Increased Demand Tempered by Phenomenal Resurgence of Volunteerism
Posted: 11-02-2009 : RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Giving one’s time to serve those in need has seen a resurgence according to United Way of the Greater Triangle’s newest charticle (http://www.unitedway triangle.org/ news/docs/ charticles/charticleoct09.pdf) . As stated in United Way of the Greater Triangle’s 2009 economic impact survey, “this resurgence of volunteering comes not only at a time when it is needed most, but when many throughout the country are answering President Obama’s call to action to get involved in their communities. This is allowing nonprofits the invaluable opportunity to recruit volunteer talent that they may not necessarily have had access to in the past.”

As nonprofits employ unique ways to fund-raise during challenging times, they are also watching the need for their services increase. From June through September 2009, demand on United Way of the Greater Triangle partner agency nonprofit services rose 34% according to the survey, compared to only 30% in the six months prior to June. Survey respondents point to the wide-reaching impact of unemployment as the main reason for this spike.

“Our administrative office has seen an increase of volunteers from the community who either want to help out and volunteering is what they can offer at this time, or they’ve been laid off and simply have the time and interest to try something new,” said Dolly R. Sickles, associate director of public affairs and grants administration at Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina.

The survey shows the “civic engagement by Triangle’s citizens as playing a significant role in keeping its health and human service nonprofits from completely eliminating or cutting back programs” right now. The charticle also suggests nonprofits build this volunteer infrastructure through the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (http://www.nationalservice.gov/help/serve_american_act/Serve_America_Act.ht). The act provides grant support to nonprofits who want to expand their volunteer pools.

Individuals seeking health and human service assistance may wish to refer to United Way of the Greater Triangle’s “Helpful Resources for Uncertain Times” at http://www.unitedwaytriangle.org/news/docs/ Helpful%20Resources%20for%20Uncertain%20Times_%202008.pdf or simply dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a variety of services to help with immediate and long-term needs.

Those seeking volunteer opportunities can go to United Way of the Greater Triangle’s Volunteer Solutions website at http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/triangle/volunteer/ to find opportunities to serve individually or as a group.

United Way of the Greater Triangle improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. United Way of the Greater Triangle serves Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties by connecting callers to health and human service programs through United Way 2-1-1. To learn more about United Way of the Greater Triangle visit our website: www.unitedwaytriangle.org.