At United Way of Larimer County volunteering is a big part of what we do! United Way of Larimer County offers the Volunteer Project Leader (VPL) Program to anyone interested in being recruited and trained to work directly with local nonprofit organizations to plan a one-time volunteer project. Volunteer Project Leaders work with the nonprofit organizations to assist with recruiting volunteers, soliciting supplies and materials, and coordinating the day’s events. We greatly appreciate our volunteers and the work they do in our community.

Our Volunteer Project Leader program is one of the ways people get involved. This program is tied in with Make A Difference Day in October and National Volunteer Month in April each year. This year for Make A Difference Day, we are going to follow a few Volunteer Project Leaders through the process of leading a project. Two of our Volunteer Project Leaders are a wonderful couple, Kaytlyn and Zach. They decided to become Volunteer Project Leaders together, and help lead a project for Homeless Gear. They have just completed the VPL training and are on their way to the next step in the process, meeting with their nonprofit organization to start planning the project.

To start off our Volunteer Project Leader series “Follow the Leader” we conducted a Q&A of our power couple Kaytlyn and Zach to learn a little more about them and why they decided to become Volunteer Project Leaders.

1. Why did you apply to be a Volunteer Project Leader?

I (Kaytlyn) started working at Mueller Pye & Associates CPA a few months ago and they have really opened our eyes to the awesome programs that are set up here in Northern Colorado. They have also made us more aware of all the different ways you can make a difference in the community. When he (Kaytlyn's boss, Paul) got the email about Make A Difference Day, he asked if I would like to lead our team on a project. I was happy to accept his offer.

2. Why do you think volunteering is important?

We think it is important to be part of the community, give back to the community, and help people in need. Life isn't about getting, it's about giving. It also helps you get to know the people in your community. You can meet some good people with the same interest.

3.What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

We like to be outdoors! Hiking, fishing, walking our dog, going on adventures. We like to spend as many free weekends as we can with our family. We are both currently taking college classes. We are new to the Loveland community and are starting to get into volunteering more.

4. How do you feel about your nonprofit pairing?

We are really excited to be working with Homeless Gear. As soon as we saw that on the list we really wanted to do it.

5. What are your initial thoughts/ideas/emotions regarding taking this project on?

We are thrilled to have been picked to lead this project. It's going to be a challenge and take a lot of community support.

6. How do you feel after the training?

The training was very welcoming and informative. It's nice to know you have support if you need help. We are really looking forward to taking the next step and meeting with our nonprofit and learning more about them.

Let’s “Follow the Leaders” the next few months and see how they make a difference in our community and the rewards and benefits of being a Volunteer Project Leader! Although, Volunteer Project Leader applications are now closed but if you have in interest in the program email Beth Bunde at bbunde@uwaylc.org.

You can still be a part of Make A Difference day by volunteering for a Make A Difference Day project. Take a look at available projects in your community and register to volunteer for a project that appeals to your interests.

			Jasmine Saucedo Jasmine is the marketing and communications intern for United Way of Larimer County. She enjoys planning themed birthday parties for her kids and family.