National Award For Volunteerism

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Way of Jamaica, Winsome Wilkins, has given more than three decades of service to the private voluntary sector.

On National Heroes Day, October 18, she will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for leadership and contribution to social development in Jamaica in the voluntary sector.

Mrs. Wilkins traces her interest in volunteering to her beloved community of Beckford-Kraal in Clarendon and to her grandparents, Thomas and Adina Langley, who instilled in her certain values.

Her career started at the Social Development Commission in 1973, where she was introduced to volunteerism.

“I work very closely with the youth clubs in Clarendon, and youth clubs speaks to youth volunteerism, so the whole idea of being engaged in your own community development in mobilising the youngsters to action for various activities like Labour Day and other community events. After that, I came to the United Way of Jamaica in 1985,” she told JIS News.

“Now, United Way of Jamaica is volunteer driven. Here was a new organisation, engaging volunteers from all walks of life, and engaging volunteers for community development activities. Because after we raised the money, we look at what volunteers were doing in communities, and then we empower them by giving them the resources to buy equipment and to offer whatever programmes they’re offering for their communities’ development,” she added.

She stated that over the years, as a professional within the voluntary sector, she has had the opportunity to interface with corporates and individuals in government and in the private sector as well.

“So, you have a chance to speak to them about giving support to the work, but also to inform them of how they can become more engaged even after giving their dollars. Because of my awareness of the communities, and the needs that exist with volunteer organisation, I am positioned to share with them how they can help,” Mrs. Wilkins stated.

Significant milestones during her tenure at the United Way of Jamaica have been her role in mobilising more than $2.2 billion for rehabilitation and restoration efforts among farmers and rural folks in times of disasters; to support projects in education, health, skills training, income generation and community development programmes, to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

“I have been with United Way of Jamaica for 36 years, and it has been a tremendous journey. Can you imagine, I have been a part of the over $2.2 billion that this organisation mobilised over the years to assist in the areas of education, health and community development,” Mrs. Wilkins said.

“I have been with an organisation that’s been supportive of the overall voluntary sector, through my work with the Council of Voluntary Social Services. Because while I was CEO with United Way of Jamaica, I was also CEO for the Council of Voluntary Social Services for 20 years, there was a double function there,” Mrs. Wilkins stated.

Because of her exemplary leadership at the United Way of Jamaica, she was appointed to the Global Professional Council of United Way International in 2008 and received the United Way Service Award at the United Way Worldwide Community Leaders’ Conference in Grapevine, Texas, held April 28 to May 1, 2015.

Also under her leadership, the United Way of Jamaica received the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica in 2003; and the United Way International 2006 Network Citizenship Award for generous dedication to the strength and integrity of the regional and international United Way network.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Wilkins is encouraging persons to become a part of the voluntary sector.

“I understand fully well that government can’t do everything. I also understand that private sector, where they may have the resources, they cannot do everything, and they’re always people with skills that can benefit someone else. When you consider those three factors, voluntarism provides the opportunity for persons to serve,” she stated.

“When I speak to young people nowadays, they may be leaving university, and they would not have had a job yet. It’s not for them to sit at home and say, I don’t have a job [and say] what am I going to do? There are many things out there that they can go and do,” she stated further.

She emphasised that volunteerism can empower people, adding that there are many gaps in the society where persons can volunteer, and bring hope.

“Let’s consider our young people, and they’re so many of them, who need mentors, good mentors. When I think of how I have benefited from the mentors that I’ve had over the years, there’s, no doubt that as a mentor, you can impact a young person’s life positively. You can change lives; you can make the difference,” Mrs. Wilkins said.

She expressed how appreciated she felt, being a recipient of a national honour and award.

“The fact is that I have worked without thought of the recognition which might [come] later in life. So, when I got the call, I tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. I want to thank God for allowing it to be recognised while my eyes are still open, you know, and while I can still serve. When you work as unto the Lord, allow God to bring the recognition. He never fails; he says he has his rewards for you,” she stated.

Mrs. Wilkins has represented Jamaica in many international fora on volunteerism and social welfare and social development.  She has served as Vice President for the North American and Caribbean Region of the International Council on Social Welfare (2015-2018) and in January 2020 was admitted as a Distinguished Fellow of the International Council on Social Welfare.

She currently serves as Chairman of the Usain Bolt Foundation (2010 to present), Board Member of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica, Member of the Institute of Jamaica’s Audit Committee, National President for the Women’s Ministries of the Open Bible Standard Churches of Jamaica, Minister of Religion and co-founder of Good News Open Bible Church in Old Harbour, and a Justice of the Peace for the Parish of Kingston.

Mrs. Wilkins also received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service BH(M) for dedication to volunteerism in 2009, and the United Way Worldwide Award for Outstanding Leadership to the United Way Global network in 2015.

She was also a First Global Bank Vision Award Nominee (2009) for personal commitment to philanthropy in Jamaica.