Needs From: United Way of Roane County

Work with other volunteers and staff to market the Roane County Fair in our community and surrounding communities. May include communications with radio and/or tv stations, billboard companies, news outlets, and social media posts. The goal of this group of volunteers is to promote the Fair and reach audiences that would potentially attend the Fair.

This volunteer group will be determining various competitions, that may include the Fairest of the Fair, and community exhibits for the Roane County Fair in May of 2026. This may also include finding judges for specific competitions and setting parameters around competitions. Working with others to judge and rank competitions and exhibits.

Work with applicants for product vendors and food trucks to ensure that we highlight our local vendors, and prevent duplication of food products and services, and meet our exclusions agreed to in our contract with the carnival company. May include day-to-day scheduling for food trucks, keeping a spreadsheet for waitlists, if necessary, and communication to vendors with requirements, regulations, or communication that all spots are filled.

Volunteers are needed to work with potential entertainment inquiries to determine the number of entertainers we can accommodate, create a calendar of events, and ensure all paperwork and requirements are met for entertainment. Selection of stage or area for entertainment and may also be involved in locating "walking around" entertainment ideas.

Volunteers are needed to help us spread the word about the Fair and call on potential sponsors to help us bring this great event to our County! The proceeds (above costs) from this event will fund Community Impact Programs through the United Way! Join us in this new adventure and be a help to your neighbors in need.

Volunteers in this area will be working together, either through meetings, Zoom meetings, calls, or emails to share ideas and strategies to support the Kid's Zone at the Roane County Fair in May of 2026. This will include free activities, a sensory safe area, exhibits that include hands on experiences, and competitions that might be appropriate for smaller children. Come join the fun and help us provide a fabulous Kid's Zone for the Fair!

The Operations Planning Committee will be working on the coordination of parking, safety, clean up, directions, volunteer coordination, and other identified needs for the Roane County Fair. This planning committee will meet periodically prior to the opening of the Fair, which will be May 12-17, 2026.

The Roane County Fair will be held at RSCC, Harriman Campus, on May 12-17. We will need on-site volunteers to help us manage directions, traffic, vendor/food truck set ups, cleaning, logistics, etc. If you would be interested in helping us during the set-up and open hours of the Fair, please register. We will be providing various shifts and dates. You will not be expected to participate all day, every day! Thank you for your support!

Each year, the Roane County United Way seeks community volunteers who would be willing to serve on our Community Investment Grant Panel. This is a 4-6 week commitment (with much of the tasks being completed at your convenience) and, consists of reading grant applications, attending evening-time interviews with agencies seeking funding (typically 2-3 evenings), scoring the applications based on information received through the applications and interviews, and making funding recommendations. This is a collective panel, with each panel member sharing their opinions and working together to determine funding allocations based on United Way priorities, community needs, and relevance to the mission of the United Way. Training is provided. Grant panel volunteers must not be employed by agencies applying for funding through United Way grants.

The Roane County United Way is currently seeking community-minded individuals that would be interested in serving on our Board of Directors. We typically meet on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. Board members may not be employed by organizations that currently seek funding from the United Way. The Roane County United Way is working towards advancing community resiliency, health, youth opportunities, and financial security, creating a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Join us in the efforts to build a stronger Roane County!

Women United is a global movement of local United Ways comprised of women who are committed to improving their communities by focusing on our core pillars of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. 

If you just love to clean or garden, we always have a need for help around the office and in our flower bed.  We truly appreciate ALL our volunteers!  Volunteers help to keep overhead costs low-- each pitching in with their special gift!

We need help cleaning walls, windows and baseboards in our office.

We also need help cleaning the Born Learning signs on the park trails: Arrowhead Park, Fort Southwest Point, Killeffer Park.

Do you have a knack for filling out applications and/or grant writing?  You could help make a HUGE impact in Roane County by helping us fill out grant applications.  There are NUMEROUS grants available for application, but we need your help to fill them out!  You can even volunteer for this opportunity from the comfort of your home.