Mayor Announces Year of Caring
Springfield-Greene County leaders marked today's 17th annual "Day of Caring" by announcing an initiative to launch 2010 as the "Year of Caring" with the creation of new clearinghouse for prospective volunteers and organizations that need volunteer assistance.
The United Way of the Ozarks plans to implement a Web-based clearinghouse called Volunteer Source early next year. The online program, used by more than 300 volunteer centers across the nation, is designed to match organizations that need volunteer support with individuals or groups interested in donating the gift of time to the Springfield-Greene County community.
At a news conference this morning, Mayor Jim O'Neal praised the United Way of the Ozarks for responding to his call for action to encourage more citizens to offer their time and talents to the many worthwhile organizations that depend on such assistance to operate effectively.
United Way President Jennifer Kennally said the creation of the Volunteer Source system is part of United Way's long-term strategic plan. She said Mayor O'Neal's recent comments prompted her to push forward on developing a community clearinghouse for the volunteer sector.
United Way will convene stakeholders in the volunteer sector beginning Friday to complete a needs assessment and inventory to establish the database with the types of volunteer opportunities available in Springfield. When that part of the system is ready, it will be launched for prospective volunteers to find placements for individuals or groups that fit both sides' needs, timetables, and skills.
The Volunteer Source will serve specifically as a referral network, rather than a placement agency, and will be open to any organization and all citizens of this region. Participants will not need to be affiliated with United Way of the Ozarks or its member agencies.
Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod said Springfield-Greene County has demonstrated it can rise to the challenge through examples such as the "Week of Caring" planned on short notice after the 2007 ice storm to help citizens who needed volunteer assistance with debris removal and clearing.
Missouri State University also announced its intent to link into the 2010 effort with its "Missouri State Engagement - Leaving Your Mark on the Ozarks" to promote volunteerism and service learning to students, faculty and staff. Currently, Missouri State students volunteer more than 100,000 hours a year and raise more than $200,000 annually for community needs.
For more information regarding the volunteerism movement in Springfield/Greene County:
Springfield, Mayor O'Neal at 417.864.1651;
United Way, Jennifer Kennally or Cindy Howell at 417.863.7700;
Missouri State University, Jeremy Schenk at 417.836.4386
Greene County, Greene County Commission office, at 417.868.4112