June 21st, 2023

Each year, United Ways across the country participate in a national day of service called Day of Action. It’s the perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves and let your actions speak louder than words.

Volunteer

June 21st, 2023

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  |  Bovey, MN

In collaboration with Day of Action partners Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), city municipalities, and county agencies, volunteers will come together on June 21st to complete neighborhood revitalization projects with small businesses, homeowners, and in public buildings and spaces.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. with volunteer check-in Bovey City Hall. Volunteers will sign a waiver, receive their project assignment, and get a brief safety orientation. Following check-in, volunteers will report to their project site. Restrooms, first aid, water, and snacks will be available on site.

sign up

Schedule:
8:00 AM Volunteer Check-in and Project Assignment | Bovey City Hall (402 2nd St, Bovey)
8:30 AM Morning Session | Report to Project Site
11:30 AM Lunch | Bovey City Hall
12:15 PM Afternoon Volunteer Check-in and Project Assignment
12:30 PM Afternoon Session | Report to Project Site
3:00 PM Day of Action Concludes

Parking & Transportation:
Volunteers can park at Bovey City Hall and at project sites. Please avoid parking along 1st Street, as volunteers will be painting street lines.

Project Map: 
Volunteers can view and print the Project Map ahead of time.

Rain Date:
If the weather is bad enough to prevent projects from taking place, Day of Action will be postponed to Thursday, June 22nd. If the call is made to postpone, you will receive an email notification the morning of the 21st.

What to Bring:
Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and/or boots. We also recommend bringing protective eyewear, sunscreen, bug repellent, a rain jacket, preferred snacks, pocket hand sanitizer, and/or a water bottle. You may want to bring a chair and/or a blanket to sit on during lunch.

Volunteer Waver: To save time, you can download the waiver and bring it with you.

About Registration:
Individuals and teams can now browse dozens of volunteer opportunities (needs) at area nonprofits and community events, including Day of Action. Again this year, volunteers register using United Way’s online volunteer matching platform, Bonfire. You can self-select and match with available volunteer opportunities (needs) through an easy sign-up process. We are excited to bring this free, year-round volunteer matching platform to the Itasca region.

Team Volunteering

Do you want to sign up a company volunteer team? Want to volunteer with your family, friends, church, or civic group? Day of Action presents a great opportunity to work together to make an impact.

Signing Up a Team on Bonfire

  1. Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org and select the “Sign up with a group” option on the Day of Action opportunity.
  2. In Step 2, you’ll have the option to create a team or use a team you’ve volunteered with previously. It’s likely that you’ll need to create a new team.
  3. Select the CREATE TEAM button and begin inputting your team’s information. Be sure to note any relevant details, and include your company or group affiliation.
  4. Input your team members! While email addresses are optional, including an email address will help ensure that each team member receives reminders and information about Day of Action – such as where to park, plans for rainy weather, etc. Make sure to include ages for any volunteers under age 18, so we can be sure they’re assigned to safe and age-appropriate projects.
  5. Select your team captain by checking the “Team Captain” box. Make sure your team captain’s contact information has been provided.
  6. Use the submission button to get your team signed up! After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Download the Day of Action Toolkit

Planning a group volunteer team? Download the Day of Action toolkit for printable posters, social media tools to help you spread the word, and volunteer signup sheets. If you use your own signup sheet, sign up your team on Bonfire or send a copy to United Way (email amanda@uwlakes.org) prior to June 21st.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

Could you or someone you know use some help caring for their home or small business?

Residents and business owners in downtown Bovey are invited to submit a project request. Anyone who could use volunteer assistance with storm cleanup, landscaping, accessibility modifications, and minor repairs can submit a request.

The short request form also helps determine eligibility for assistance programs, if applicable. Following submission, project requestors will be contacted by United Way, Habitat for Humanity, or CEDA.

For questions and more information, call United Way at 218-999-7570 or Habitat for Humanity at 218-999-9001.

Submit Request

About Day of Action

Day of Action is an annual day of service sponsored by United Way of 1000 Lakes. Drawing more than 100 volunteers of all skills sets together each year, Day of Action is the largest of United Way’s volunteer initiatives.

Since its inception in 2013, Day of Action has mobilized 975 volunteers who have served a total of 5,624 hours. The impact value from 2013-2020 is $136,536.

Our Day of Action program focuses on building healthy communities by connecting residents to home improvement services and resources for living independently and mobilizing our force of caring volunteers. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ways – by helping out with a maintenance project, nominating a project recipient, or advocating on social media.

Projects Might Include:

General Clean-up: disposing of items such as garbage, mattresses, vehicles, old appliances, and electronics
Exterior Care: window washing, painting, installing ramps and grab bars
Minor Repairs: steps, doors, windows, roof, deck
Yard Maintenance: leaf-raking, landscaping, gardening, pruning

Do you have any idea for a Day of Action project in your community? Get in touch with United Way to share your idea(s) and learn more about proposing a Day of Action or another volunteer project.

2023 Sponsors

Platinum

Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network with over 5,500 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides Broadband High-Speed Internet Service up to a Gigabit per second, digital and high-definition television services, digital voice services, and more. PBC is also Northern Minnesota’s Certified Apple Repair Center.

Gold

Yanmar
ASV, a division of Yanmar Group, creates industry-leading compact track loaders and skid steers that improve the quality of life for our customers, have minimal impact on the environment they work on and deliver maximum value for the people who rely on them.

Sponsor Day of Action

United Way Day of Action is held annually nationwide and promotes volunteerism. The day-long effort mobilizes community members to take action in the communities in which they live. Projects range from gardening and painting to donating blood and creating care packages.

The event draws 100+ community members annually. Over the years a collective 5,624 hours have been served, equating to more than $136,536 in volunteer contributions since 2013.

Platinum

$1,000

Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor
Promoted as a Platinum sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Radio interview
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event materials
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website with your logo and a link to your website

Gold

$500

Recognition as Gold Sponsor
Promoted as a Gold sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event materials
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website

If you’re interested in sponsoring Day of Action or another event, email kimberly@uwlakes.org or call United Way at 218-999-7570.

Stuff the Bus

Each year, United Way engages donors and volunteers to equip local students with the materials and confidence they need to get a strong start in school. When you host a drive or donate supplies, you help students across our community access the tools needed to succeed.

Learn More