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How We Make a Difference Works: The Benefits, the Vision & the Impact

The need to create meaningful change has never been greater due to the increasing complexity of problems in our world and the difficulty of finding solutions to those problems. We Make a Difference (WMAD) creates hope and inspiration within and throughout communities as a vehicle for individuals and groups to support the creation of a positive impact within their respective fields. So, what does WMAD do? How is it different from other social change organizations? This document will provide an analysis of WMAD's mission, as well as show the benefits, conceptualization and manifested impact of WMAD as a means to bring about change in people's lives.

Developing Sustainable Communities to Create Lasting Change

At its core WMAD is about empowering communities through sustainability in both the environmental and economic arenas. WMAD is more than an organization that helps communities to solve problems; rather WMAD seeks to address the root causes of community issues in order to create a long term systemic change that will enhance the quality of life for the most vulnerable in society.

WMAD's vision is based on the concept of collaboration: partnering with people, businesses and government to create a movement of power. Whether it is through working to remove barriers, creating jobs, reducing environmental degradation, supporting mental wellness, WMAD stands ready to support mitigation and address all of the issues affecting communities through practical and collaborative approaches.

Collaborating in Order to Make a Difference

The unique strength of WMAD lies in its approach of working collaboratively. WMAD believes that the ability to make a substantial difference requires a collaborative effort. WMAD works collectively with Communities, non profits and businesses to ensure that the Solutions created are not only effectively designed but also well supported.

WMAD's strategy includes listening to the community members who've been affected by the Problems that WMAD is attempting to resolve. This approach ensures that the solutions created by WMAD reflect the unique circumstances of each Community and therefore have the best chance of success.

Another important method WMAD uses to support these efforts is Funding Mechanisms for the community projects to expand and create a difference. WMAD also provides Guidance and Strategy Consulting to organizations that wish to increase their Contributions and Support to these solutions.

Benefits:

1. Creating a Positive Impact on Society

The greatest benefit provided by WMAD is its ability to create a positive impact on society, by helping people who are less fortunate. To do this, WMAD has focused on some of the most significant social issues facing America today including poverty, inequality, education, and health. Addressing these critical issues ultimately has a direct impact on the lives of those in need of assistance.

As an example, through WMAD’s support of various education initiatives, children and young adults are provided with the tools they need to receive a quality education and develop a better future for themselves. Additionally, WMAD’s work to provide medical care, support food stability and to provide social service solutions to many of the local communities in which it works, has served to mitigate the disparities and create equity.

2. Helping to Build Sustainable Communities

WMAD does not simply look for quick fixes; instead WMAD looks for long term solutions. This means that instead of focusing on building a short term solution to a given problem, WMAD is focused on building long term sustainable solutions for the community, through building the capacity of the local community and providing the resources needed for the community to continue to thrive, long after a WMAD funded project has concluded.

Sustainability does not just include safeguarding the environment, it also includes creating strong social systems including effective education systems, enhanced resource availability and building individuals' skills and abilities to contribute positively to their community.

3. Improving Social Accountability in Companies

Through partnerships with companies and other businesses, WMAD can highlight the importance of social accountability among these businesses. The majority of consumers today expect businesses to conduct themselves in an eco friendly and socially responsible manner. WMAD gives businesses the opportunity to improve their brands while supporting changes in their communities through their various programs.

Many companies participate in WMAD's volunteer programs, sponsorships/donations, and skills based volunteer activities. Employees who take part in these activities not only support their communities, but they also feel good about themselves (increased morale) and become involved at work (increased commitment).

4. Satisfaction for Donors and Volunteers

Participants in WMAD's programs enjoy the satisfaction of helping to make a difference in people's lives. Volunteers gain a sense of purpose and a connection to those people they have helped through their volunteer efforts. Donors are able to track their donations and feel confident that their contribution is having a positive impact on the community.

When people participate in WMAD's volunteer programs and donate funds and/or time to WMAD's causes, they gain new skills, relationships, and insights that improve their quality of life even further.

Real Impact, Real Results

As the results show, there is no question that We Make A Difference has provided direct support to thousands of people via its program offerings since its inception. Through WMAD's programming, communities all over Australia see the tangible benefits – a school that previously had no resources to provide for their students now can offer financial assistance to students with scholarships; a community now has access to clean drinking water which is readily available to all; and people who would otherwise be unable to afford mental health services now have access to provide the help they need when they need it.

WMAD has several signature projects that highlight these impacts.

• Support for Education: Through support for schools and community based educational systems, WMAD has been able to offer college scholarships, pathfinder tools for college bound students, and comprehensive support systems to assist with academic success and overall development of students.

• Environmental Initiatives: WMAD continues to participate in several types of environmentally focused initiatives including tree planting events and waste reduction programs in order to address climate change and to help save our planet for future generations.

• Health and Wellness Initiatives: WMAD places special emphasis on education regarding health and mental wellness, suicide prevention and access to healthcare, and through this emphasis on education, has provided access to mental health, suicide prevention, and a host of other services that enable people to have access to a better life.

• Disaster Relief: When disaster strikes, WMAD is there for the individuals impacted by natural disasters, economic difficulties, and any type of other emergencies through immediate financial assistance and assistance through local service providers.

To Conclude: A Demand for Action

We Make A Difference is not only the name of the organization; it is also a service to get people involved with social change through the collective efforts of many individuals working as one team. Sustainability and community empowerment are the driving forces behind the creation of sustainable social change and the emergence of WMAD as a leader in creating lasting solutions. WMAD provides support and collaboration to all individuals, companies, and communities that wish to create positive social change through volunteerism, corporate responsibility, and community collaboration.

The benefits of this kind of work extend far beyond the immediate outcome of creating positive social change. WMAD's work is focused on making a lasting impact on the lives of those who have been affected by social injustice, and will continue to do so through the efforts of our members, partners, and donors. By all working together, we are creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for future generations.