Young Leaders Give and Take
01/06/10 14:18
Ken Seitz, Technology Architect at Peak 10, considers himself an analytical type. It probably helps in his professional life. And he approaches his philanthropic life the same way. “I see United Way as the mutual fund of non-profits,” he says. “Someone else has figured out where the needs are, for contributions and for volunteering. I can get the biggest bang for my time and money by investing them in United Way.”
Ken is the Chair of LIVE UNITED Network, an affinity group of United Way of Tampa Bay for young professionals. The 238-member group focuses on leadership development, networking and volunteerism.
Leadership development included a presentation by Brian Deming, President and COO of Tribridge, on the importance of reinvesting in your community. “Brian tied personal success to behavior, and I got the message that doing good propels you faster,” Ken notes. Networking events are coming up June 10 at a Tampa Bay Rays game and June 24 at Whiskey Joe’s on Rocky Point. Volunteerism included helping residents of Sulphur Springs in Tampa prepare résumés and improve interview skills, and installing a playground at the Wesley W. Jenkins Community Resource Center in St. Petersburg.
“We use HandsOnTampa Bay to focus our volunteer efforts, with a mixture of skills-based volunteering and family volunteering,” Ken explains. “We want to make long-term impacts in our neighborhoods while exercising leadership skills.”
Live United Network strives to provide value to young leadership givers – to learn from and eventually become community leaders.
Ken continues, “LIVE UNITED Network is about networking with like-minded people. We can all use more individuals in our networks who share our values. The benefit goes beyond the feel-good of helping out. By getting involved and investing time and dollars, you’re also investing in yourself, your career, and your own personal growth. What’s not to like?”
Want to learn more? Attend the networking event on June 24 or contact Kimberly.