CINCINNATI (July 9, 2025) — United Way Worldwide’s annual Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day brought together United Way colleagues from across the country to advocate for key issues in our nation’s capital. For the second year, United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) was represented by Hailey Barr-King, Sr. Manager, Public Policy and Advocacy.
The two-and-a-half-day event opened with sessions focused on advocacy strategies and strengthening regional relationships to further our policy work in the three states we serve. During those conversations, Hailey highlighted technological advancements UWGC has made in its 211 helpline service and their impact on advocacy efforts. She also learned about United Way Worldwide’s efforts to champion antihunger legislation, and she connected with congressional offices.
Hailey then spent a full day attending meetings with lawmakers and staff from Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, including U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted of Ohio. She also met with staff from the offices of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (KY) and U.S. Reps. Dave Taylor (OH-02), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Warren Davidson (OH-08) and Greg Landsman (OH-01).
Hailey was joined by nearly 400 United Way advocates who met with members of Congress. Advocates urged officials to support upcoming legislation to strengthen 211 services, and they discussed the importance of AmeriCorps, the Digital Equity Act and other key issues facing our friends and neighbors.
Advocacy is an integral part of United Way’s work to ensure thriving communities, but we can’t do it alone. We need you to raise your voice and let your elected officials know you support legislation that addresses hunger, supports early childhood education and uplifts housing programs. Contacting your elected officials takes only a few seconds and can make a big difference for millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of your neighbors in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
