Volunteerism
Counties across America have a long tradition of citizen involvement in local government and, in recent years, that involvement has become increasingly important. Today, more than 700 counties throughout the nation utilize volunteers to provide county services.
Counties are tapping the time, talent and experience of volunteers to perform a wide variety of critical tasks in such areas as firefighting, aging services, libraries, parks and recreation, youth services, social services, education, environment/recycling and corrections.
As a result of volunteer involvement, it is estimated that counties have realized potential cost savings totaling in the millions of dollars. Studies have demonstrated that for every $1 that counties invest in a volunteer program that they reap over $10 in benefits.
NACo has a variety of publications aimed at assisting county governments develop and expand their volunteer programs. These include:
Publications
- The Volunteer Toolbox: A Guide to Volunteer Programs in County Government
- Discovering Your Counties Hidden Resources: Discovering Volunteers (video)
- Volunteers and Counties: Partners in Service
- Issue Brief Series
- Policies and Procedures for County Government Volunteer Programs
- Legal Issues and County Government Volunteers
- Recognition of Volunteers in County Government
- Volunteer Recruitment in County Government
- Steps to Effective Volunteer Advisory Committee Management
To provide further assistance to county volunteer coordinators, NACo's newest affiliate, the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government, provides a quarterly newsletter, networking clearinghouse and training for county volunteer coordinators. For information regarding membership in the affiliate contact Teri Rollman, the NAVPLG President at (503) 391-6456.
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