Volunteer Opportunities
Community Events: Berkshire United Way is the beneficiary of a number of activities managed by other groups throughout the year. Currently these include the GL&V Golf Tournament, the UPS Golf Tournament, the Berkshire Charity Car Show, and the Josh Billings Runaground. Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities for each of these events. (Time commitment: 2- 4 hours per event)
Office Support: BUW does several large mailings each year and assistance is always welcome. In addition, clerical assistance is needed for data input and phone coverage on an on-going basis. (Time commitment is flexible based on volunteer’s availability.)
Community Matters: BUW tapes a monthly program at Pittsfield Community Television’s studio, 4 Federico Drive, Pittsfield. Volunteers are needed to operate production equipment. No experience is required, training is provided by PCTV staff. (Taping occurs the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2:45 – 4 PM)
Workplace Campaign Executives: Formerly known as Loaned Executives, Workplace Campaign Executives assist in conducting over 200 workplace campaigns annually. Many are “on loan” from their employer for the duration of the workplace campaign (early September through November). Others are retirees and community volunteers. Workplace Campaign Executives receive interactive training, guidance and support from United Way staff. (Time commitment: approx. 20 hours per week September – mid-December)
Community Investment Review Panels: These groups review requests for proposals from local organizations and recommend funding based on alignment with the community goals of Helping Children and Families Succeed; Promoting Financial Stability and Meeting Basic Needs. Each volunteer attends training on how to review and evaluate the proposals; most will review five proposals and then meet with the full committee to develop funding recommendations that will be forwarded to the Board of Directors. In addition, volunteers with financial expertise are needed to review the financial statements of organizations seeking funding.(This time commitment occurs between March and May and includes approximately 15 hours during a six week period.)
Committees of the Board of Directors: BUW depends on its Board of Directors and committee structure to ensure fiscally sound and effective business practices. With a small staff it is impossible to have all of the expertise needed to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations and due diligence in decision making. The following committees currently exist and welcome volunteers:
- Board of Directors – Meets five times per year with additional meetings as needed.
- (Time commitment: approximately 4 hours per month based on meetings and independent tasks)
- Finance Committee – Meets monthly to review financial statements, develops annual budget, reviews audit.
- (Time commitment: 1 -2 hours per month.)
- Investment Committee – Meets quarterly with investment managers.
- (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per quarter)
- Personnel Committee – Meets three times a year to review personnel policies and recommend salary and benefits.
- (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per meeting)
- Building Committee – Meets quarterly to review building needs, upkeep, capital improvements, etc.
- (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per quarter.)
- Resource Development Committee – meets monthly to develop and implement year round fundraising
- activities including the annual employee campaign. (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per month)
- Workplace Campaign Cabinet – Meets regularly between June – December to oversee all components
- of workplace giving. (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours/week)
- Community Impact Oversight Committee – Meets monthly to provide oversight to implementation of the BUW
- strategic plan in the area of community impact and related activities; effectively manage and track the investment of
- funds into the focus areas identified by the impact committees. (Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per month)
For more information, contact Maryanne Boenitz at mboenitz@berkshireunitedway.org or 442-6948, ext. 16.