United Way of Acadiana and Parish Proud Announce Volunteer Center
United Way of Acadiana and Parish Proud Announce Volunteer Center
United Way of Acadiana and Parish Proud are pleased to debut the latest development in UWA’s Volunteer Center, a software platform that could revolutionize the way many nonprofit organizations in Acadiana recruit volunteers. The Volunteer Center streamlines the process for volunteers, matching the passion and skills of the volunteer with the need of the nonprofit organization. It is available at unitedwayofacadiana.org/volunteer.
Volunteers are able to create a profile with their personal interests and availability. They, or business, organization or club groups, are then able to sign up for volunteer opportunities posted by nonprofit organizations utilizing the software. This new platform is intuitive and will suggest volunteer opportunities that align with the personal interests of the volunteers over time. There is also an option to sync the volunteer opportunities an individual has registered for to their digital calendar.
Nonprofit organizations utilizing the software will be able to more easily track volunteers and their impact, allowing them to celebrate those volunteers who serve our communities most. Nonprofit organizations across Acadiana are encouraged to fill out a quick application for use of the software at unitedwayofacadiana.org/VCapp.
“We are grateful to Parish Proud for its collaboration and sponsorship of the new phase of the Volunteer Center,” said United Way of Acadiana’s President/CEO Carlee Alm-LaBar. “This is just the next step in a partnership that recognizes the need for connection of volunteer to opportunities.”
Parish Proud is a proud partner and sponsor of United Way’s newest volunteer hub. “Parish Proud and United Way of Acadiana recognized a need and pathway forward to fill a major gap in our community’s volunteerism needs,” said Katy Dupre, Executive Director of Parish Proud. “As result-oriented organizations, this collaboration has transformed what volunteerism looks like in Acadiana. We can use tech-for-good and leverage strong partnerships to help meet our goals.”
The Volunteer Center was beta tested during the volunteer registration for United Way of Acadiana’s most recent mass food distribution. After a few adjustments, the Volunteer Center is now ready to be rolled out communitywide.
In addition to the software, there is a Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/uwavolunteercenter where organizations are encouraged to post volunteer opportunities and members are able to respond with follow up questions and/or offer skills and resources.
Additionally, there is a community calendar (bit.ly/signupacadiana) within the group that is a key resource for nonprofit event planners in scheduling and rescheduling community events so overlap is avoided.