Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the past few years, we've all seen how interconnected we are. When people are unemployed and more families are financially unstable, the impact is felt throughout the community and even throughout a region as money tightens up everywhere.

For nearly seven decades, the AFL-CIO has taken great pride in its partnership with United Way. Even in times of economic distress, our people have joined forces with others to advance the common good. As a result, we are making great strides in reaching our shared goals to improve education, health and financial stability, the building blocks for a good quality of life.

Whether or not I know a child on the other side of town, it matters to me whether that child grows up to be a contributing member of the community. We all have a stake in that and a responsibility to do our part.

In June, the Executive Board of the Montana State AFL-CIO endorsed the United Way as the organizion of choice for charitable contributions. Please join with me in supporting the 2012 United Way Campaign. By giving, and asking others to do the same, you are helping create opportunities for a better life for all.

Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Al. Ekblad, Executive Secretary