Making the Call for ALICE
The first United for ALICE Summit has come to a close, and I am so thankful for the incredible energy, insights, and commitment shared by all who participated. This gathering put United Way’s collective dedication to addressing the challenges faced by ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) on center stage - and dozens of breakout rooms.
To our United Way of Southeast Louisiana staff and board members, thank you for your invaluable contributions. From helping to plan the day-to-day details to showing our guests how to second line, you created an infectious excitement that could not be missed. Of course, the summit would not have been a success without the speakers, sponsors, and incredible team at United Way of Northern New Jersey. There’s no doubt attendees left New Orleans this week with a plan to drive change for ALICE and a note on their calendar for the 2026 summit.
Building and Scaling Solutions for ALICE
Over two days, we delved into the multi-faceted approach required to build and scale solutions for ALICE. Sessions emphasized the importance of data-driven approaches, leveraging ALICE research to inform decision-making and resource allocation. By harnessing the power of data, we can identify key trends, assess needs, and measure outcomes to refine our strategies and maximize our effectiveness in serving ALICE families.
Fundraising efforts emerged as a critical aspect, highlighting the need to secure sustainable resources to fuel our initiatives effectively. Through diversified fundraising strategies and donor engagement, we can ensure the continuity and expansion of vital programs and services that directly benefit ALICE households.
Advocacy also took center stage, emphasizing the importance of championing policies and initiatives that address the systemic barriers faced by ALICE. By advocating for legislative reforms, equitable resource allocation, and social justice measures, we can drive meaningful change and create more inclusive communities where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.
And presenters highlighted strategic partnerships as a cornerstone in our collective efforts to uplift ALICE households. By forging alliances with community organizations, governments, businesses, and foundations, we can leverage resources, expertise, and partnerships to amplify our impact and effectively reach underserved populations.
So as we move forward from the summit, we must remain committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and collective action in pursuit of solutions for ALICE. By harnessing the collective power of our United Way network and mobilizing resources, expertise, and advocacy, we can create pathways to prosperity for ALICE households across our communities.
Continuing the Call for ALICE
We left the summit answering a simple question. Who are you going to call to drive change for ALICE? Whether it’s engaging policymakers, mobilizing community partners, or advocating for policy change, each of us has a role to play in advancing the well-being of ALICE families.
By leveraging the ALICE data and engaging new partners, we can amplify our impact and drive positive change in Louisiana. I encourage each of us to remain committed to the cause and actively engage in efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities for ALICE and us all.
So, who are you going to call?
Living United,
-Michael
Michael Williamson
President & CEO
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
P.S. As we celebrate our centennial, I encourage you to check out our calendar of centennial events and join us in our celebrations.