People engage in volunteerism for a variety of reasons: to help to eliminate financial instability, to improve basic health and education, to tackle environmental issues, to alleviate the effects of disasters, or to combat social injustices. In these examples, volunteerism makes a great contribution by improving the well-being of people and their communities.
United Way of Aroostook has been a long-time proponent of volunteerism because they understand the impact it has on the community. The work they do could not happen without the help of countless volunteers.
“We rely on so many volunteers to help us do the great work we do,” said Athena Hallowell, Program and Volunteer Coordinator for United Way of Aroostook. “Just in the last three months, we’ve had over 200 volunteers giving upwards of 450 hours of their time so we could complete projects in our office and throughout Aroostook County.”
United Way of Aroostook would like to make the public aware of an easy-to-use local website called VolunteerME. It can be found by going to www.unitedwayaroostook.org and clicking on the blue VolunteerME button. The site connects people who want to give back to their community by volunteering with organizations who have volunteer opportunities. The resource is made possible by United Way of Aroostook.
Non-profit organizations are encouraged to create an account and post volunteer needs. The organizations can keep track of volunteers who respond to their needs as well as browse other organizations and agencies and their needs. They can also post upcoming events for their organization on the site as well.
Individuals looking for volunteer opportunities are also urged to visit the site to create a user account. From there they can find volunteer opportunities that match their talents, interests, and schedules. Volunteers are also able to keep track of their volunteer time on their own personal dashboard. Users are notified when opportunities that match their interests are posted by organizations.
“We hope agencies and individuals alike will take advantage of this website to get connected,” said Sherry Locke, Executive Director of United Way of Aroostook. “It’s a great opportunity for organizations to fill their volunteer needs as well as for individuals to find volunteer opportunities in their area.”
For more information you can contact the United Way office at 764-5197.
