While the mention of Volunteers in Tennessee today can conjure the roar of thousands of fans, Smokey the dog in orange and white checkers, and ‘good ‘ole Rocky Top,’ the ethos behind Tennessee’s moniker has everything to do with what it really means to be a Tennessean.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew
Tennessee has been known throughout history for its volunteerism, but even with this reputation or ‘calling,’ there is ample reason for anyone from any walk of life to get involved. A variety of studies over the years have proven volunteerism (at the individual level) contributes to a lower risk of stress and depression, as well as lower blood pressure and increased longevity (Watson, 2013). Reaching our full potential as servants in our community creates a ripple effect, benefiting each person in our neighborhood, community, town, and city. Your desire to better your community contributes to health, wealth, and wellness at every level.
“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – William J. Clinton
At United Way of Greater Chattanooga, our mission is to drive measurable, lasting impact for our community— a community lead by generosity on an individual, neighborhood, and corporate scale. Thousands of volunteers have continually helped us with this mission throughout the years, sharing our vision, building our city, and molding our present into a future in which everyone in the community can be proud. Your “volunteer spirit” is the kind of activism that makes life-changing work possible.
“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” – Jim Rohn
With our volunteers being the backbone of so much of the work we do, our job is to make helping the community easy and accessible to you. That’s why, not only do we offer thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, but for the first time ever we are launching Impact Days—a two-day volunteer initiative packed with projects unique to your gifts and serving abilities to change our community for the better.
We will wrap up our Impact Days with our 100-year anniversary block party! September 16th-17th is coming up quickly and we need your help, volunteers! Learn more about Impact Days and how you can get signed up here.
Watson, Stephanie. “Volunteering May Be Good for Body and Mind.” Harvard Health, 26 June 2013, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428.