Personal Message: CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan

My father who is nearly 84 years old told me the other day --- "In order to have a good friend you need to be a good friend." He relayed that thought to me as I told him what an important person he is to many individuals.

I share that because the work that is going on at UMD captures that same spirit. That is, if you want a strong community, you have to be a strong contributor to community. If you want a positive campus life, you have to model the very essence of that. If you want to see others become involved in issues you care about, you must first become involved yourself.

I am struck that SWOT is about moving from being a spectator to a participant. Instead of always thinking that the "problem is out there", SWOT is about becoming an active participant for positive change. Not to go it alone, but to work with others in making tangible improvements. Not sitting in the stands and observing, but getting out on the field and making something happen.

I have never seen progress take place --- on anything --- without first an individual or group of individuals who begin to act on his/her convictions. There is power in that action which draws others in. SWOT is the expression of a conviction that volunteering matters.

It matters to community. To neighborhoods. To individuals. To the person giving of his/her time.

On behalf of everyone at United Way, I encourage you to make the work of SWOT count. Make it matter to you and those around you. I believe you are creating a model for others to follow. So be bold. Be optimistic. Be involved.

Thanks and God speed to you all.

Michael Brennan
President
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Habitat for Humanity: Collegiate Build Day 2007

On Saturday, August 25 two of SWOT's Executive members participated in "Collegiate Build Day 2007" with Habitat for Humanity. An event coordinated by Volunteer Dearborn and Randy Dillard, it was a very fun day as The University of Michigan-Dearborn represented with over 20 volunteers. This was the last event for the summer that Volunteer Dearborn has listed and as the year approaches SWOT is ready to support Volunteer Dearborn and its events. Thank you Adam Harris and Regine Williams for your participation and to all the other volunteers. Check back for a personal blog from one of our Executive members during that day.

How did SWOT come about?

Watch: The Amazing Break (MTV)

Students Working Onward Together (SWOT) came about after my reflection on Alternative Spring Break (ASB) 2007. Taking a week off of school which was Spring Break for most colleges and universities around the country, I embarked upon an amazing experience. ASB 2007 was a program put on by United Way and thinkMTV for college students around the country to help rebuild from Hurricane Rita. Joining more than 150 students from around the country, I didn't realize how much of an impact this experience would change me while changing the area of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

After experiencing a week of hard work with students who carried the same passion to help the area of Lake Charles, Louisiana, I began to reflect on the Metro-Detroit area that needed just as much help. On my flight back home, I spoke with some of the ASB participants who traveled on this experience with me. We understood that something must be done. Whether it was spreading the word about our experience, initiating change by ourselves or engaging other students in our journey to make change.

So this is how SWOT came about. I wanted to start an organization geared toward volunteering because at times we can forget how much our two hands can help in making change. There are many positives in volunteering such as uplifting social change, people working together and positive change to the community. My experience at Lake Charles, Louisiana helped foster my perspective to realize that I am the difference maker as well as you. So I ask that you join me in this journey of college student caring about their community and making a difference to Southeastern Michigan.

Read About the Experience: UWSEM Blogs

-SWOT Director