This page is devoted to the management of volunteer programs at the local level, including information for cities, counties, boards, commissions, and districts.

~ January 2005 ~ Topics

State Government Page
Federal Government Page
Military Government Page

One characteristics of our field is turnover; we often see new faces managing volunteer services programs. So it is worth mentioning the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government.

NAVPLG is an international association of administrators, coordinators, and directors of volunteer programs in local city and county governments. Its purpose is to strengthen volunteer programs through leadership, advocacy, networking, and information exchange.

Find out more about NAVPLG at: http://www.navplg.org.

• Focus on building relationships.
  • Get to know the bank owner and ministers and the manager of the local Wal Mart.
• Seek out and build relationships with the "unofficial" leaders. These are the moves and shakers of communities who do not hold "official" offices or titles.
• Get on the agendas to all the civic, and Social service groups to share what your volunteers are accomplishing in the community. Use this opportunity for recruitment.
• Develop specialized, focused handouts that explain the need and the opportunities.
• In rural areas, as well as in community or neighborhood organizations, talk about "helping our neighbors" or "community involvement" or "providing opportunities to our young people" rather than "come volunteer."
• Identify those organizations, individuals and groups who have a similar mission or focus as yours and network.
• Gain an understanding of the demographics of your area.

1. The United States Census (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html) has a "Quick Facts" page. Just click on a state and go from there!
   
2. Are you in God’s Country surrounded by Country Squires? "You Are Where You Live" (http://www.clusterbigip1.claritas.com/MyBestSegments/Default.jsp?ID=20) will tell you.
3. About.com (http://geography.about.com/cs/censuspopulation1/) offers several links contain census and population information for countries outside the United States.

The National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG) is an association of administrators, coordinators and directors of volunteer programs in local government. Its purpose is to strengthen volunteer programs in local government through leadership, advocacy, networking and information exchange. NAVPLG is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties and is seeking affiliate status with the National League of Cities. Cost is $20 for individuals and $75 for group local government membership. An affiliate membership is $25 and is intended for those who are not local government members but may have an interest in the group. There is a quarterly newsletter, national network, and access to NACo's Volunteerism Project. For more information contact Robin Popik, who is a Volunteer Resource Supervisor. She can be reached by phone at 972-941-7114. Be sure to mention you read about this in Volunteer Today.