Alvaro Casserly, ContributorToday, we are witnessing the results of a unique and very special programme of international co-operation that has extended across the globe in over 45 countries. It is a privilege to have been invited to participate in this very important and I daresay historic project, one that has fully engaged us for almost a year. As I reflect on this work, I would like to take a few minutes to share with you some of my experience and suggest how the global standards may be utilised in our regions around the world.
Voluntary contributions in improving communities
In the Caribbean, we have been concerned for decades with the improvement of social services and have placed great emphasis on voluntary contributions in improving communities. In Jamaica, we had in the 1940s, the introduction of social welfare programmes with heavy voluntary contributions. Later, these programmes became a guide for some of the social services that are promoted across the world by the United Nations through its agencies.
The United Way of Jamaica has established itself as a major fund-raising arm and project management organisation for the voluntary sector. The mission of the United Way of Jamaica is 'To increase the organised capacity of people to care for one another'.
I can say without any fear of contradiction that the United Way of Jamaica has an excellent track record of performance and is highly respected among contributors, and in particular corporate donors.
Regional forums
On November 11, and 12, 2005, United Way organisations in the Caribbean met in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to review and discuss the then most recent draft of the global standards. There were participants from Jamaica, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, Trinidad and Tobago (by tele-conference) and from United Way International. The group welcomed the project to develop global standards and made suggestions that helped in developing the standards by indicating items that were useful and some areas that merited further review.
The global standards are a most welcome set of guidelines for local United Way Organisations. The standards should prove to be useful to existing United Way organisations, and also be of great help in efforts to establish new United Ways, including new organisations in the Caribbean.
In my view, the global standards in effect have set forth a common standard of achievement for United Way organisations across the world. I believe the standards will be beneficial and long-lasting.
In Jamaica, we welcome the global standards. A few moments ago, I made reference to the mission of United Way of Jamaica. In support of that mission, we have committed ourselves to several requirements, including five which I will mention:
Development of volunteerism
Raising citizen's awareness of social needs
Broadening the base of charitable giving
The pursuit of excellence and sound management practices
The impartial allocation of project resources.
At the United Way of Jamaica, funds raised are mainly from corporate contributors. Corporate donors account for about 80 per cent of all annual contributions. The global standards will be useful as we continue to work with our corporate donors by helping them to understand the mission of United Way.
Taken from remarks made at the United Way International 2006 World Assembly in Melbourne, Australia, May 4, 2006. Alvaro Casserly is chairman of United Way of Jamaica.
