United Way’s HIVE Aims to Increase Volunteer Engagement Across Iredell County

[Iredell County, North Carolina] – The United Way of Iredell County is excited to announce the launch of HIVE, which stands for Helping Iredell Volunteers Engage. This new volunteer center is focused at offering a new generation an opportunity to volunteer in the community. Local partners and organizations will be able to promote awareness of their needs and other events through HIVE, allowing residents to find and respond to opportunities on the website – volunteer.uwiredell.org. Area businesses and residents can sign up online and personalize their volunteer experience by selecting opportunities they connect with. HIVE functionality allows them to receive notifications of needs and events that match their skills, interest, and talents to build their “volunteer resume,” and they can review their contributions and hours given back in the community.

What’s the Buzz All About?

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of HIVE in Iredell County,” says Dawne Clark, Board President of the United Way of Iredell County. “Coming out of Covid one of the biggest needs organizations and partners shared with the United Way was the reduction of volunteers engaging in the community. Our hope is that HIVE adds additional value to our partners and the community.”

“HIVE offers multiple benefits,” according to Linda Wahlberg, Site Manager for HIVE and Director of Administrative Operations at the United Way of Iredell County. “As a Volunteer, you will be able to find a menu of opportunities that connect you to causes that speak to you; as an Agency or Organization you can bring awareness to who you are, what you do and utilize the power of HIVE to find volunteers or announce your events. We are hopeful that HIVE will be the bridge that brings our volunteers and partners together, and as its reach grows Iredell County, residents will see the positive results it promises our community.”

"We are incredibly excited to introduce the HIVE Volunteer Portal to our dedicated volunteers and supporters," said Tanae McLean, Mooresville Graded School District's Chief Communication Officer. "As part of our strategic plan we are working to develop a comprehensive volunteer program. This innovative platform embodies our commitment to this goal by simplifying volunteer engagement. With HIVE, our volunteers will be able to connect, collaborate, and catalyze positive change. MGSD cannot thank the United Way of Iredell enough for their partnership. By working together, we are able to expand the impact of our collective efforts to create a better community."

Why Should You Volunteer?

Volunteering offers positive benefits! In addition to having a positive impact on the places and people in our community, it can bring new meaning and purpose to your life, increase your self-esteem and wellbeing, and improve your relationship building plus networking skills. It also provides opportunities to connect with new people who share like-minded values. The expertise, energy, and experience of volunteers is what helps our community sustain essential programs and services our partners provide to those in need.

How HIVE Works for You!

· Personal Connection

Through HIVE, we have created a space for members of the community to explore local agencies and connect with volunteer opportunities that speak to them. Sometimes that is helping at a food bank. Sometimes that is collaborating with a group putting backpacks together for school-aged children. There are numerous ways to give back in our community as a volunteer – and the United Way of Iredell County is working hard to support opportunities for anyone that wants to get involved.

· Corporate Engagement

Sometimes it is difficult to find a volunteer opportunity for large groups…so let us help! If you are part of a company or civic group, team or club looking to engage in giving back to an agency in need – please contact us directly to discuss what types of opportunities we can curate for you, utilizing the power of HIVE to organize and manage your team’s event. To learn more about HIVE, go to – https://volunteer.uwiredell.org/ - to register as a volunteer or agency.