The United Way of Kennebec Valley is bringing attention to critical community issues through its 2024 “Unignorable” campaign. One of the latest highlighted posters addresses the reality of education inequality, a challenge impacting many children in Kennebec County. Michelle Boyer photo

AUGUSTA — United Way of Kennebec Valley is bringing attention to critical community issues through its 2024 “Unignorable” campaign.

With two featured posters on education inequality and childhood hunger, UWKV emphasizes barriers that prevent children in Kennebec County from realizing their potential, affecting both their well-being and the community’s future. Conceptualized and illustrated by UWKV Director of Marketing Michelle Tibbetts, these visuals capture the urgency of tackling educational and nutritional disparities in a way that resonates with community members, according to a news release from the United Way chapter.

One of the latest highlighted posters addresses the reality of education inequality, a challenge impacting many children in Kennebec County. While 82.6% of Maine’s third graders meet or exceed state expectations for reading, economically disadvantaged students face substantial obstacles, with only 76.6% reaching this benchmark. This disparity has lasting effects on health and economic stability, ultimately holding communities back from reaching their full potential.

Education inequality limits career prospects and perpetuates poverty, with effects that ripple through the community, contributing to slower economic growth and increased social challenges. UWKV, in partnership with Impact2032 — a 10-year goal-setting initiative in Kennebec County — is committed to tracking educational metrics over the next decade, aiming to raise the percentage of third graders meeting state standards to 87% by 2032 (based on 2022 data).

The second poster in the United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) 2024 “Unignorable” campaign addresses the profound effect of hunger on children’s ability to learn, grow and engage socially. Submitted photo

The second featured poster addresses the profound effect of hunger on children’s ability to learn, grow and engage socially. In Kennebec County, 15.1% of children face food insecurity — a condition that diverts focus from learning and disrupts essential development.

Through these illustrations, UWKV seeks to represent the everyday challenges faced by local families. The vision for the “Unignorable” campaign is to engage the community in recognizing and addressing these issues, creating a shared responsibility for solutions. Childhood hunger, like education inequality, has far-reaching effects, creating barriers to health and financial stability.

Of the 58 total organizations it funds, UWKV collaborates with 12 agencies specifically dedicated to creating positive learning environments and addressing essential needs for children. Through these partnerships, UWKV strives to provide equal opportunities for all children across Kennebec County, supporting them in building brighter futures.

The campaign is a call to action for the community to address these pressing challenges. Through UWKV’s “2% to $2 Million” challenge this fall, the organization aims to secure funds that will support vital programs across the region, laying the foundation for a thriving, inclusive community.

For more information or to get involved, visit uwkv.org.

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