United Way organizations across the United States utilize Born Learning Trails – a series of 10 interactive signs that transform everyday moments into fun and engaging learning opportunities for young children – as a community engagement and improvement tool. 

There are currently 750 such trails across the nation, but none are in Minnesota north of Elbow Lake - yet.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota Executive Director Erin Shay is now the leader of the statewide association, United Ways of Minnesota, in addition to heading the local organization. She recently assumed the role of United Ways of Minnesota board president. 

“Each United Way organization across the state and nation is run independently, but this state association helps us connect with each other to share best practices and maximize our impact when possible,” Shay said.

A lot can change in a year, especially at United Way of Northeastern Minnesota where our programs and partners are continually evaluated to ensure they’re making in the impact intended.

In my year as board president – in addition to operating our long-running programs and providing support to 60 nonprofits across our 11,300 square mile service area – we collaborated with leaders across the region and state to: mobilize volunteers for our first-ever Day of Action in Keewatin, respond to devastating regionwide flooding, and release the “United for ALICE” report.