How to give your time, talent + treasure in Huntsville: one local’s longtime involvement + advice
Reading time: 5 minutes
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For those who want to support community causes, knowing where to start can be a barrier. One local nonprofit is leading the way in identifying Madison County’s top needs and making it easier for locals like you and me to make positive change.
To learn more about how we can get involved, we sat down with Downtown Huntsville Inc. Interim CEO Ron Poteat, who has spent his whole career giving back to Huntsville through his time, talent and treasure.
Keep reading for insights from Ron, the Huntsville community’s top needs + ways you can get involved.
Tips from 30 years of community work in Huntsville
Ron has given back in lots of ways since learning about United Way as a young professional. (United Way + Hville Blast)
Did you know a few dollars a month can help locals in need have access to transportation? Or that you can use your career expertise to help nonprofits with administrative tasks? Or that a few hours a month can help high school students start their career on the right foot?
Ron’s involvement in his community began when he was just starting his career, when his employer brought in a speaker from the nonprofit United Way to shed light on those in need in the community. Captivated and motivated to make a difference, Ron decided to start donating to United Way’s mission and has become involved in countless ways since then.
“I started giving a modest amount very early in my career. And put simply, I just never stopped giving. As my career moved forward, I had the opportunity to increase my giving and involvement a little more each year.”
Ron Poteat, United Way volunteer + Interim CEO of Downtown Huntsville Inc.
3 ways to make a big difference in the Huntsville area
1. Volunteer your TIME
Ron shared he’s seen a major need for people to donate their time, suggesting to volunteer with a mission that’s meaningful to you.
⏰ Find your fit with 25+ local nonprofits
2. Contribute your TALENTS
Did you know you can volunteer your expertise and professional talents? I didn’t until Ron shared his involvement with United Way’s “Loaned Executive Program,” where established field experts serve as consultants to United Way in everything from finance to marketing.
Ron first supported United Way through their banking committee, later joining the board to contribute his professional talents.
📚 View volunteer opportunities to contribute your professional or leadership skills
3. Donate your TREASURE
DYK: Alabama is the sixth poorest state, and 13.9% of children Madison County, AL are currently living in poverty.
United Way bridges the poverty gap by investing community donations where it matters most. When it comes to donating money, Ron asks everyone to consider how even a small donation, paid consistently and over time, can make a huge difference for people in need.
“If you’re saying ‘Well, you know .. my $10, $15, $25 or $50 a month might not make a difference,’ I’ll tell you, it does. We would be able to fund all of the programs and provide for people in need with the power of a lot of people working together.”
Ron Poteat
If 1,000 people read this article decide to contribute just $50 to United Way, that’s $50,000 a year toward helping locals in need.
What are Huntsville’s greatest needs?
So what community needs are most urgent in Huntsville, and how can we help? That’s what United Way seeks to answer through its most recent Community Needs Assessment, a research study conducted every three to five years.
Here are the top needs + how United Way plans to address them:
- 💸 Financial Stability
- Expand Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Support for Housing Stability Programs
- Revitalize Neighborhoods
- 🏥 Health
- Increase Access to Healthcare Services
- Enhance Mental Health Support
- Promote Public Health Initiatives
- 📚 Education
- Invest in Early Childhood Education
- Improve K-12 Education Funding
- Expand Access to Higher Education
👉 Based on these key findings, United Way partners with several local initiatives and entities to strategically support the needs of the community.
“United Way looks to impact the entire community. When it’s time to help people—they’re all over. Were it not for United Way and partner agencies, those needs, honestly, would probably go unmet.”
Ron Poteat
A few ways you can help now
Check out United Way’s community programs + how you can get involved:
- 📚 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Just $31/year can support a child’s reading library + unlock new worlds for learning.
- 🧑🏫 I Lead, You Lead: Directly fuel the development of the next generation of leaders, innovators + professionals through support of this 33-week program for high school students.
- 🚎 Ride United: Help reduce transportation barriers for those in need (36,158 rides provided since inception in 2020!)
- 💰Annual Giving: Support all programs that impact the lives of individuals + families through monthly, quarterly or yearly donations.
Giving back can start small—check out United Way’s missions to find a way to give back that’s meaningful to you.
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