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State and local agencies can play a meaningful role in helping to
strengthen our communities by encouraging individuals to share their time,
talents and compassion with those in need. The following resource offers
tips to government agencies looking for to encourage volunteer service
locally.
Tips for Local and State Agencies
- Provide individuals with organizations that need volunteer
assistance through the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network, the
largest and most comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities
ever established. Through the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network, located
at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov, individuals may search among millions of
opportunities with more than 60,000 organizations, including schools,
places of worship, hospitals, shelters and other nonprofits. Users search
by interests and geographic location such as zip code or state, to find
volunteer opportunities in their hometowns, across the country, or around
the world. You may link to the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network from
your online resources or refer constituents to the web address and toll
free phone service at 1-877-USA-CORPS.
- Encourage and engage citizen volunteers to support homeland
security efforts through the newly created Citizen Corps programs and
Citizen Corps Councils. Citizen Corps programs offer individual ways to
get involved in public safety, public health, emergency response and
disaster preparedness. Medical Reserve Corps units rely on the talent and
experience of health professionals to help communities in case of
emergencies. Locally, more than 300 councils are also in development to
support the Volunteer Network. Neighborhood Watch programs provide
opportunities for residents to work together to reduce crime and
strengthen communities. Volunteers In Police Services (VIPS) trains
volunteers to help police officers with administrative duties and
important community events. For more information on these initiatives or
how to start this program in your community, please visit
www.citizencorps.gov.
- Create opportunities for America's young people to answer the
call to service. The Students in Service to America guidebook, located
online at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov, provides educators with guidance for
creating service opportunities for young people that will enhance their
academic experience and cultivate habits of service that will last for a
lifetime.
- Recognize individuals for their commitment to service with the
President's Volunteer Service Award. Administered by the newly formed
President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, individuals,
families and organizations may be recognized for their dedication and
commitment to helping others through volunteer service. Visit
www.usafreedomcorps.gov for more information.
- Engage your State Service Commission or Corporation for National
and Community Service state office to create up-to-date information on
volunteer programs in your state or community. Work with them to find ways
to engage your constituents in volunteer service. Visit
www.nationalservice.org for more information.
- Partner with community institutions – including businesses,
faith-based institutions, schools, and nonprofit organizations – to help
identify areas of need within your community and establish volunteer
service programs to bring about positive change.
- Clarify policies regarding volunteer service among government
employees, and help your employees understand available policies and
programs relating to volunteer service within government service, such
as opportunities for paid leave or flexible scheduling options, or
agency-sponsored service events or activities.
- Participate in National Days of Service such as Make A
Difference Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and National
Volunteer Week which together engage more than 20 million Americans with
rewarding online service opportunities. Visit
www.pointsoflight.org for more information.
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