BY ALISA H. KESTEN
In February 1950, the Volunteer Service Bureau of Westchester opened its first office in a donated space at the YMCA on Mamaroneck Avenue. From a single desk with a borrowed phone, the founders of the bureau created a central place to connect volunteers to nonprofit agencies that registered volunteer opportunities. A new chapter in Westchester County”™s volunteer movement began to unfold.
Over the past 64 years, much has changed: Telephones have gotten smaller and do far more than just place or receive calls. The Internet and social media allow for connecting across the street or around the world in a nanosecond. More than 1,300 nonprofits are established in Westchester alone and now account for the largest industry in the county.
And much has stayed the same: Nonprofits, their staff and boards still know that without the support of volunteers they cannot begin to fulfill their missions. People of all ages and backgrounds still want to find a meaningful way to get involved. And there is a growing need for volunteers willing to share their professional skills to help nonprofits complete important projects.
Continuing the work the Volunteer Service Bureau initiated, we have been operating for the past three decades as The Volunteer Center of United Way, a reflection of a strong strategic partnership with United Way of Westchester and Putnam. Together we have pursued a mutual interest of increasing volunteerism in these two counties.
Just as our name evolved during the decades, so, too, has our role and our coverage area. We are now the most central and comprehensive independent connecting organization for volunteers and nonprofits in Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Valley region. Last year, we helped connect 19,000 people to more than 500 nonprofits for services valued at $8.2 million. After being designated by New York state as one of 10 regional volunteer centers, we now support volunteerism in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
The expansion of our service area along with an intensive strategic planning process prompted us to reconsider our brand. We understood that while The Volunteer Center”™s work was respected and valued, our name lacked clarity. This hindered our visibility and our ability to execute our own mission to engage more people throughout the region to take action ”“ to address pressing challenges and support nonprofits. We were also determined to make sure that we stay as relevant for the next decade as we have been for the past six.
So, now we aim to intensify our message and mobilize even more people as Volunteer New York!
Studies show that the tighter we weave a social network of connections and caring for one another, the better chance we all have to weather disasters ”“ any type of disaster. Sept. 11. Hurricane Sandy. Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Boston Marathon.
In recent months we have assumed a leadership role in preparing nonprofits and individuals for disaster response and how best to engage volunteers, thanks to the support of New York state and United Way. We need more people to know about our work in this area and more municipalities, community-based organizations and faith-based institutions to see Volunteer New York! as the place to list a need and the first place to look to find a way to help.
And when a community can boast great schools, hospitals, cultural institutions, parks and social services ”“ all fueled by volunteer power ”“ it is an attractive place for companies and their employees to set down roots. When businesses recognize the value of volunteering ”“ building strong teams through group projects or offering opportunities for professional growth through board service ”“ it makes sense to seek out ways to connect. The most efficient and effective answer is our ability to serve as that central connector organization. Volunteer New York! works really hard to make it really easy to get involved.
Our new brand is more than a name change. It is a clear call to action ”“ one that engages an expanded geographic footprint and reflects what we are all about.
We want Westchester and the mid-Hudson Valley to be a place where volunteering is second nature ”“ simply what we all do for one another, for our world, for ourselves. We want to continue to work with a growing list of companies who champion volunteerism and value our role. We welcome more engagement. We welcome support. Check out our online database, opportunity calendar and programs at volunteernewyork.org.
Let”™s begin a new chapter. Volunteer New York! will continue to do our part to create strong and resilient communities, because that”™s what happens when people say YES.
Alisa H. Kesten is the executive director of Volunteer New York! She can be reached at 914-227-9304 or on Twitter
@AlisaKesten.
