It's National Volunteer Month and we're lucky to be supported by so many great volunteers in our community. Last year we had over 1,300 individuals volunteer for United Way. So far we've had 512 volunteers this year and our goal is to surpass that number. Want to help us reach and beat that goal as a volunteer for United Way? Check out these 3 ways to get involved:
1. Volunteer for United Way's Days of Action
Days of Action are unparalleled, community-changing volunteer opportunities that highlight United Way’s work in the community. We have four Days of Action events that always need volunteers. These opportunites will be posted on our website and social media, so check often for registration to open.
Stand Up to the Summer Slide: Literacy Day of Action
June 20, 2019
Literacy Day of Action is an opportunity for volunteers to read to school children from 1st to 3rd grade to help prevent the "summer slide," when any children, especially struggling readers, forget some of what they've learned or slip out of practice during the summer months. United Way has partnered with Read To Succeed to help focus on the education pillar. Volunteers will attend a session at Read To Succeed giving them instructions and will then travel to their assigned site to read to students.
Stuff the Bus
July 25, 2019
Stuff the Bus focuses on one of United Way’s priority community issues, helping children and youth succeed, by providing essential back to school supplies that students need to encourage school readiness and boost self-esteem. Opportunities to volunteer include the collection of school supply items and volunteering for the Stuff the Bus Sort-a-Thon where the supplies are sorted and delivered.
Hometown Huddle
TBD 2019
Hometown Huddle is designed to bring awareness and impact to United Way’s priority issues of healthy eating, physical activity, and supporting healthy choices. Volunteers from local companies refurbish school playgrounds and common areas in Rutherford and Cannon counties.
Community Baby Shower
TBD 2020
In partnership with the Rutherford County Health Department and Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, United Way hosts a Community Baby Shower to benefit mothers and newborns in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Opportunities are avaliable for collecting items or volunteering for the Sort-a-Thon, where essential items are sorted to be delivered to new and expecting mothers and families.
2. Sign-Up for a Local Volunteer Opportunity on Volunteer Connect
Volunteer Connect is a United Way run interactive platform for volunteers and nonprofit organizations to connect and serve their community together. Through Volunteer Connect, you can sign-up, create a profile, and select the causes and interests you are most passionate about. Our system will then match you with opportunities that meet the interests you specify. It's the easiest way to find opportunies in our community to support agencies who need you most.
3. Organize or Attend a Group Volunteer Event
Another way to volunteer outside of the workplace is by joining a United Way affinity group. We know there's nothing quite like surrounding yourself with a group of like-minded people, which is why we not only provide the connection point, but also develop exclusive group volunteer opportunites based on the interests of members. If you're a young professional looking to find your tribe United Way's Young Leaders Society is perfect for you.