Community Investment Volunteer Panels:

Make a Lasting Impact: Become a Community Investment Panel Volunteer!

Community impact volunteers are instrumental in deciding how the money our community invests in United Way of the Lakeshore will have the greatest impact. We need your help as a valuable decision maker.

Our mission is to help working families thrive. Following a series of community conversations, United Way of the Lakeshore and leadership volunteers identified several persistent barriers within its key priority areas of Early Childhood Literacy, Housing, and Childcare. These recurring challenges emerged as significant trends that continue to limit access to opportunities and essential resources for many individuals and families across the community, reinforcing the critical importance of advancing family stability as a foundation for long-term well-being and community success.

What’s involved?

You’ll join a dynamic panel of volunteers—newcomers and experienced members alike—led by an Impact Team Leader. Here’s what to expect:

• Commitment: Dedicate 10-12 hours total during the fall, including one training session and two impact panel meetings.

• Training: Get up to speed on United Way’s goals and priorities with a structured orientation session.

• Collaboration: Dive into funding applications, ask critical questions, score proposals, and hear presentations from local agencies.

Why join?

This is your chance to make meaningful decisions that create real, measurable solutions in our community. Together, we’ll help families not just survive but thrive.

What skills are required?

• Interest in our Lakeshore human services and needs
• analytical skills
• communication skills
• ability to understand financial data
• confidentiality
• adherence to United Way of the Lakeshore's mission and core principle values

Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Wyneice Hairston, Community Impact Director, at wyneice@unitedwaylakeshore.org or (231) 332-4017.

Let’s make a difference—together!