Small Actions, Big Impact: Getting UITS Involved in UA Cares
Giving back doesn’t have to mean making a major commitment. A few hours, a donation or simply helping spread the word can make a difference and UITS employees are being encouraged to find a way to get involved.
UA Cares brings University of Arizona employees together through community service and giving. Some of its initiatives include the Annual Workplace Giving Campaign, United Way Days of Caring, UA 4 Food, the Employee Emergency Fund and campuswide blood drives.
As UITS works to grow its participation in UA Cares, three ambassadors are helping connect colleagues with opportunities to contribute: Alana Talkington, Communications Specialist; Guillermo “Memo” Meraz, Website Content Manager; and Sheila Bustamante, Assistant Director of Consulting and Projects.
For Talkington, who works remotely outside Arizona, participating offers a way to give back to a community that has become meaningful to her.
“Even though I don’t physically live in Arizona, the university and the Arizona community have given so much to me through my role here,” Talkington said. “It was important to me to bring the remote employee perspective to the work and help find meaningful ways for employees to participate and make an impact, no matter where they’re located.”
Meraz also sees UA Cares as an opportunity to build connections within UITS.
“Becoming a UA Cares Ambassador gave me a chance to meet more people across UITS while also getting involved in something that benefits the broader university and Tucson community,” Meraz said.
Becoming an ambassador is one way UITS employees can get involved, but it isn’t the only one. Employees can participate in service projects, blood drives and donation efforts or contribute their time and talents in other ways.
“When you join a group like UA Cares, every little contribution matters,” Bustamante said. “You don’t have to be concerned about not having enough money, time or skill to participate.”
As UITS looks to expand its involvement, employees interested in becoming ambassadors are also encouraged to join the effort.
“Don’t hesitate,” Talkington said. “It’s an opportunity to deepen your connection to the university, build relationships with colleagues you may not otherwise get to know and be part of something bigger than our individual roles.”
With a UITS UA Cares Ambassador Committee now formed, there are even more opportunities for UITS employees to get involved. Reach out to Alana Talkington, Guillermo “Memo” Meraz or Sheila Bustamante with questions, ideas, or if you’re interested in joining the committee and helping grow UITS’ involvement in UA Cares.
Upcoming Events
Make A Difference: Join the UITS Team!
Join your UITS colleagues on Friday, Oct. 16 as we team up with United Way Days of Caring.
Register with the UITS group by Sunday, Oct. 4.