WILLIAMSPORT -- A regional Women’s Leadership Council will soon be established through the efforts of seven local United Way organizations, known collectively as the River Region United Ways.

According to Scott N. Lowery, executive director of Lycoming County United Way, “The Women’s Leadership Council will provide the opportunity for women involved with local United Ways throughout the central Susquehanna region to meet, discuss and help reach solutions to important social issues collectively affecting all of us.”

“Women connecting at this level are an untapped resource of collective intellect, persuasion, philanthropic decision-making, and of collaborative efforts to drive community-building initiatives,” said Tina McDowell, executive director of Union County United Way.

“Most importantly, we’re doing this because there are many, many women who are influential in their communities — women who are making significant financial decisions with their spouses or partners who are leaders in business, women who are influential in their own workplaces, or as volunteers,” said Keri Albright, president and chief executive officer of Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way.

Other participating United Ways are Berwick Area United Way, Columbia County United Way, Danville Area United Way, and Lower Anthracite Region United Way (serving eastern Northumberland County).

Albright said similar groups established around the country are outperforming other United Ways in terms of fundraising and impact in their local communities that have no women’s initiatives.

Over half of all philanthropic decisions are made by women, she added.

Any woman, individually or as part of a couple, who has made an undesignated contribution of $500 or more to her local United Way will be invited to attend a lunch meeting in the spring.

United Way leadership then expects that the group will continue meeting at least quarterly.

More information is available by contacting the Greater Susquehanna United Way at 988-0993.