A Regional Network of Women
The Women's Leadership Initiative is designed to unite the women of our region to help prepare today's children to be tomorrow's leaders. It supports early childhood development work, including Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Area (the region's early childhood initiative).
Benefits of Membership
- The opportunity to network with like-minded women leaders to create a positive impact on the lives of young children and their future.
- Increased awareness of our community's needs.
- Increased community engagement and volunteerism.
- Recognition for your help in strengthening our community.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative?
A small group of enthusiastic women created the United Way Women’s Leadership Initiative in 2007 with a single purpose – to unite women to prepare today’s children to become tomorrow’s leaders. The Women’s Leadership Initiative movement continues to grow and to engage more women to give, advocate, and volunteer in support of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, the region’s initiative to achieve school readiness for all children.
Who can get involved?
Any person interested in positively impacting our community and the lives of our community’s children!
What does the Women’s Leadership Initiative do?
We unite women to lead change in our community by raising our voices, volunteering our time and providing financial support to address the critical needs in our community.
What communities does the Initiative serve?
We serve communities throughout Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond.
Why are the Women’s Leadership Initiative efforts important?
The early years are the most critical years to a child’s brain development and growth. By the age of three, much of the brain’s structure has developed and the foundations for learning are set. If young children do not get the proper stimulation, nurturing, and health care during the formative years, they will start school behind their peers and stay behind. This problem not only has negative consequences for our region’s youngest citizens, it affects us all.
Research has proven that investing in early childhood development has a greater rate of return than investing in the stock market. Quality early learning reduces crime rates, teenage pregnancy, welfare dependency, job training costs, special education costs and grade repetition. Quality early learning also increases success in school, graduation rates, workforce readiness, job productivity and community engagement.
Where does my donation go?
The dollars invested through the Women’s Leadership Initiative go to support the United Way community impact work in early childhood development. This includes programs directly funded by grants as well as initiative work under Smart Beginnings. Early childhood development programs receiving United Way support include:
Adoption Program at Children's Home Society
CHIP Family Case Management
CHIP of Petersburg
Family Lifeline Healthy Families - Henrico County/North Richmond
Foster Care at Children's Home Society
FRIENDS Pre-School Child Day Care Program
Healthy Families Program At Quin Rivers
Infant Child Development Services at The Greater Richmond ARC
Jewish Family Services and Weinstein JCC Special Needs Collaborative
Petersburg Healthy Families
Southside Child Development Center Pre-School Day Care
William Byrd Community House Pre-School Child Care
YMCA Early Childhood Child Care
YWCA Child Development Center
When can I get involved?
Now! We schedule and organize volunteer activities throughout the year.
How can I get involved?
You can sign up today to become a member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. Please fill out the form by clicking the "Become a member" link below. Once we receive your form, we’ll contact you! Thank you for your support!
Learn More About:
Supporting Early Childhood Development
Advocating for the Future
Achieving Results
Becoming a Member
For more information about the Women's Leadership Initiative, please contact Beth Tyson - Phone: (804) 771-5826.
