Volunteerism matters: United Way offers solutions

This article is the third of a six-part series written about the United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth, demonstrating its impact on “what matters.”

Volunteerism matters
By: Jeanette Galván

Early American writer, David Thomas, once said, “Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.” The individuals who volunteer for the United Way of West Central Connecticut fully encapsulate this ideal. Volunteers partner with United Way in order to create community impact. In the third article of our series, we will demonstrate how volunteers drive our organization and the impact they have had on our community.

United Way has always been an organization driven by a diverse volunteer base and under our new model, volunteers are more important than ever. There are a vast array of volunteer opportunities throughout the year that allow individuals to partner with United Way. Some of these opportunities include working on the annual campaign, making allocation decisions, serving on specific community impact committees or working on special events.

Like many non-profit agencies, there are a group of local volunteers who govern the organization called the Board of Directors. The Board consists of thirty individuals who live or work on our four-town service area. The Board is split into several subcommittees that address issues such as finance, community impact, fund distribution, audit, personnel, resource development, marketing, and strategic planning and policy.

United Way also has a need for volunteers for the many events it hosts throughout the year. One of these events is United Way’s annual Day of Caring. This event seeks to improve the community by having volunteers from workplaces and schools assist local non-profits in service projects. These projects include painting, lawn maintenance, building, cleaning, reading to children, visiting seniors, and more.

Day of Caring 15 took place on May 19, 2006 with over 500 volunteers participating. The day was very successful, despite the rainy weather and was a gratifying experience for all those who volunteered. “The Day of Caring is very satisfying. It’s a way to give back to the community,” said Barbara Fabrizio of Webster Bank.

For those individuals who wish to find other volunteer opportunities in the community, the United Way offers a program called Volunteer Solutions. This free, web-based program allows individuals to search through various volunteer opportunities at local non-profits. Projects include everything from helping at a food pantry to volunteering at blood drives. Those who are interested can access Volunteer Solutions through United Way’s website at www.uwwestcentralct.org and then clicking on the Volunteer Solutions link.

Volunteer Solutions has helped many organizations in need. Employees at the Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol found volunteers through Volunteer Solutions. “Volunteer Solutions has been a wonderful way for our organization to recruit volunteers. The museum wouldn’t be open if it weren’t for the volunteers,” said Doreen Stickney, Imagine Nation Museum Director.

Volunteering is not just about giving back but also promoting a sense of community. People are working together for one cause. “Volunteering heightens the awareness that we have to work together to solve problems,” said Dawn Leger, member of the United Way Community Solutions Council.

Volunteers have helped their communities with significant projects and seen very satisfying results. Nancy O’Donnell, Treasurer for the Board of Directors, has been volunteering with the food pantry in Plymouth and credits United Way and its volunteers with the pantry’s success. “If it weren’t for United Way and its volunteers, the food pantry wouldn’t be where it is today. We have a full-blown food pantry that helps serve more people in the community,” said O’Donnell.

Volunteers have played a large role in this organization and within the community. United Way hopes that they will continue to help us create lasting changes. We are very grateful and appreciative to each and every one of our dedicated volunteers who help us to achieve “what matters.”

Jeanette Galván, intern at United Way, is a senior at Hofstra University studying journalism and Spanish.