UPDATE: Montgomery County United Way votes to merge with Greater Houston United Way

UPDATE:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - In what was considered a ‘done deal,’ Montgomery County United Way contributors voted 206 to 50, to merge with the Greater Houston United Way, thus disbanding the Montgomery County United Way agency. The MCUW by-laws required a member vote even though the wheels were already in motion. This may have accounted for the low voter turnout.

Purportedly a local council will determine the distribution of money raised here in the community, and the Greater Houston United Way by-laws have been amended to add four positions for Montgomery County representation; a 1/11 ratio, as the GHUW currently has 40 board members.

The position of MCUW President will no longer be in force, ending Julie Martineau’s 19 years of service to MCUW. An offer has been extended as a consultant, but it is unknown whether Martineau will accept and serve in this capacity.



ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — On Friday, February 12, 2016, the Montgomery County United Way Board of Directors conducted a final vote regarding the coming together of two local United Ways to form one regional organization. The decision came after months of discovery meetings, organizational analysis, and careful deliberations. Board members concluded that joining Montgomery County United Way and United Way of Greater Houston together as one organization would improve even more lives across Montgomery and surrounding counties and build a stronger regional community.

The top determining factors in board members’ decision were:


Opportunity to Help More People

Increase in Revenue

Continued Local Leadership

Local Representation on the United Way of Greater Houston Board of Trustees.

Staff and volunteers from both organizations have worked closely to craft an agreement that honors the rich traditions and successes of each organization while building an even stronger United Way that will help more people, create more impact, and build a stronger community.

The next step in the merger process will be to conduct a member vote at Montgomery County United Way’s Annual Meeting. The meeting is to be held on Wednesday, February 24th from 8:00am to 10:00am at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. A member, or qualified voter, is an individual or corporation that has made a gift to Montgomery County United Way in the past 12 months. To confirm your attendance and verify your ballot, please RSVP to angelica@mcuw.org or by phone, 281-292-4155, Ext.241.

The Montgomery County United Way Board of Directors encourages members to ask questions and get informed about what we will be able to achieve together as one organization, one United Way. You can find detailed information, including pros and cons of the merge, on our web site at www.mcuw.org/vote.

The Montgomery County United Way Board of Directors is confident this is the best decision for the residents we serve in Montgomery and the surrounding counties. Montgomery County United Way remains steadfast in our mission to improve lives and create lasting change, especially as resources grow and strengthen.