Volunteer

Interested in volunteering?

Volunteering is an important part of what makes communities thrive. When you volunteer, you are making a significant impact for those less fortunate. You may not realize it, but without your time a paid employee has that much more work to do. When you volunteer, you create a bigger impact and make donations go further. 

Our promise to you

At United Way of the Kearney Area, we know that your time is important. You are busy. Thank you for investing in the Kearney area by giving back through the gift of time. We promise that we will be prepared and communicate as early and effectively as possible. We promise to make it fun! Whether you are preparing mailings or getting your hands dirty, we want you to enjoy yourself as you serve your neighbors. 

Volunteer opportunities

If you have specific skill sets you want to share, please reach out to us so that we can work together to put those to good use! New board members are recruited in the late winter or early spring. If you think you might be a good fit to join our board, we would love to talk to you. The United Way board is a positive, fun group of people full of energy who care deeply about the community. 

There are always new opportunities to get involved throughout the year, whether you have two hours to spare or want to help with a specific event. Check this page regularly for new events coming up, or better yet, sign up below to get the latest volunteer opportunities directly to your inbox. 

You make Kearney a great place to live. Thank you!

Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know that as a community member, volunteer or donor you can participate in the United Way's community investment process? That means you can have a say in how much money each of our partner agencies receive from the donations provided throughout the past year.

The next annual investment meeting is April 25 and 26th. If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours to hear from the agencies, please send us a message or sign up here!

The largest food drive in the nation is happening on May 13, and you can be a part of it! The United States Postal Service organizes Stamp Out Hunger every year, providing thousands of pounds of food to local community organizations for those in need. 

Volunteers will meet at the Post Office in Kearney at 8:30am. Routes are given to volunteer groups of two or more, one driver and one runner.  Food donations are left in paper bags near mail boxes for pick up. Your time commitment is only two hours, but you will be providing considerable relief to families in need. 

Additional volunteers are needed to sort donations at the drop off location from 11am-3pm on that day. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Member at Large of the Board of Directors

REPORTS TO: The Kearney Area Community and the Executive Committee

PURPOSE: Volunteer members of the Board represent the community served. Collectively they are legally responsible for the corporation, including financial and program accountability. They define and implement the mission, vision and values of the United Way based on their understanding of the assets, needs and goals of the Kearney area and its residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assure the finances of the corporation are handled prudently and legally; approve and monitor the annual operating budget; approve allocations and grants; ensure compliance with tax and corporate law; establish and monitor financial policies and practices.
  • Develop programs consistent with the mission, and evaluate their effectiveness in meeting stated goals.
  • Select, support and review the performance of the Executive Director.
  • Set the future vision of the organization, based on the mission and values established, and develop the work plan and measurements to assure the vision is met.
  • Enhance the organization’s image by understanding the mission, vision, values and goals and communicate them to the community.
  • Develop and implement a board development process to recruit, educate, evaluate and recognize volunteer board members.
  • Contribute financially and with time and talent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Willingness and ability to:

  • attend monthly scheduled board meetings
  • serve as an active member of at least one committee
  • support and participate in the annual campaign
  • prepare in advance for board and committee discussions and decision-making
  • participate in annual and strategic planning
  • listen to, learn about and communicate with the community

TERM:

Three years with an option to serve a second term.

Sign up to stay current on all volunteer opportunities!