VSD- Exercise Your Advocacy Muscles

Re-post from Volunteer San Diego...

Last week was a reminder of how much our work is cut out for us in the nonprofit sector.

The GIVE Act and Volunteer Generation Fund amendment passed in the House last week. Thanks to all of you who reached out to show your support! Our work is not finished however. Today, the Senate will debate the Serve America Act. It will provide increased investment in our civic infrastructure and engage, mobilize and equip volunteers to help meet our nation's urgent needs.

Please call with your support - today. The Senate is expected to vote early this week.

• Dianne Feinstein – 202-224-3841
• Barbara Boxer – 202-224-3553

For talking points, visit http://www.bethechangeaction.org/servicenation/take_action/callcongress. Be sure to include brief comments about your direct experience with volunteers –their impact on you, your organization, or our community.

Actively advocating as a sector was a hot topic at this weekend’s sessions about the economy and nonprofits at USD. Once again, volunteerism was promoted as a strategy for weathering difficult times.

Congresswoman Susan Davis, a GIVE Act supporter, reminded the audience that good volunteerism doesn’t just happen. Volunteers need support to make the most impact.

California Secretary of Service and Volunteering Karen Baker urged nonprofits to engage skilled volunteers in their organizations, particularly volunteers with policy experience who can help promote our sector’s needs and successes.

Nationally recognized speaker, author, and policy expert, Rick Cohen, urged organizations to invest in their volunteers and volunteer programs, as volunteer mobilization efforts will fall short if nonprofits aren’t able to effectively engage them.

Volunteer San Diego has support and resources to help organizations heed these calls. Please share these opportunities with your favorite nonprofits.

For training resources:
http://www.volunteersandiego.org/AboutUs/index.php/dovia/events.html

For volunteer recruitment (including board and skilled volunteers):
http://www.volunteersandiego.org/AboutUs/index.php/nonprofits/volrecruit.html

To become a registered member:
http://www.volunteersandiego.org/AboutUs/index.php/nonprofits/newpartners.html

As always, thanks for your support of service and Volunteer San Diego!

Sue Carter
Executive Director
Volunteer San Diego