Hot Topics
Responses to:
The Role of Volunteer Resources Managers in the Serve America Act
Submitted 2 June 2009 by Kate M. Burggraff, President, Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA), MN USA
MAVA, representing leaders of volunteers in MN, has submitted both verbal and written testimony to the Corporation for National & Community Service regarding the implementation of the Kennedy Serve America Act through the Listening Session in New Orleans on May 28th. The written testimony has just been posted on the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration website at http://www.mavanetwork.org/serveamerica. Without the input and expertise of leaders of volunteers, a needed perspective in volunteerism will be missing!
Submitted on 30 May 2009 by Hillary Roberts,
PLNJ Inc. - Blankie Depot,
President,
Keyport/NJ USA
'This is all happening as volunteer resource managers’ jobs are being eliminated here in NYC."
Jerry-Sadly, not just in NYC. A lack of responses here may very well be indicative of a decline in VRM positions across the country. The decision to cut VRM posts was never more ironic than at a time when our most noted political voices stand behind national service and community volunteerism promoting engagement.
Who is suppose to lead new recruits if professional leadership positions are cut? Where are VRM's suppose to turn to KEEP their jobs?
Following along with the new "plan" is only beneficial for those who are given the opportunity to have an active voice while still working in the field of non profit. Sideline advocates are typically given a pat on the head.
Consider this:VRM's are being pushed out of the very field they populate.
Submitted on 29 May 2009 by Gerald (Jerry) Pannozzo, CVA,
NYMH and KJMC
Program/Training Coordinator, Grant Coordinator/Consultant,
New York, New York United States
I want to thank Susan and Paula for highlighting this topic and making the information easy to get to. I’m concerned with the limited response to this topic; however, much is happening with regard to the world of volunteer resources management. Here in NYC we are also exploring the mayor’s initiative, NYC Service: A Blueprint To Increase Civic Engagement (60 pages).
We recently focused on the Serve America Act at our NYAVA new members/members breakfast. We incorporated several links provided by Susan (within her website) that members read “before” attending the meeting. We were able to provide a venue for colleagues to come together and kick around the pros and cons. It proved to be a lively conversation! This is all happening as volunteer resource managers’ jobs are being eliminated here in NYC.
I try to remain optimistic about the Serve America Act since it is shining a spotlight on volunteering and on the issue of managing volunteers. I hope our new national professional organization will be able to get a seat at the table and “educate up” regarding best practices, sustaining programs, etc. I don’t have any additions to Paula’s actions steps because I’m still trying to carve out time to “read” all the links. With regard to “What else should be done?” – keep sharing information and raising the questions! Again, thank you both.
Update from Susan, 15 May 2009
First, let me encourage readers to post responses here! The whole point of Paula's essay was to urge us to get engaged. Sharing thoughts here is one way to reach a wide spectrum of colleagues.
The Corporation for National and Community Service has created ways to elicit input on the Serve America Act. The Federal Register Notice for May 4 explains the options and the Corporation has put up an explanation and and links to the different forums. There are 4 live hearings still being held before the end of the month in scattered locations. The most direct form of input is to submit your thoughts electronically via e-mail to ServeAmericaAct@cns.gov or online through http://www.nationalservice.gov/feedback/serveact/.
Submitted on 7 May 2009 by Paula Beugen
There is so much to be said about the Serve America Act that I am writing about it in several different ways and forums. A new 12-page article, "Exploring the Serve America Act," has just been posted to the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration's Web site (MAVA, www.mavanetwork.org). As part of my contribution to MAVA's Public Affairs efforts, I will continue to offer more information on that site over time.
Submitted on 4 May 2009 by Linnea Goldfield
, Volunteer Coordinator,
Somers Point, NJ USA
I am a Volunteer Coordinator for a Hospice agency. It has been an invaluable tool in bringing sunshine into the patient's last days of life. While it's an enjoyable position, I'm having a difficult time contacting the over 55 age group and the AARP Chapters, even though I've tried to contact them by phone and mail. The volunteers require 14 hours of free training, and it often turns off potential volunteers who just want to dig in and begin their tasks. I feel that President Obama's Volunteer program is an excellent one, one that not only brings experience and possibly job opportunities to those in high school and college, but it helps young adults grow and appreciate what it feels like to give of themselves, changing them into more compassionate and open-minded adults.
Share
Your Response
An international online journal to keep you current on trends, research, successes...
Learn more | Subscribe
Online training for individuals, organizations or corporations to work successfully with volunteers. Learn more
