Delaware News

Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service Seeks Community Input in Development of State Service Plan

Delaware Health and Social Services | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, August 15, 2023



NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, is actively seeking community engagement to develop a State Service Plan that will transform the impact of service and volunteerism across the state. To best serve the needs of Delaware communities, DHSS and the Commission are requesting the public’s participation in the “I Am a Volunteer Survey.”

The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service’s vision is to shape a future where service and volunteerism thrive and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Delawareans. This will be done, in part, through a diverse range of high-quality, effective AmeriCorps programs that will further enrich our communities.
“Service is a powerful tool to address the issues our communities face,” said Governor John Carney. “The spirit of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ is a part of our identity as Delawareans.”

The State Service Plan is a requirement of the national agency AmeriCorps and is developed by state commissions every three years. The Plan should include the goals, priorities, and strategies for promoting national and community service, including how AmeriCorps-funded programs fit into the plan.

“It is imperative that we gain insight from the community as we aspire to enhance the scale and excellence of volunteerism in a way that aligns with the needs of all Delawareans,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “This valuable input will enable the State Office of Volunteerism within DHSS to foster exceptional opportunities, forge impactful partnerships, and harness the true potential of volunteerism across the state.”

In a vastly changed environment from the previous State Service Plan adopted in 2021, the Commission is confronting significantly shifted needs brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic changes, and social issues. Public participation, insight and input will play a vital role in shaping and supporting our service and volunteerism ecosystem, making it more resilient and responsive to the challenges we face.

“Our commitment to public participation is evident in the development of this State Service Plan through strategies such as subcommittees, focus groups, and surveys that involve diverse individuals and organizations,” said Governor’s Commission Chair Paul Calistro. “We use this input to increase the quality and quantity of volunteerism and allocate federal funds for national service and volunteer programming in Delaware.”

For more information on the State Service Plan or the survey, visit https://volunteer.delaware.gov or call the State Office of Volunteerism at (302) 255-9883.

About the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service (GCCVS): The GCCVS, appointed by the Governor, is comprised of representatives reflecting the broad diversity of the state. It includes members of the public sector, the private nonprofit sector and the business community. The Commission is supported by and works in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, and the State Office of Volunteerism.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service Seeks Community Input in Development of State Service Plan

Delaware Health and Social Services | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, August 15, 2023



NEW CASTLE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service, is actively seeking community engagement to develop a State Service Plan that will transform the impact of service and volunteerism across the state. To best serve the needs of Delaware communities, DHSS and the Commission are requesting the public’s participation in the “I Am a Volunteer Survey.”

The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service’s vision is to shape a future where service and volunteerism thrive and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Delawareans. This will be done, in part, through a diverse range of high-quality, effective AmeriCorps programs that will further enrich our communities.
“Service is a powerful tool to address the issues our communities face,” said Governor John Carney. “The spirit of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ is a part of our identity as Delawareans.”

The State Service Plan is a requirement of the national agency AmeriCorps and is developed by state commissions every three years. The Plan should include the goals, priorities, and strategies for promoting national and community service, including how AmeriCorps-funded programs fit into the plan.

“It is imperative that we gain insight from the community as we aspire to enhance the scale and excellence of volunteerism in a way that aligns with the needs of all Delawareans,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Josette Manning. “This valuable input will enable the State Office of Volunteerism within DHSS to foster exceptional opportunities, forge impactful partnerships, and harness the true potential of volunteerism across the state.”

In a vastly changed environment from the previous State Service Plan adopted in 2021, the Commission is confronting significantly shifted needs brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic changes, and social issues. Public participation, insight and input will play a vital role in shaping and supporting our service and volunteerism ecosystem, making it more resilient and responsive to the challenges we face.

“Our commitment to public participation is evident in the development of this State Service Plan through strategies such as subcommittees, focus groups, and surveys that involve diverse individuals and organizations,” said Governor’s Commission Chair Paul Calistro. “We use this input to increase the quality and quantity of volunteerism and allocate federal funds for national service and volunteer programming in Delaware.”

For more information on the State Service Plan or the survey, visit https://volunteer.delaware.gov or call the State Office of Volunteerism at (302) 255-9883.

About the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service (GCCVS): The GCCVS, appointed by the Governor, is comprised of representatives reflecting the broad diversity of the state. It includes members of the public sector, the private nonprofit sector and the business community. The Commission is supported by and works in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, and the State Office of Volunteerism.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.