public statements
- Participate in advocacy days
- Mobilize community action
- Communicate through newsletters and social media
High-risk or out-of-scope issues require additional Board approval.
Ethics & Compliance
We advocate responsibly, without endorsing political candidates or parties. UWCC follows all state and federal advocacy rules, including registering as lobbyists when required and filing necessary IRS forms.
Contact
For questions about our advocacy efforts:
United Way of Cascade County
PO Box 1343, Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 727-3400