Becoming a part of the Volunteer Center is a great way to get your needs out to people in your community.  Whether it be volunteer opportunities, board members, committee members or even product needs; the United Way Regional Volunteer Center is where people go to find opportunities.  Please read over the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to registering.

PAGE 1 PAGE 2  Please print, sign and fax to 219-477-5845 with in 7 business days of registration.

Picture of your agency logo on your computer and contact information.Registering as an agency is a simple, self-guided process.  Following the steps provided will take you from start to finish is approximately 15 minutes.  To begin make sure that you have a few information about your agency handy, this will help speed up the process.

1. Agency Mission statement
2. History of your agency.
3. A two paragraph history of your agency. (This is where you can really capture a potential donor/volunteers attention)
4. A few different types of volunteer opportunities.
   • Make sure to include something for youth, college students, groups and retired individuals.

There is a complete tutorial available at the beginning of the process.  As always, a volunteer coordinator is available to assist you with this process at your local United Way.  

TIPS and TRICKS to getting their attention:

Think of the heading to your opportunities as the titles on the front page of a magazine.  What makes you open to that page?  Does it entice people to read more? Does it stand out from everyone else's? 

Be colorful in your descriptions of the opportunity:  If you need an office assistance, think about all that you would need from them in the course of a few hours; answering phone, data entry, filing or typing are duties, but sound boring.  TRY THIS:

Ask for someone to come in and be the glue that keeps things running.  Keep our office on task and ensure clients and inquiries are directed to the appropriate personnel to assist them.  An office assistant is the most important part of our office and we are seeking a volunteer that can share their TIME and TALENT with us on a part-time basis.  

You may have more duties than that, but don't be afraid to dress them up a little.  Get their attention.  

Communication is KEY!

Make sure you contact inquiries immediately.  Offer them more information about your agency, offer a tour of the facility and Thank them for their interest.  

Make sure your volunteers know how valuable they are to you.  Whether it's a one-time opportunity or an on-going, always make sure they feel appreciated.  Send a Thank you in the mail; email them pictures of the project they worked on in progress or a copy of your newsletter with their project inside.  

A volunteer today could become a donor tomorrow.

Variety is the spice of life!

Make sure you have a good assortment of volunteer opportunities:  Teen, family, group, retired, skilled, on-going, one-time, events, etc... Making sure you have enough to do at the drop of a hat is vital.  You may get a phone call from a high school, church or individual that needs to volunteer for credit or fun and needs something fast.  Don't loose that chance.  

UPDATE!

Keep all your agency and contact information current.  Trying to reach someone is extremely frustrating and if they can't get a hold of you for a volunteer opportunity, what do you think their impression of your agency is going to be.  Most business people and marketers know that bad news spreads like a wild fire.  Check your tasks weekly and make sure email addresses, phone numbers and web addresses are always current.

Share and share alike!

Posting links to your volunteer opportunities is not just a requirement to be a part of the United Way Regional Volunteer Center, it helps people find us and YOU!  Everywhere the volunteer center logo is posted is one more chance for people to find you.  For more information about requirements to be involved, CLICK HERE.