Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Sign up now for a unique way to give back to Birmingham + local nonprofits
Reading time: 3 minutes
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For over a century, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) has committed to building stronger communities. But they can’t do it alone.
Every year, UWCA recruits hundreds of volunteers—just like you and me—to visit each of its partner agencies and assess their programs, review their plans and identify areas of need.
Keep reading for how you can get involved and give back to Birmingham neighborhoods and other communities across Central Alabama.
United Way of Central Alabama supports local nonprofits in our community
Even if you’re not familiar with UWCA, you probably know their partner agencies, which include nonprofits like the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, the Community Food Bank, Children’s of Alabama and dozens more.
But how does UWCA stay connected with these organizations? That’s where the Visiting Allocation Team (VAT) comes in. VAT helps UWCA make thoughtful and informed strategic funding decisions regarding these nonprofits.
To learn a little bit more about VAT, we sat down with Shakeitha Tatum, UWCA’s Vice President of Agency Relations.
She’s been at UWCA for 11 years, and for the past five of them, she’s worked with partner agencies and funded nonprofit organizations. This role gives her the opportunity to work with a wide range of volunteers, one being the Visiting Allocation Team.
“It’s a short-term opportunity, but it is extremely impactful, and we rely on those community volunteers to help us, guiding us in decisions on our partner agencies.”
Shakeitha Tatum, Vice President of Agency Relations, UWCA
Learn more about VAT and help impact your local community.
What is VAT?
If you’re interested, here’s what you need to know:
- Who: VAT volunteers can be anyone, as long as you’re looking to make a difference and “be the change you wish to see.”
- Recent high school grads can get service hours + learn more about how you can serve the community.
- Recent arrivals in Birmingham can learn about community resources.
- Retirees can get more involved in our community.
- What: For a total of 12 hours throughout September-November, you will:
- Work with fellow community members to evaluate a collection of nonprofit programs.
- Guide funding decisions + use what you learn to help direct local investment.
- Visit local nonprofits + see firsthand how programs create impact in your community.
- Where: Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair + Walker Counties—you can be matched with agencies close to where you live or work.
“It’s not only expanding your network, it’s also expanding your knowledge of resources available in our communities.”
Shakeitha Tatum, Vice President of Agency Relations, UWCA
Sign up for the Visiting Allocation Team today
Through my conversation with Shakeitha, one thing rang true: She loves her job, and she loves working with volunteers.
“It’s amazing to have passionate volunteers in Alabama who go above and beyond to make sure that UWCA is not only fulfilling its mission, but the mission of partner agencies as well.”
Shakeitha Tatum, Vice President of Agency Relations, UWCA
Come meet the team that helps bring VAT to life—there’s a meet and greet on Friday, June 13 at Noon! Register here and stop by UWCA’s office at 3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222 to learn more.
If you can’t make it to the meet and greet, you can sign up for the Visiting Allocation Team by September 4.
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