D&R Month 2009 | Pittsburgh
- Dignity & Respect Campaign Launch
Pittsburgh’s community Dignity & Respect Campaign kicked off on October 1, 2009 and included a launch event, community pledge drive, a city proclamation, and the launch of the campaign website. In addition, a D&R Council was formed to serve as consultants in guiding the campaigns success. > See Campaign Videos

- D&R Pledge Drive
During the month of October, > The Center for Inclusion at UPMC engaged over 50 community organizations and generated nearly 4,800 community pledges in their D&R Pledge Drive. To promote the pledge drive and community campaign, UPMC implemented a contest amongst participants, which awarded a ‘Day of Service’ to the organization who received the most online pledges over the course of the month. > See Pledge Tally Results

The D&R Pledge Drive concluded at midnight on October 31st, and the UPMC Day of Service was awarded to > Smart Futures for having the highest number of pledges (1,671). To show additional support of the campaign and pledge drive, a community partner organization, > Leadership Pittsburgh , also stepped up to the plate and offered a half day of service to > Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania , for having the second highest number of pledges (1,362).

- D&R Day of Service
On January 13, 2009, The Center for Inclusion in Health Care fulfilled their Day of Service commitment to Smart Futures by organizing and participating in an > e-Mentoring recruitment fair. Throughout the day, employees from UPMC and Smart Futures joined forces to encourage individuals at multiple locations within UPMC and the community, to sign up to become a mentor. The Day of Service resulted in Smart Futures receiving over 100 new eMentors and some great momentum to start off the New Year.

MLK Pledge Drive
From January 4th through January 18th, the Pittsburgh D&R Council urged their community partners to take the D&R Pledge on behalf of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream. Members of the community were also encouraged to invite family, friends, and colleagues, to take part the important call to action.> The MLK Pledge Drive resulted in over 200 individual pledges and additional campaign supporters.

MLK Day of Service
On January 18, 2009, the Pittsburgh D&R Council participated in a Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In partnership with > Pittsburgh Cares and > CORO. Several volunteers came out to engage and participate in activities with youth from the > Duquesne-West Miflin Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the day, youth and volunteers were encouraged to share stories, drawings, and presentations related to the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. and how they can be associated with current day issues and events. The youth were also asked to share their “dream”, as well as their thoughts around community involvement and volunteerism.