VolunteerToday.com ~~ The Electronic Gazette for Volunteerism

Dear Connie:
Are you aware of any state governments (particularly Public Health sections) that have volunteer programs? I am thinking about starting a "sage project" here in Alaska where we can tap into those who have recently retired or those who want to come to Alaska to volunteer. It appears this is a new idea because every time I bring it up, I get some real blank looks. However, I think I could sell the idea if I could refer to another state that may already have a program in place.
Thanks for your time,

N.B. in Juneau, Alaska

 

Dear N.B.:
Some states still have volunteer offices, although many have been closed due to budget constraints. I suggest you post your question to a listserv (GOV-VPM) designed specifically for government volunteer programs. You can join the list and post your message at http://listserv.pointsoflight.org. Click on "Online List Archives" and then on the "Government" list. The GOV-VPM list is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation at http://www.pointsoflight.org.

Also, the VolunteerToday.com website has recently added a section on Government Volunteer Programs. The content on this site changes every month, so sign up for the free monthly update to learn what's new for you.

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Dear Connie:
I belong to an all-volunteer organization whose membership is shifting from stay-at-home mothers who can work during the day to full-time working women who can volunteer only on weekends and in the evenings. Are there any books that can guide us on how best to manage this evolving volunteer workforce?

Beth

 

Dear Beth:
Our society HAS changed dramatically from the time when people (mostly women) could volunteer on a full-time basis on weekdays. Volunteer program managers have responded to this change by "retooling" their volunteer tasks to accommodate these "episodic" volunteers.

Nancy Macduff has written an excellent book on utilizing episodic volunteers, "Episodic Volunteering: Building the Short-Term Volunteer Program." It's available for sale ($9.25) on the Volunteer Today website. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in it:

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Dear Connie:

I placed an Internet ad for volunteers and I am getting an overwhelming response that I did not expect. Now, I need to scramble to put together a volunteer packet and an orientation for these new and eager individuals. I would like to be able to provide them with the necessary information about our organization and also collect from them all of their pertinent data. I have been looking on the Internet and was able to put some ideas together.

My question to you is, "Do you know of any resources where I can get pre-formulated forms and applications that I could then modify to my needs?"

L.M.

 

Dear L.M.:
Many volunteer programs have their application online now. I suggest you "surf" around the websites of some organizations in your area to see what your "competitors" have online for applications. Also, check out the Montgomery County (MD) Recycling Center volunteer application online at http://www.mcrecycles.org/volunteer/new_vol_registration.htm. It's a good one.

 

Thanks for your questions!

Connie

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