By Jenny Grubb
Posted: Thursday, April 2, 2009 12:00 am

United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, in partnership with Hands on Nashville, is pleased to announce a new program, “Volunteer Opportunity Link” (V.O.L.) which will kick-off on Wednesday, April 8th at the United Way office.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to our partner agencies, as well as to the community as a whole,” said Rachel Holder, United Way President/CEO. “Right now, there’s no comprehensive one-stop-shop for individuals to find local volunteer opportunities in Rutherford and Cannon Counties, nor is there a comprehensive way for our partner agencies to be able to recruit volunteers under one umbrella. V.O.L. will do both!”

The first program of its kind, V.O.L. will link local volunteers with projects in their area according to their interest, availability, and skill level. The online resource center will allow volunteers to browse projects easily and will eliminate the need for phone calls to multiple agencies by volunteers before finding what they’re looking for.

The new program will be announced to United Way’s 47 partner agencies at the organization’s monthly Agency Executive Council luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 8th. United Way’s partners will have the opportunity to sign up for the program on site. Within one week, local volunteers will be able to go online and register for meaningful volunteer opportunities in their area.

“We were elated to be approached by United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties to develop this unique opportunity,” said Brian Williams, CEO of Hands on Nashville. “Collaboration is such an important component for the nonprofit community in today’s tough economic times and this is just one way that our organizations can better serve this community. We certainly consider it a win-win for all involved and hope this will serve as a pilot program for other United Way’s in our area.”

To find out more about Volunteer Opportunity Link or United Way and Hands on Nashville, contact Rachel Holder at 615-893-7303 or Brian Williams at 615-298-1108.