At United Way of Greater New Bedford, we know that creating lasting change requires more than meeting immediate needs. It also means advocating for policies that strengthen our communities and address the systems that shape opportunity. This spring, UWGNB brought the voices and experiences of Greater New Bedford to both Capitol Hill and Beacon Hill.
In April, Sarah Rose, Chief Impact Officer, joined colleagues from United Way of Central Massachusetts and United Way of Massachusetts Bay at the United Way Advocacy Forum and Hill Day in Washington, D.C. More than 350 United Way professionals from across the country gathered to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and explore how local solutions can inform national policy. The experience was a powerful reminder that while our work begins in our own communities, our collective voice can help drive broader change.
The week concluded with meetings on Capitol Hill meeting with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to advocate for policies that strengthen food security, expand access to early education and care, and support the financial stability of households across the Commonwealth. We are grateful to Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Bill Keating, Congressman Jim McGovern, and the offices of Senator Elizabeth Warren, Whip Katherine Clark, Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Stephen Lynch, and Lori Trahan for their time, engagement, and commitment to the issues affecting our communities.
Closer to home, advocacy efforts continued in May when the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held a public hearing on the ENOUGH Act (S.3022/H.5187). This legislation would establish a fund to support place-based initiatives in communities facing persistent poverty, allowing residents, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to work together to address the root causes of economic hardship.
Co-sponsored by Representative Tony Cabral, the bill is modeled after groundbreaking legislation enacted in Maryland with support from the Harlem Children's Zone. Geoffrey Canada and Kwame Owusu-Kesse traveled to Boston to testify and meet with Beacon Hill leadership, helping make the case for a coordinated approach to neighborhood and school improvement.
Sarah had the privilege of testifying before the committee alongside Ben Forman of MassINC and Dante de Tablan, a consultant who worked on the implementation of Maryland's ENOUGH Act. Together, they highlighted the importance of investing in comprehensive, community-driven strategies that create pathways to opportunity and long-term success.
Advocacy is a vital part of United Way's mission. Whether we are convening partners, investing in effective programs, or lending our voice to policies that advance equity and opportunity, we remain committed to ensuring that the people and communities of Greater New Bedford have the resources and support they need to thrive. These experiences reinforced an important truth: meaningful change happens when local voices are heard, partnerships are strengthened, and communities work together to shape a better future.