The United Way of Martin County is inviting members of the community to join its Citizen Review Panels for 2008.

The approximately 70 volunteers on these panels examine agencies’ requests for United Way funding. Panelists review agency applications, go on site visits, and make funding recommendations for programs that serve about 40,000 people in Martin County.

The hardest part of the Citizen Review Panel process, according to longtime resource investment volunteer Gene VanCuren, is never having enough money to meet all of the identified needs.  Last year United Way of Martin County’s Common Good Fund fell $187,000 short of being able to fund the programs at the level the Citizen Review Panels felt was necessary.

That’s why, as the annual fund-raising campaign enters its final weeks, United Way is reminding people of the importance of making donations to its Common Good Fund. This fund supports a wide array of programs – ones that help children be ready for school, offer families access to health care, and help senior citizens have stability and independence in their lives.

The deadline for signing up for a Citizen Review Panel is Feb. 22. Volunteers will be required to attend an orientation and planning session 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 18 at the Wolf High Technology Center on the Chastain Campus of Indian River Community College, 2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart.

You can learn more about each panel and about the extent of the commitment by contacting Valerie Graham at the United Way office: (772) 283-4800, ext. 230, or vgraham@unitedwaymartincountry.org.

“In exchange for the several hours you will spend as a participant in the Citizen Review Panel process, you will receive an eye-opening understanding of the efforts being made in our community on behalf of those in need,” said Taunya Bryant, chairwoman of the Resource Investment Committee.

For more information about United Way of Martin County, please visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.