Volunteer Opportunities in Resource Investment
Every year donations raised in the campaign for GIVE UNITED are invested to improve the well being of our community we call the Triangle. We depend on wise, caring people who seek to understand the complex social issues that impact our area, and can volunteer their time to actively participate in the philanthropic side of our work - Resource Investment.
“The importance of our volunteers in Resource Investment cannot be overstated. Knowing where the needs are greatest and where to invest dollar donations raised for GIVE UNITED to address those needs or prevent problems from happening in the first place is not easy. We rely on issue experts, agency representatives and community volunteers working together to develop County Action Plans that guide funding decisions. Other volunteers focus on monitoring the organizational capacity of partner agencies, making sure donors who GIVE UNITED can be assured their gift is making the greatest impact.”
-Craig Chancellor, President
Volunteers have the opportunity to serve in several capacities in Durham, Johnston, Orange or Wake County; or on the Regional Initiative Task Force. Each opportunity combines the expertise of professionals in the field of health and human services with the independent perspectives of Triangle residents from all walks of life.
“I want people struggling in Orange County to get the best help possible. We help make that happen. How? We are a great team of leaders from businesses, universities, non-profits and the community. We find ideas and programs that really work. This is not paper-pushing: it makes a big difference. I was surprised by how many of our neighbors benefit: from young children learning their colors to senior citizens needing a hot meal. We have found excellent agencies at work. So much gets done in our group for a small time commitment. I've enjoyed both the work and the people I have met.”
-Community Volunteer, Orange County
Volunteer Qualifications
- Health and human services experience and/or civic and or/volunteer experience where an active or leadership role was taken.
- The ability to problem solve in a group.
- The ability to promote cooperation and garner consensus when there are differences in opinion (including your own).
- Comfort level with some ambiguity. Changing the community takes time and patience!
- Comfort level in using computers to review programs and projects.
Volunteer Commitment
Meetings or agency site visits are conveniently located in Durham, Orange, Johnston and Wake Counties during workday hours. In general, volunteers experience satisfaction when they feel connected to others, understand their purpose and see how their service contributes to the whole. The general expectations for time commitment are listed below; specifics are outlined in each volunteer description.
- Attend the majority of meetings and trainings (two hours per meeting, plus travel time)
- Commit to one 2-year term of service and complete assigned group tasks in and outside of meetings.
Volunteer Benefits
- You will increase United Way and partner agency accountability to donors.
- You will gain knowledge of United Way of the Greater Triangle’s Resource Investment process.
- You will make a difference that improves lives.
The full descriptions for community volunteers are outlined below. A link for applying to be a volunteer is provided at the bottom of the page. If you have questions at this point, contact Suzanne Deobald, Community Impact Director.
sdeobald@unitedwaytriangle.org
(919)463-5048
Program Accountability Volunteers
Program Accountability volunteers ensure proposals for program funding align with each County Action Plan to achieve community impact. They also see that donor contributions are invested in programs that provide high quality services by conducting site visits. Program outcomes are studied to see that services effectively make a difference in the lives of people served.
Responsibilities
2011 is the second year of a two year funding cycle. Volunteers will be oriented at the end of the year.
2012 is a Funding Year
Early Spring: Review end of year program performance reports and make a determination on how effectively programs met proposed outcomes.
Summer: Review mid-year program performance reports and evaluate for quality improvement
September – October: Review and score program proposals.
November: Make program funding recommendations.
Desired Attributes for Volunteers
- Experience with or interest in learning about program management.
- Experience with or interest in learning about program evaluation.
- Previous experience reviewing grant applications and program performance reports a plus.
- Comfortable providing feedback to applicants that is designed to improve the program.
Commitment
- In 2011, one orientation meeting
- In 2012, a funding year, approximately 4-6 meetings including training
- Twelve to fifteen hours outside meetings to review program proposals, including small group planning and discussion and site visits.
County Certification Volunteers
Volunteers on the Certification Committee annually review the financial, legal, governance and human resource practices of partner agencies so that the United Way of the Greater Triangle stays accountable to our donors.
Responsibilities
Some Certification Volunteers serve on the County Resource Investment Cabinet that meets every other month. Others only participate in the agency review activities.
June-August: Complete the review of certification materials for agencies to ensure annual certification standards are met.
September: Advise on the status of each agency with respect to the process and standards of Certification and the progressive movement to best practice. Review new agencies and make recommendations for potential inclusion.
Year-round: Advise whenever problems arise regarding agency governance, management, and/or organizational issues. Recommend appropriate course of action, and ensure successful resolution. Intervene in situations where potential management problems are surfacing and consultation/technical assistance is warranted.
Required Qualifications
- Expertise in one or more: finance, governance, legal issues and human resources
Desired Attributes for Volunteers
- Attention to detail and follow-through
- Willingness to make tough decisions if necessary
Commitment
- Approximately two 1 ½ hour meetings annually
- Four to five hours outside committee meetings to review certification materials.
Triangle Regional Initiative Task Force Volunteers
Volunteers on the Regional Initiative Task Force manage the investment and results of Poverty to Possibility, United Way’s Financial Stability Initiative. They study all aspects of the issue, identify investment strategies, fund innovative and high-quality projects, seek outside funding for the initiative, track project results, and engage in public policy and advocacy activities.
Responsibilities
Year–round:
- Identify the year’s activities. Identify specific investment strategies. Track results from previous year’s work and investments.
- Issue Request for Applications (RFA) and fund projects.
- Support United Way of the Greater Triangle Campaign activities. Request funds from the Triangle Resource Investment Cabinet. Complete activities in the annual workplan.
Desired Attributes for Volunteers
- Commitment to viewing the Triangle as a region, understanding that needs and services do not stop at county lines.
- Subject matter experts on homelessness or financial stability.
- Expertise in program management, program evaluation, public policy, public education.
- Or, a strong interest in the initiatives and desire to make a difference.
Commitment
- Year-round commitment
- Approximately 12, 2-hour meetings
- 2 hours outside committee meetings to participate in specific activities
sdeobald@unitedwaytriangle.org
(919) 463-5048.
Thank You!