Volunteer Viewpoints

United Way’s most important resource is people – those we serve and all who volunteer, work, invest, advocate and care about making a long-term change in community conditions. Each of us has special talents. Click here to tell us how you’re putting your skills to work for your community.

I use my writing skills to bring a voice to the voiceless...the people who believe they can't be heard. I use my talents to help them speak out. There was a time in my life when I felt voiceless. But some people helped me see that I am, in fact, not voiceless. That translates into a freedom I didn't know existed.

Michelle Zelsman
Alexandria, Virginia

I know that the integrity of the American Dream, the Christian ideal and the most noble of human virtues have less to do with what governments and institutions do, and everything to do with what we as persons of conscience and goodwill do for and with one another.

Estrus Tucker
Fort Worth, Texas

I’ve been raised with the view that there are things greater than self—one of them being community. I’ve always tried to stay true to that principle.

Carlos Marquez
San Diego, California

As part of United Way’s Storm Corps, I spent a week in Biloxi, Mississippi, helping hurricane victims by rebuilding homes, removing debris, surveying Mississippi residents and preparing homes for mold mitigation. There is still an incredible amount of work yet to be done in the Gulf Coast. I’m glad I got the chance to help.

Adam Cox
Auburn, New York

I always felt very privileged to be living here in America. My parents grew up in the third world country of Pakistan and constantly reminded me each day of the struggles they went through. I finally visited Pakistan and saw that others were suffering. I feel that as human beings, we need to appreciate what we have and give back as much as we can.

Keerun Mehkri
Savage, Minnesota

Helping the community helps me learn more about myself…what I'm willing to do, what I'm good at. It helps me appreciate what I have and work harder to get what I want. It’s also a great social outlet. You get to meet some of the coolest people you wouldn't normally get to meet from different backgrounds. And it’s great because you will have at least one thing in common: you're both volunteering.

Brian Pham
Baltimore, Maryland