Lawrence Shulman is dean of the School of Social Work. He also serves as chair of the 2000 SEFA campaign.

What is SEFA?

SEFA stands for the State Employee Federated Appeal. It is the single campaign supported by labor and management in which state employees can contribute to qualified voluntary, non-profit charitable organizations providing services to human health, welfare and recreational programs. At UB, all university employees can participate through payroll deduction.

What types of agencies and organizations benefit from SEFA?

SEFA funds help to support hundreds of agencies and organizations providing services to persons throughout the whole range of the life-cycle, from infants to the elderly. Services are offered in the areas of health and wellness, children and families, basic needs and youth services, among other. It's important to note that UB employees can chose to designate their contributions to specific SEFA-affiliated organizations in their local communities. A directory is included in SEFA packets.

What's new about the campaign this year?

The theme for this year's campaign is "Stepping Up." We hope that UB employees and UB units will step up to a new level of participation. The first step is simply to turn in the response card. If employees have not contributed before, this is the year we hope they will step up and make a contribution. If they have contributed, we are asking them to step up by increasing their contribution. Even a small increase in their payroll deduction will make a difference. The campaign also has introduced a new category of contribution called "UB Gold." We want to recognize all employees, at any level of salary, who contribute 1 percent of their salary as "leadership" givers. Finally, we have our continuing leadership levels of $500 to $990 (Pacesetter) and $1,000 or more (Leadership). Leadership gifts make up a large percentage of our total contributions. With many faculty retiring, it is crucial for those who can give at this level to step up to a leadership level or UB Gold.

How long is the campaign?

The SEFA 2000 campaign held its kick-off event on Sept. 12 and will continue to Oct. 27. We are asking all contributors to wear proudly their UB stepping up buttons during this period as sign of their commitment.

What is this year's goal?

This year's goal is $700,000. However, we are hoping to blow right by this goal and to set a new UB SEFA record. If everyone steps up, each in their own way, we should be able to meet and exceed the campaign goal.

Some units raise money for SEFA all year round, not just during the fall campaign. How did that come about?

Many units have discovered that it can be fun, positive for employee morale and serve as a way to bring all members of a unit together to conduct their own events throughout the year. We welcome these, since they keep a SEFA consciousness and the idea of giving back to the community alive all year and not just at campaign time. Deans, administrators, faculty and staff have cooked hot dogs for their employees as an example of the SEFA spirit.

How can members of the campus community contribute to SEFA?

The easiest way is to complete their contribution card and to check off payroll deductions. In the 1999 campaign, 2,206-67 percent-contributed through payroll deduction, with an average pledge size of $244. They also can contribute by check or cash or a one-time payroll deduction.

What question do you wish I had asked, and how would you have answered it?

Perhaps the most important question is, "Why should I give?" We surveyed a number of leadership givers and asked them what was their motivation. Some had made use of community services or knew people who had. However, the most-often-cited response was that it was important for UB employees to give something back to the community that has given UB so much. As dean of our School of Social Work, I have seen first-hand the importance of the services provided by these community agencies and organizations. I will be stepping up this year and I invite the UB community to step up with me.