Calling All Volunteers: Councilmember Moves to Utilize Federal Volunteer Funds

Councilmember Tom LaBonge moved to investigate the implementation of a Volunteer Division within the City of Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (Act) is the guiding force behind Councilmember LaBonge’s motion to grow volunteer staffs for city services whose staffs have been cut such as libraries, parks and animal shelters. The federal law increased funding for AmeriCorps and other non-profit volunteer agencies, so that qualified volunteers can earn a wage while serving.
“Because of the worldwide economic downturn, the City has unfortunately had to cut budgets and services,” Councilmember LaBonge said. “Opening our doors to volunteers by using incentives will attract the kind of peoplepower the City needs right now. It will also give people who are out of work a sense of pride and purpose until they get a new job.”
The Act (H.R. 1388), signed by President Obama in April 2009, is a tool to grow community volunteerism with a myriad of bonuses for applicants. Among its most notable incentives is its Summer of Service program for college-bound high school and middle school students who can earn up to $1,000 towards university costs. Additionally, it allows senior citizens under the Silver Scholarships to donate their salaries to the college tuition of a child, foster child or grandchild.
Councilmember LaBonge’s motion instructed the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to report to the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee (APHA), which the Councilmember chairs, in order to assess the feasibility of establishing a volunteer staff for the City utilizing the funds created by the Act. The CAO’s report to APHA will be heard on a date yet to be determined.
For more information or to track the motion, click here.