volunteer.uwsm.org: Privacy Policy

UWSM and  Your Agency Partnership Agreement

The purpose of this partnership agreement is to outline key roles and responsibilities of the United Way of Southwest Michigan Volunteer Engagement Team and Agency Name, for all volunteer opportunities through 12/31/25.

Volunteer Opportunity Posting Guidelines

  1. Volunteer opportunities are eligible for posting if they:   
    • Are with a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, a public nonprofit or government entity (such as city, county, public school district),
    • Are to support a program available that provides services to the community at large, not restricted to members through a purpose-based organization; nor excludes those who do not accept posting organization’s faith, ideology or political views as a requirement for volunteerism.
    • Are an organization located within Berrien, Cass and/or Van Buren County
    • Comply with the provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning non-discrimination
    • Understand that United Way of Southwest Michigan is a referral source and does not screen, interview, guarantee the suitability of or take responsibility for the actions of any volunteers. It is the sole responsibility of the agency to conduct appropriate interviewing, screening and placement procedures to ensure volunteer suitability.
    • Understand that the inclusion of any organization or person in this database does not constitute a representation, warranty or endorsement with respect to the competence, suitability, or reliability of such organization or person by United Way of Southwest Michigan; nor does United Way of Southwest Michigan sponsor or endorse any third-party web site.
               
  2. All volunteer opportunity descriptions must contain the following information:
    1. Impact on your organization and community: A brief description on how this volunteer position supports the mission and vision of your organization. What impact does it have on your organization, clients and the community?
    2. Position Description: A brief, one paragraph description of the opportunity that details the key roles and responsibilities of the volunteer.
    3. Qualifications and Requirements: This section describes the type of person that is well-suited for this position, as well as if any specific qualifications and requirements needed. This could include (but is not limited to) background experience, language proficiency, criminal background check, training commitment, etc.
    4. Time Commitment: This section should outline the time commitment of the volunteer. How many hours do they need to commit to? Is it weekly? Monthly? One-time?
  3. Ask for help with fundraisers, not funds; United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer United/Get Connected site is not a direct fundraising site, but we understand that volunteers are integral to fundraising efforts, including fundraising events. Any needs for setting up an event site, clerical needs such as mailing invites, or general staffing is allowed. Volunteer recruitment that involves the pouring or selling of alcohol is prohibited through United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer United/Get Connected site.                                                                       
  4. Volunteer opportunities may not include the following activities:
    • Production of beer, wine, or spirits
    • Manufacture or sale of firearms
    • Commercial use or solicitation of donations
    • Inappropriate language or content
    • Unauthorized personal contact information
    • Promotion of political candidates or coordination of partisan political activities
    • Lack of significant local presence including local management of volunteers
    • Requirement of membership in the organization to participate in its volunteer opportunities
    • Request for volunteer services from individuals. All requests for service must come through qualifying agencies.
  5. Postings containing any of the following will be removed by the site moderator:
    • Production of tobacco production
    • Production or distribution of adult entertainment
    • Gaming or gambling activities
  6. Postings that are expired will be removed by the site administrator after 5 business days, after which time you will need to log in and re-post the opportunity. You have the ability to renew your posting before expiration or deactivate it once it has been filled. Once the position is filled or out-of-date, it is the poster’s responsibility to promptly deactivate the posting from the site.
  7. Posts will be reviewed by a site moderator and you will be contacted within three (3) business days on next steps.

 

Submitting a posting to the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer United/Get Connected site signifies agreement to the terms and conditions listed above. All posting submissions are subject to approval by an authorized site moderator.  United Way of Southwest Michigan retains the right to refuse to publish postings which do not meet these guidelines. Posts will be available to use in media to recruit volunteers such as print media, radio and tv, and social media. Please contact debbie.ramirez@uwsm.org if you would like to refrain from this added promotion of your volunteer needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

United Way of Southwest Michigan (Volunteer Recruitment, Communications and Team Leading)

  • Provide 1 on 1 training for the volunteer platform, as needed
  • Provide recruitment updates for upcoming projects to Agency for Corporate and Monthly Volunteer projects scheduled directly with UWSM
  • Provide a UWSM staff team leader for a UWSM-scheduled project to check in volunteers and provide support to Agency This applies to corporate groups who volunteer for a UWSM arranged opportunity
  • Provide a volunteer thank you email post-project

Agency Name (Volunteer Management and Data Reporting)

  • Complete Agency Site Management Training prior to posting opportunities
  • Post and maintain volunteer opportunities on the UWSM volunteer platform
  • Update volunteer data for all UWSM-recruited individual and/or ongoing volunteers in platform within 48 hours of project completion
    1. Volunteer Attendance
    2. Volunteer Hours
  • Provide updated project and volunteer information, as needed, to Volunteer Engagement Manager at UWSM
    1. Updated information will be provided for projects specifically scheduled for UWSM
    2. Updated information will be provided for any special events that arise throughout the year
  • Manage the volunteer project and experience on-site
    1. One-time volunteer groups will be supported by a UWSM team leader on specific projects
    2. Regular or ongoing volunteers will not be supported by a UWSM team leader
  • Ensure the appropriate supplies are present every time the project meets, unless provided by UWSM
  • Provide updated name and contact information of volunteer coordinator of Agency

Authorization

Agency Name understands and agrees to abide by the responsibilities above for the 2025 volunteer partnership through December 31, 2025.