September 15, 2011 marks United Way of Central Iowa's annual Day of Action. On this day, volunteers from around central Iowa join United Way community partners to work on one-time volunteer projects. Day of Action offers an opportunity for you and your teammates to roll up your sleeves and volunteer to advance the common good in United Way of Central Iowa's priority areas of education, income, and health.
Day of Action Featured Projects:
Read to Learn
Read to Learn is an education initiative of United Way and is one of the many opportunities for Day of Action volunteers. Groups of 15 to 30 volunteers work one-on-one or in small groups with a classroom of third graders to increase their reading and writing skills - using the book "The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln" and writing in a journal.
Reach Out to Dropouts
On Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m. to noon, teams of volunteers will join Des Moines Public Schools and United Way of Central Iowa going door-to-door to help re-enroll high school students who have not returned to school. Volunteers participating in the outreach must attend a short training session. For those groups interested in participating, training is available on Day of Action September 15.
General Projects
Companies are asked to organize teams of four to 20 employees for Day of Action projects that can be completed in just a few hours. These projects cover a variety of interests and will benefit United Way nonprofit partners throughout Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties.
Some examples of past projects include:
- Painting a room at a shelter
- Hosting a back-to-school picnic
- Helping with lawn and landscape work at a school or United Way community partner
Important Dates
June 15 Nonprofit Registration and Project Deadline
July 1 Volunteer Registration Opens
August 31 Volunteer Registration Closes
September 15 Day of Action
How to Take Action
Nonprofit United Way Partner Organziations can list projects through this link.
Local Companies can particpate in Day of Action by registering for projects. To view projects and to sign up click here.