To learn more about Volunteer Solutions or to get information on how you can help United Way make a difference in the Triangle, please visit www.unitedwaytriangle.org or call 919-460-8687.
By Jennifer R. Bosk
United Way
DURHAM -- Matching volunteers' strengths with community needs means everyone wins with Volunteer Solutions! This online application at http://www.unitedwaytriangle.org/volunteersolutions, operated locally by United Way of the Greater Triangle, helps connect individuals to volunteer opportunities in their community and assists organizations in finding volunteer help.
It's easy, too! People who have the urge to give their time to their community can search opportunities on the Volunteer Solutions site based on their interests, skills or geographic location. Volunteers may also register on the site to receive automatic e-mails about volunteer events that match their profile.
Volunteers are able to match themselves with organizations that best suit their skills and interests. Using key words such as "seniors" or "tutoring" allows individuals to find opportunities they are specifically seeking. Insert the ZIP Code you want to work in and up pops all the options in that area. People can also use Volunteer Solutions to track their giving hours, something many companies ask employees to provide.
Volunteer Solutions provides groups and organizations free help in recruiting people who meet their specific requirements and needs. Volunteer Solutions provides organizations access to the many people who search the Web for volunteer jobs, a list of all volunteer opportunities in one database, online administrative tools to track the success of volunteer sign ups and a reduction of paperwork by registering volunteers directly online. Any nonprofit, 501-C3 or religious organization can use Volunteer Solutions for no charge. Right now 1,022 people are registered volunteers.
Now posted on Volunteer Solutions is Harvest Feast, a joint venture with Harris Teeter, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and United Way of the Greater Triangle, which needs hundreds of volunteers to assist on Dec. 6 with feeding the Triangle's less-fortunate and homeless. Also listed on the site is 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service scheduled for Jan. 18. More than 1,500 individuals and families are needed to work on service projects in Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties that day.
According to a recent United Way of the Greater Triangle survey (http://www.unitedway triangle.org/ news/docs/ charticles/charticleoct09.pdf) of area nonprofits, civic engagement from the Triangle's residents plays a significant role in keeping them from completely eliminating or cutting back programs during these tough economic times. The survey found that a full one-third of nonprofits indicated they are using volunteers much more as a strategy for keeping their services and programs intact.
"The spirit of volunteering and civic duty seems to be making a resurgence," notes Dolly R. Sickles, associate director of public affairs and grants administration at Alliance of AIDS Services -- Carolina. "Our administrative office has seen an increase of volunteers from the community who either want to help out and volunteering is what they can offer at this time, or they've been laid off and simply have the time and interest to try something new."
United Way of the Greater Triangle improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. United Way of the Greater Triangle serves Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties by connecting callers to health and human service programs through United Way 2-1-1. To learn more about United Way of the Greater Triangle visit our Web site: www.unitedwaytriangle.org.
Jennifer R. Bosk is director of communications at United Way of the Greater Triangle.
