Community service is all about getting involved. For many people, being part of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Visiting Allocation Team (VAT) is a great way to start. UWCA recently hosted a Meet & Greet on its campus in Forest Park. The event was designed to welcome new and returning VAT volunteers, answer questions and show how every person can get involved and make an impact on thousands of lives.
For more than 100 years, United Way has stayed true to being volunteer-driven and community-led. The VAT program is a perfect example of that. Experienced volunteers and staff guide participants as they get a behind-the-scenes look at how United Way partner agencies operate and help determine how we invest our donors’ dollars.
Here’s what VAT volunteers can expect:
- Serve on a small team and attend three in-person visits to various partner agencies.
- Commit around 10 total hours during the fall.
- Work with a volunteer chair and United Way staff for support.
- Learn about results from the agencies, as well as their needs, plans and proposals.
- Help ensure funds go to agencies that deliver measurable results.
We’re especially looking for new volunteers from Blount, Chilton, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties to help evaluate agencies in those areas. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or completely new to United Way, this is a chance to see the impact of your giving and play a direct role in improving lives.
Why VAT Matters
Experiencing the impact of our partner agencies firsthand gives VAT volunteers insight beyond what they read. They often hear personal stories from clients about how these agencies have changed their lives. This provides a deeper understanding that helps guide how we allocate resources to programs serving thousands across Central Alabama.
Ana Sullivan, Executive Director of the Crisis Center, added perspective as a longtime United Way partner. The Crisis Center began with a few volunteers answering phones in Birmingham City Hall. Today, it operates in the same building as United Way, offering crisis intervention and counseling, addiction recovery and support for survivors of sexual assault.
“Connection to a trained professional can change everything,” Sullivan said. “Through VAT, more people see why our work matters and how we create impact together, which also helps spread awareness of the resources we offer.”
The same holds true for every site visit a VAT volunteer makes.
