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Join the Visiting Allocation Team

Every year, community members like you step up to serve on our Visiting Allocation Team (VAT), helping United Way of Central Alabama make thoughtful and informed strategic funding decisions — shaping programs that touch thousands of lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, VAT is a meaningful way to get involved, understand local needs and help shape real solutions.

Join the Team

What VAT Volunteers Do

As a VAT member, you’ll commit just 10 to 12 hours over the course of several weeks. Working in a small group, you’ll review funding proposals from a variety of area nonprofits and help decide where United Way dollars can do the most good.

Why Join a VAT?

It’s a short-term volunteer role with long-term impact.

As a VAT member, you’ll help ensure United Way funds are directed where they’re needed most and can have the deepest impact.

As a VAT volunteer, you will:

  • Join a Small Group of Volunteers.
    Work with fellow community members to evaluate a collection of nonprofit programs.
  • Participate in Three Meetings.
    These will take place between late September and early November.
  • Guide Funding Decisions.
    Use what you learn to help direct local investment.
  • Visit Local Nonprofits.
    See firsthand how programs create impact in your community.

Who Can Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are:

  • Aged 18 or older.
  • Not employed by a United Way partner agency.
  • Passionate about improving their community.

We’re especially seeking new volunteers from Blount, Chilton, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties to help evaluate agencies in those areas.

What Training Will I Receive?

Your Allocation Team will be led by an experienced volunteer who will guide you and your fellow members through the process. In addition, United Way staff will provide training and general assistance.

2026 VAT Member Orientation

Already signed up to serve on a 2026 Visiting Allocation Team? Watch this brief orientation to learn about your role, the agency review process, important dates and what to expect during team meetings and site visits.

You’ll also learn how to access your team assignment, agency reports and other VAT resources through My Way | Volunteer.

See Video Transcript

Access VAT Resources in My Way

Please contact your VAT team chair or assigned United Way staff member if you have questions or need assistance accessing your materials.

Get Connected. Stay Informed. Make an Impact.

Join the Visiting Allocation Team through My Way | Volunteer

Join to access exclusive updates, important dates, training resources and the most up-to-date information about Visiting Allocation Team volunteer opportunities.
This is your go-to hub for everything VAT—connecting you with fellow volunteers and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Join the Team

Questions?

For questions or more information about the allocations process or VAT, please contact:

Director of Agency Relations

Waneka Johnson

Director of Agency Relations[email protected]
Learn More
Waneka Johnson Bouyer, smiling outdoors in a light-colored top, with long locs and a cross necklace.
Director of Agency Relations

Shakeitha Tatum

VP of Agency Relations[email protected]
Learn More
Shakeitha Tatum, smiling in a royal blue dress with puff sleeves, standing in front of a softly blurred background of windows and greenery.

What Past VAT Volunteers Are Saying

Photo of Linda Newman Sr. Retail Operations Manager Regions Bank

  • “I love meeting and collaborating with other volunteers who are as passionate as I am about the positive impact United Way has on our community. It is extremely rewarding to know I am helping United Way’s mission while I also get to see where my donations are making a difference.”

    Linda Newman, Sr. Retail Operations Manager, Regions Bank

  • “During my first year as a VAT chair, I took advantage of the opportunity to build leadership skills beyond my job. At the time, I was in an individual contributor role and knew I wanted to return to a leadership position. Volunteering as a VAT chair gave me that experience and helped me secure the leadership role I was seeking shortly after.”

    Jasmine Wright, Senior Director, New Business Operations Protective Life

Photo of Jasmine Wright Senior Director, New Business Operations Protective Life
Photo of Ayla T. Russell Organizational Change Manager Personnel Board of Jefferson County

  • “VAT ensures all partner agencies are thoroughly vetted to be good stewards of United Way dollars. Seeing the positive community impact firsthand inspired me to increase my own contribution. The benefits of volunteering far outweigh the small time commitment.”

    Ayla T. Russell , Organizational Change Manager, Personnel Board of Jefferson County

  • “I have served on the Visiting Allocations Team for many years and consistently find the process valuable. Meeting staff, board members and clients amazes me at their commitment to serving as many people as possible. As a donor, serving on a VAT ensures me that United Way of Central Alabama is a good steward of my contributions. I enjoy being in the community with the team, and serving on a VAT is well worth the time commitment.”

    Shirley Fagan , Director of Communications, O’Neal Industries

Photo of Shirley Fagan, Director of Communications, O’Neal Industries

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