Hello, Up with People Family!
This past month brought significant changes—suspending VOICES program, going dormant, and minimizing expenses. We understand you have questions about why, what’s next, and how you can help. We believe that transparency is the key. To shed light on these matters, let’s revisit the recent past.
Summer '23
The inaugural VOICES cast embarked on an exciting journey to Latin America! This program, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic with input from a wide range of stakeholders, is designed to engage young adults and support fundraising efforts. The launch was made possible by a $2,000,000 low-interest government loan
Fall '23
VOICES LATAM'23 received excellent feedback from students and cities, though it ended with a bigger than expected financial loss.
Planning has begun for VOICES LATAM '24, LEAD by UWP, and VOICES India, with the Board setting strict metrics for local sponsorship, global fundraising, and admissions.
Spring '24
VOICES LATAM and LEAD by UWP have been postponed due to unmet metrics and limited sponsorship and fundraising.
Summer '24
All focus on India!
We set a target of 30 students, $300,000 in local sponsorship, and $300,000 in global fundraising (including a $100,000 board match) by July 15.
As of July 1, local sponsorship is at $20,000 with strong leads, and less than $200,000 has been raised, 20 students were confirmed.
Decision
The decision has been made to close down VOICES in order to stop the burn rate and preserve investments. The board's financial objective is to maintain the endowment and investments.
What's next?
Our objective remains the same: to provide transformative experiences for young people, just as many of you have lived through. To do this, we must first ensure our financial stability. Our goals are to preserve our endowment, manage our loan repayment, and explore new programming opportunities, all grounded in the principle of “funding first, programs follow.”
Step 1: Minimize all expenses
We’ve cut costs by reducing staff to two members, closing the office, moving the warehouses to save on lease expenses, and optimizing all costs.
Step 2: Program Review & Growth
We're reviewing past programs (Camp UWP, UWP JR, VOICES) to evaluate growth opportunities and welcome your ideas for future programming.
Step 3: Near Future
We are working closely with IAA to plan upcoming activities, including the 60th anniversary of Up with People.
As we navigate these challenging times, we draw inspiration from Up with People’s rich history and its legacy of making a positive impact around the globe. For decades, Up with People has brought people together through music, cultural exchange, and service, fostering understanding and connection. Now, more than ever, the world needs the unique magic that Up with People offers—an opportunity to inspire change, bridge divides, and create a brighter future for all. Together, we can continue this important mission, bringing hope and unity to a world.
Please remember, Up with People as an organization is not closed; we are simply suspending this program to focus on our financial health.
We, the UWP Board of Directors, remain dedicated to supporting our programs and are fully committed to safeguarding UWP’s assets while planning for the organization’s future. We are grateful for your support, ideas, and messages. Your continued monthly support is invaluable as we work together to create a program that will allow young people to experience the magic of Up with People.
Thank you!
Tim Andersen,
UWP Board Chair
Together with:
Terry Cekola, UWP Board Vice-Chair
Stuart Shepherd, UWP Board Secretary
Robert Cygnaeus, UWP Board Member
Robin Lokerman, UWP Board Member
W. John Hall, UWP Board Member
Michael Goggins, UWP Board Member
Stephanie Villegas, UWP Staff Member
Daria Brand, UWP Staff Member
UWP Board Chair
Together with:
Terry Cekola, UWP Board Vice-Chair
Stuart Shepherd, UWP Board Secretary
Robert Cygnaeus, UWP Board Member
Robin Lokerman, UWP Board Member
W. John Hall, UWP Board Member
Michael Goggins, UWP Board Member
Stephanie Villegas, UWP Staff Member
Daria Brand, UWP Staff Member
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