United Way director wants to listen to Salinans
Salina Journal
While there's lots of fanfare surrounding the Salina Area United Way's annual fundraising campaign, how close the drive is and whether it reaches its goal, the goal is not the point, 2008 campaign chairman John Quinley said Wednesday during a "meet and greet" for the organization's new executive director.
"For the most part, our lives are continuing on ... but in a time of economic uncertainty, there are those who need help," Quinley told those at the gathering. "We're not raising money to meet the goal. We're raising money to help people."
Wednesday's gathering was for Andy Martin, who earlier this week started as the United Way's new leader. He previously was director of leadership giving for the United Way of Greater Kansas City. From 1991 to 1994, he was assistant administrator of Asbury Hospital, now Salina Regional Health Center.
In his first meeting with United Way supporters, about 50 who gathered for a reception in McAdams Student Center at Kansas Wesleyan University, Martin opened with silence -- giving a short speech in sign language.
What he signed, he said, was that he is Andy Martin, he works for the United Way, and "I am someone who lives united. Who are you?"
He also told the crowd that he wanted them to hear three thank-yous; one to the community, one for the opportunity to serve Salina and the United Way, and one for all the community does for Salina and the United Way.
"It's your United Way, and it's here to make Salina what you want it to be," he said.
Martin said that while he's a creative person, he's also "intentional and strategic ... I'm going to be very intentional for the next two or three months, doing a lot of listening."
"There are people out there hurting and struggling to survive," Martin said. "But they're saying it in a language we don't understand."
What are the hurts
Over the next few months, he said, he wants to hear "what are the hurts, the realities that we need to deal with."
Martin also introduced his staff, including Salinan Bill Weaver, hired to succeed Kylie Moody as marketing and campaign communications director.
Quinley said he was looking forward to working with Martin, especially given his experience at another United Way and because he would have some new and different ideas.
He also said the organization had been waiting for Martin to get on board and acclimated before setting its goal for the fall campaign -- a campaign that will be taking place in an atmosphere of $4 a gallon (or higher) gasoline and rising prices for food and other items.
"I think the money's out there," he said. "That doesn't mean it's not going to sting a little."
n Reporter Mike Strand can be reached at 822-1418 or by e-mail at mstrand@salina.com.
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