The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) is a membership organization that is building a powerful network of women to invest in addressing metropolitan Omaha’s most critical issues. Members have the ability to contribute their time, talent, and resources to support causes for which they care passionately.

We are one of 120 United Way Women’s Leadership Councils across the U.S. – a national network of 50,000 women – united by their passion and unified by their mission to advance the common good in communities nationwide.

The WLC Steering Committee is busy planning for its inaugural event in the summer of 2012. Please contact Shannon Sands at ssands@uwmidlands.org for more information or on how to get involved.

   Why was the WLC formed?

The original idea for a women’s network began in 2008 with the formation of the Tocqueville Women’s Initiative (TWI). The goal was to develop connections among women of the United Way of the Midlands Tocqueville Society and provide them with opportunities for philanthropic education, input and engagement. In 2010, the TWI Advisory Council decided to expand the United Way women’s network to include women at the Bridgebuilder Society level. Thus, the WLC includes both Tocqueville Society women and Bridgebuilder Society women. The TWI continues to exist as a forum for education and engagement for women at the Tocqueville Society donor level, with special events geared specifically for the TWI.

Recognizing the influence women have in economic decision-making, and specifically, in philanthropic giving, United Way of the Midlands will use its influence to focus the power, position and leadership of our women donors. With your help, our Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) will educate, empower and equip our members to create change in the Omaha-metropolitan area and inspire others to take similar action.

   Why should I become involved in the Women's Leadership Council?

The WLC gives you opportunities to:

• Align your volunteer efforts and contributions
• Network with other women business and community leaders who share a likeminded
  spirit of philanthropy.
• Inclusion in the Women’s Leadership Council educational, social and volunteer
  events.
• First-hand opportunities to see how your investment is improving lives in the
  Omaha metropolitan area.

   What are the membership requirements?

To become a member of the Women’s Leadership Council, we ask that women make an annual individual or joint (combined with a spouse) leadership gift of $2,500 or above to United Way of the Midlands.
Membership is comprised of both Tocqueville Society ($10,000+) and Bridgebuilder Society ($2,500+) women donors.

Your annual leadership gift to United Way automatically qualifies you for
the WLC.

No additional membership fee is required.

   Am I required to attend meetings or events?

The WLC has been structured to embrace accessibility to information by members and provide opportunities for involvement that accommodate diverse lifestyles and schedules. There is not a requirement for members to attend meetings or events; your level of involvement is completely up
to you!

Past Events:

Women's Lunch & Learn, December 14th
Focus on Early Childhood Impact

The women of the WLC were in for a treat when they attended the December luncheon at the home of Loretta Patterson. In addition to hearing about the formation of the WLC, they got to see Loretta’s home fabulously decorated for the holidays! A site to behold.
 

   How do I become involved in shaping the future of the WLC?

The structure of the WLC encompasses the work of four committees: Community Impact, Marketing & Communications, Membership and Recruitment and Programming and Events. Your involvement in one of these committees is encouraged! Please contact Shannon Sands at ssands@uwmidlands.org for more information.

   How do I find out more about the WLC and its community impact initiative?

Email Shannon Sands at ssands@uwmidlands.org for further information.