This week, United Way of Greater Kansas City is delighted to welcome our global partners from United Way Worldwide as they bring the 211 Thrive Conference to Kansas City. The conference is designed for the entire 211 network, including 211 staff at all levels—from community resource specialists, database analysts, call center managers, and executive leadership, as well as United Way staff, and independent 211 partners such as local government employees and nonprofit organizations.
“The 211 network stands at the heart of community connection—linking hope, help and humanity,” said Heather Black, Vice President of 211 System Strategy at United Way Worldwide. “The inaugural 211 Thrive conference—bringing together more than 300 of our 211 partners from across 40 US states—reminds us how powerful we are when we come together as a united 211 network to strengthen every community, one call at a time. We don’t just answer calls—we change lives.”
211 is a powerful information and referral resource, reaching 99% of the US population. Every year, the 211 network responds to more than 16 million requests for help. About half of 211 operations across the country are run by local United Way organizations, including locally—by United Way of Greater Kansas City in a 23-county service region. Kansas City’s regional 211 services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting individuals to more than 7,000 resources with service in 150 languages. United Way of Greater Kansas City is thankful for the opportunity to bring leaders from the 211 network from around the country to our city to enhance their professional skills, knowledge and expertise, while building meaningful relationships and finding new ways to work together and learn from one another to enhance the ways we all serve our communities.
“A core part of United Way’s work is not only identifying community needs, but figuring out where there may be gaps in the system and innovating to find solutions. It takes a lot of community partners coming together to address those needs,” said Todd Jordan, PhD, United Way of Greater Kansas City Vice President of Community Impact and 211 Executive Director. “211 is a pivotal part of how we do this work. We’re looking forward to bringing together voices from around the network so we can learn from each other, share best practices, and continue to find ways to innovate as we work toward creating stronger, healthier communities for all.”
The 211 Thrive Conference is a sold-out event, closed to the public, with 300 attendees expected October 27-30 at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.