East Tennessee State University will build upon its strong tradition of community service thanks to a new grant from the Volunteer Tennessee Commission.
The Volunteer Center Grant expands volunteer recruitment and training opportunities in partnership with the regional United Way partners. Funding is provided for a part-time staff position that will assist with volunteer recruitment for Hurricane Helene Recovery work and volunteer capacity building for the region.
Volunteer Center Grants are intended to support the development and strengthening of volunteer programs and civic engagement initiatives and encourage organizations to utilize community engagement and service to address critical needs throughout the state.
In partnership with the regional United Way organizations, the position will focus on enhancing volunteer opportunities through the existing ETSU Serves and Volunteer United platforms, which connect students, faculty and staff to local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities.
“We have this amazing partnership with the United Ways, and we have lots of nonprofits that want to use the platform to recruit volunteers, whether that be for disaster-related work or their normal non-profit operations,” said Nathan Farnor, ETSU’s community engagement specialist.
The part-time staff member will be housed in ETSU’s Office of Community Engagement and will assist in tech support, conduct professional development trainings, table at local festivals and more, in an effort to expand community service capacity in the region.
“Through a strategic partnership between ETSU and the United Ways of Northeast Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia, we’re enhancing the ability of local nonprofits to effectively coordinate and manage the growing volunteer force,” said Becca Sutphen, senior director of community impact at the United Way of Greater Kingsport.
“Beyond immediate response efforts, this collaboration also focuses on long-term capacity building in key service areas. We’re proud to continue delivering smart, scalable systems for volunteer management—helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Learn more about community engagement by visiting etsu.edu/community-engagement.
