Become a volunteer
The United Way of Washington County (UWWC) was pleased to find the interesting Associated Press article encouraging volunteerism in the July 25 edition of the Observer-Reporter.
As the article states, “… studies have shown (there) are a variety of health and psychological benefits (to being a volunteer).” The UWWC knows first-hand about the benefits of volunteering not just for the volunteers but also for the nonprofits.
Be sure to check out the UWWC’s secondary website, Volunteer Connection at www.volunteerwashco.org to find local volunteer opportunities in Washington County. There are multiple volunteer opportunities available right in our own backyard. The UWWC is proud to offer this valuable resource website to our Washington County nonprofits and residents. With the support of Range Resources as our presenting sponsor, the website was launched in April 2023 and is going strong.
Nonprofits can list a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from doing landscaping to sprucing up a library property to being a tutor to teach English to help someone get a job. There is some type of volunteerism that would fit everyone’s skill set, interests, and schedule.
I continue to invite Washington County nonprofits to utilize the website often and frequently to post volunteer opportunities. As nonprofits, we know that volunteers make a difference. The current estimated national value of each volunteer hour for a nonprofit is $33.49.
Nonprofits depend on volunteers to help them achieve their mission. The UWWC depends on volunteers to serve as UWWC board members, Community Impact Fund panelists, Day of Service volunteers, event volunteers, and more. For volunteers, the benefits, as the Observer-Reporter article stated, “research has found a connection between volunteering and more positive emotions, less loneliness and more social support…. creation of new friendships, a sense of purpose, increase good self-esteem and self-confidence.”
The UWWC mission is to “unite people, resources, and organizations to improve lives in Washington County.” The Volunteer Connection website is just one of the many resources that the UWWC provides to our Washington County community.
P. Ann Hrabik
Washington
Hrabik is the executive director of the United Way of Washington County.