Podcast

Episode 2: Building Strong Partnerships

22 September 2021

In this episode, VCC’s Executive Director Meaghon Reid sits down with Karen Young, president and CEO of the United Way of Calgary and Area, to discuss how community partnerships deliver dividends in the poverty reduction space. The United Way is a leader in developing key partnerships that drive results. Get to know what the United Way has learned from initiatives like Community Hubs, how businesses are evolving around social purpose, and how they’re taking community action on mental health.

Published 22 September 2021

Updated 6 April 2022

This episode of Let's Talk Poverty discusses collaboration, community investment and meaningfully engaging with the voices of lived experience.

In this episode

  • How United Way gets a high return on community investment through collaboration
  • Why bringing people together is key to solving complex issues like poverty
  • Reflections on the impact of community-driven initiatives like Community Hubs and youth mental health

Three key takeaways

  • Understanding the importance of building strong neighbourhoods
  • Some of the best practices for successful collaboration – start with an aspirational vision, take action and engage with a variety of community partners
  • How we all have an important role to play in making a difference in our community

About Karen Young

Karen Young (she/her) is President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, a visionary leader who knows the power of partnership and collaboration to achieve a common purpose. She is driven by her belief that all Calgarians have the right to a good quality of life. Under her leadership, United Way has raised more than $370 million for the local Calgary community, delivering a profound impact to people in all walks of life. Follow Karen on Twitter @KarenYoungYYC.

About United Way of Calgary and Area

United Way of Calgary and Area brings people together to solve complex issues and improve local lives. They partner with local experts and community ambassadors, strategically invest to create lasting social change, and collaborate to ensure no one is left behind. United Way staff and volunteers work with people from across Calgary and the surrounding areas of Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore to create a resilient and caring community where everyone thrives. In any given year, United Way improves the lives of more than 150,000 people.

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