This is National Volunteer Week, and as the week of April 19th through the 23rd continues to honor those who donate time, talent and treasure to the community-at-large, the United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting us all to honor leaders who deliver in those roles to make the entire community a stronger place to live, work and play.
Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration across the country to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to address social challenges. Each year, United Way of Southwest Michigan acknowledges the volunteer leaders who are making a tremendous difference in our community by generously giving their time and talents.
Debbie Ramirez, Director of Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Southwest Michigan, says, “This past year, in the face of great need and also great limitations, so many volunteers stepped up to help in whatever way they could during the pandemic,” and adds, “Volunteer leaders inspire all of us to serve and deserve our heartfelt thanks for continuing to lift Southwest Michigan up, no matter what issues we face.”
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations of volunteers for recognition at the organization’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event, to be hosted on October 7, 2021. The deadline for nominations to be submitted to United Way is June 30, 2021.
To submit nominations or to apply, you can go online to: http://uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award, the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. That honor is given to one volunteer in Berrien County who has a long-standing history of volunteerism of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization, and teamwork and leadership experience through various levels including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Two runners-up will also be chosen to receive $750 to donate as well.
In addition to the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award, United Way will present the Volunteer United Service Impact Award and Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award to an individual volunteer and corporation, company, or business from Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County who has made tremendous contributions to a nonprofit organization that supports work in UWSM’s impact areas of education, health, income, and/or basic needs. Both winners will have the opportunity to direct $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. They have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, they provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable populations among us, while addressing the root causes of the community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit http://www.uwsm.org.
