Each year, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) relies on dedicated volunteers to help guide investment decisions for our community partners and programs. Through the Visiting Allocation Team (VAT), these volunteers play a crucial role in evaluating UWCA’s 79 partner agencies’ missions, performance and needs, ensuring donor contributions are used effectively to support vital services across our six-county service area.
What is VAT?
VAT is a cornerstone of UWCA’s accountability process. Trained volunteers visit local partner agencies, assess their services and review their financial stewardship. From there, volunteers conduct site visits that offer an inside look at how agencies operate and the real impact of UWCA funding.
“Each year, I visit partner agencies, learn about community needs and see firsthand how these agencies address them,” said Shirley Fagan, a seasoned VAT Chair who is also Director of Communications at O’Neal Industries. “Meeting staff, board members and clients amazes me. Their dedication to serving as many people as possible reaffirms that United Way is a good steward of my contributions.”
Why Volunteer for VAT?
Beyond the learning opportunity, VAT also offers the chance for professional and personal growth. Volunteers engage with nonprofit leaders, contribute to strategic funding decisions and gain leadership experience in a collaborative environment.
We’re inviting VAT members to a meet-and-greet on June 13th to connect with fellow volunteers and learn more about their roles. Additionally, an appreciation event in August will recognize those who have signed up while providing a chance to network and encourage others who may be considering it.
“Being a VAT Chair was an incredibly rewarding experience and a great way to gain leadership skills outside of my current job,” said Jasmine Wright, VAT Chair and Senior Director of New Business Operations at Protective Life. “At the time, I was in an individual contributor role, and volunteering with VAT helped me secure the leadership position I was seeking.”
What’s the Commitment?
VAT strikes a balance between impact and manageability. Volunteers commit approximately 10 to 12 hours spread out between September and October, including team meetings and agency site visits. Each team is led by an experienced volunteer and supported by UWCA staff to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and may not be staff of a United Way partner agency.
Site visits are a key component of VAT, giving volunteers a firsthand look at the agencies they evaluate.
“VAT ensures all partner agencies are thoroughly vetted to be good stewards of United Way dollars,” said Ayla T. Russel, VAT Chair and Organizational Change Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. “Seeing positive community impact firsthand inspired me to increase my own contribution. The benefits of volunteering far outweigh the small time commitment.
How to Get Involved
United Way of Central Alabama relies on hundreds of volunteers to support VAT each year. Registration for the next round of volunteers opens on June 2, 2025. Learn more here!