Day of Caring Volunteer Registration Guide

Day of Caring Volunteer Registration Guide Image

Volunteer Registration Guide

United Way’s largest single-day volunteer event returns on June 21, 2023, and we're so glad that you want to be part of it!

This year, we're mobilizing the caring power of our community in more ways than ever – including the addition of a crowdfunding campaign to benefit both United Way and our project host nonprofits.

Whether you’re registering to volunteer as an individual or as part of a group, this guide will help set you up for success.

QUICK JUMP MENU: GETTING STARTED | REGISTERING AS A TEAM (FOR TEAM LEADERS) | REGISTERING AS A TEAM (FOR TEAM MEMBERS) | REGISTERING AS AN INDIVIDUAL | REGISTER AS A DOC FUNDRAISING CHAMPION | FAQS

All the information on this page can be found in the downloadable version of the Volunteer Registration Guide HERE


NEW THIS YEAR

  • Day of Caring volunteers will register for projects through VolunteerWNY.org. Individuals and teams can choose from a wide variety of projects based on their interests and skills. 
  • Volunteers and community members can also choose to register as Day of Caring fundraising champions. Proceeds from this peer-to-peer campaign will benefit both United Way and project host organizations! Keep reading to learn more. 

Getting Started

Before you begin, you'll need to create your VolunteerWNY account at volunteerwny.org

  • Click Sign Up and follow the instructions to register as a user
  • You will need to sign into this account to register for your Day of Caring project

Volunteer WNY home page

Step 1 registering for volunteerwny step two registering for volunteerwny final step of registering for volunteerwny

 


Registering for your project

There are a few different ways you can register for a Day of Caring project, either as a team or individually. 

If your organization is a Day of Caring sponsor or special partner, stop here and refer back to the instructions supplied to you by United Way to register for your specific project. Questions? Contact Suzette O’Brien at dayofcaring[at]uwbec.org.


registering as a team - for team leaders

Before your begin, you will need to know:

  • How many volunteers are in your group?
  • Which volunteer time slot does your group prefer (morning only, afternoon only, all day)?

Time to register!

  • Sign into your VolunteerWNY account
  • Click on the Day of Caring Banner or use the Find My Project link at uwbec.org/day-of-caring to view all our Day of Caring Volunteer Opportunities.
  • Browse available volunteer opportunities based on your team’s interests, availability, and team size.
  • Once you’ve identified your project, Click on Respond As Team to reserve your volunteer slots for your team.

Volunteer WNY page showing the respond as a team button

Create your project team:

  • Create Team Name
  • Click Add Me and Check the Box as a Leader
  • Reserve Additional Slots for the rest of your team members using the dropdown.
  • Use the link at the bottom to complete your Day of Caring waiver and check the box once completed. 
  • Click Finish

Your team’s volunteer slots are now reserved for Day of Caring!

Build your team page on volunteerwny.org

Now it's time to add your team members:

  • Click on Manage Team
  • Click on Copy Join Link
  • Send the Join Link to your team’s volunteers to invite them to register for your project

**All volunteers will need to sign up at VolunteerWNY, complete the Day of Caring waiver and use the link to join your team.** 

My teams page on volunteerwny.org

Team response page on volunteerwny.org


Need to add volunteers to your project directly?

  • Click on Manage Team
  • Click on Add Team Member
  • Enter your team member’s information into the form
  • Click Add Team Member

**As team leader, you must ensure that any volunteers you add complete the Day of Caring waiver.**


Registering as a team - for team members

  • Log into your VolunteerWNY.org account.
  • Click on the link provided to you by your team leader.
  • Use the link at the bottom to complete your Day of Caring waiver and check the box once completed. 
  • Click Join Team to complete your registration. 


Registering as an individual

This year, for the first time, individual community members can sign up directly to join a Day of Caring project! Follow the instructions below to register for your selected project.

  • Sign into your VolunteerWNY.org account
  • Click on the Day of Caring Banner or use the link at uwbec.org/day-of-caring to view all our Day of Caring Volunteer Opportunities
  • Browse available volunteer opportunities based on your interests and availability
  • Click on Respond to reserve your volunteer slot
  • Use the link at the bottom to complete your Day of Caring waiver and check the box once completed. 
  • Submit Opportunity Response to finalize your registration!


Registering as a day of Caring fundraising champion

Whether or not you are able to volunteer on Day of Caring, you are an important part of mobilizing our community in support of nonprofits working to improve the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. Show your support and help spread the word about the work of these organizations among your friends and neighbors when you become a Day of Caring fundraising champion!

  • Visit our Day of Caring event page at fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DOC2023
  • Click Become a Fundraiser
  • Complete the registration form
  • Personalize your profile
  • Select your team – this can be the host site of your volunteer project, or any team of your choice.
  • Visit uwbec.org/day-of-caring to access our fundraising guide and toolkit to help make your crowdfunding efforts a success!

Giving Page for Day of Caring

Screen shots of the 4 different registration pages on give smart


Day of caring faqs:

My organization is a Day of Caring sponsor. Should I still find and register for my own project?

No. You will receive instructions directly from your team lead and/or United Way about registering for your assigned project. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions!

How will the Day of Caring crowdfunding campaign funds be allocated?

Funds raised by each team will be split 50/50 between United Way and the host nonprofit. United Way will collect donations through June 30, 2023 and then distribute funds raised to host nonprofits through our regular bi-monthly nonprofit payment cycle.

How can I help to promote the fundraiser?
United Way will provide a toolkit, complete with graphics, sample emails and social media posts, and crowdfunding tips for you to spread the word about how to support your Day of Caring fundraising team. 
 
What is VolunteerWNY?

VolunteerWNY is a collaboration between The Service Collaborative and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, created to connect volunteers with opportunities offered by nonprofits, faith-based organizations and educational institutions. Once registered, volunteers can search for and respond to volunteer opportunities that meet their interests and availability all year long!

I have more questions...
Contact us at dayofcaring[@]uwbec.org