The Employee Assembly has agreed to partner with the Cornell United Way Campaign to generate campus enthusiasm and awareness about how the United Way directly helps individuals and families in the local area.

The partnership is a result of the Oct. 6 EA meeting, at which Paul Streeter, assistant dean for finance and administration at the College of Veterinary Medicine and this year's chair for the Cornell United Way Campaign, and Bill Fry, dean of faculty and deputy director for the campaign, made their case for working with the EA on this effort.

Streeter noted that although Cornell contributes approximately 40 percent of the county's goal, only about 15 percent of Cornell faculty and staff members participate in the university's United Way campaign -- and a quarter of them are Cornell retirees. This low rate of participation seems uncharacteristic of the Cornell community, which is known for its involvement in volunteer activities and its willingness to help those in need, he said.

This year's county campaign goal is $2,111,111; the Cornell United Way Campaign's goal is $790,000.

Streeter pointed to the Cornell student involvement in United Way, which has grown dramatically over the past couple of years, as an example of what is possible. They now have two to three events on campus each year to raise awareness. "We are getting inspired by watching the students," he said.

"We are not focusing on the dollar amount, but rather the participation," Fry said. He also noted that a large portion of Cornell's staff live outside Tompkins County and may not realize that they can designate on their pledge cards that their contributions go to the county United Way of their choice.

The first step in the partnership will be to hold a joint EA/United Way display table at the upcoming Employee Celebration Day, Oct. 16. EA also suggested holding an auction or other campus event during the workday in which staff and faculty could participate, as another way of raising awareness. Discussions will continue at subsequent EA meetings.

The EA meets every first and third Wednesday of the month during the academic year, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Room 316, Day Hall Boardroom. Meetings are open all employees and can be heard on the EA website.