Governor Mark R. Warner announced Virginia Corps, a new initiative designed to make it easier for Virginians to find opportunities to become involved in volunteer service and homeland security and preparedness in their communities. Virginia Corps includes a new Web site and toll-free number that will provide interactive information on volunteer opportunities across Virginia.

"Virginia Corps represents our effort in state government to help capture the renewed spirit of civic duty that has grown in the wake of September 11th," Governor Warner said. "That is why we created Virginia Corps - to make it easier for people to find ways to contribute in order to strengthen their Commonwealth, serve their communities, and unite as a people."

Virginia Corps will serve as an interactive gateway to traditional local public service opportunities and local, state, and national homeland security and emergency preparedness programs.

The Virginia Corps Web site, located at www.virginiacorps.org, provides hundreds of options for citizens to find ways to volunteer. The Web site provides the capability for citizens to link with volunteer opportunities across Virginia through a ZIP code-based matching system. In addition, the site features links and contact information for the more than 20 existing local volunteer centers in Virginia that provide one-on-one assistance in linking people to volunteer opportunities. The toll-free number, , will provide the same services as the Web site for those who do not have Internet access.

Virginians interested in getting involved in homeland security and emergency preparedness activities can do so through the national Citizen Corps programs that are being established locally across Virginia. Virginia Corps will serve as the umbrella organization for local Citizen Corps Councils to link interested citizens with local homeland security and preparedness programs as they are developed.

These programs, such as an expanded Neighborhood Watch and Community Emergency Response Teams, promote disaster and terrorism preparedness as well as crime prevention. The Citizen Corps programs also provide support for local law enforcement, emergency services, and medical personnel. Citizen Corps volunteers can provide their community with a well-trained, readily available pool of local people who know their community and who can help during that critical time before outside assistance arrives.

Virginia expects to draw down about $300,000 in federal funds over the next few months to support the Citizen Corps implementation. The President has asked Congress for $230 million to support Citizen Corps initiatives nationwide in fiscal year 2003. These funds and the existing personnel at the Virginia Office of Volunteerism will enable Virginia Corps and local Citizen Corps Councils across the Commonwealth to move forward during challenging budget times at the state level. The more than 3.3 million adult volunteers already donating time and services in Virginia provide a strong base of human capital from which the initiative will grow.

"Almost a century ago, Woodrow Wilson spoke eloquently of the kind of public spirit that has been burning so brightly during the past year. He said, 'There is no cause half so sacred as the cause of a people. There is no idea so uplifting as the idea of service to humanity.'

"The Virginia Corps initiative...will be a living monument to those who perished one year ago. It will help build a better and stronger Commonwealth for the future, and it will help draw out the very best of our people."

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities in the Fredericksburg area, the Rappahannock United Way maintains a list of activities, projects, and jobs for youth and adults.

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library has many opportunities. Check out our collection for more information on volunteerism.

In the Library

Community Service for Teens: Opportunities to Volunteer by Bernard Ryan, Jr.
Young Adult Reference 361.37 Ry

Multi-volume reference set detailing programs and opportunities nationwide.

Courage is Contagious: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the Face of America by John Kasich
Adult Non-Fiction 361.37 Ka

Congressman John Kaisch of Ohio profiles 20 people who are doing heroic things--without government assistance--to help improve the lives of their fellow Americans. Published in 1998, this volume has renewed significance.

Faith Works: Lessons from the Life of an Activist Preacher by Jim Wallis
Adult Non-Fiction 261.832 Wa

Charismatic preacher activist and leader of Call to Renewal, the dynamic new movement uniting politics and spirituality, Wallis explains how readers can enrich their lives by helping their communities.

Golden Opportunities: A Volunteer Guide for Americans Over 50 by Andrew Carroll
Adult Non-Fiction 361.37 Ca

Hundreds of rewarding ways to make a difference in your own community and around the world.

How You Can Help: An Easy Guide to Doing Good Deeds in Your Everyday Life by William D. Coplin
Adult Non-Fiction 361.37 Co

Listing over 100 volunteer organizations with full contact information, this inspirational guide emphasizes ways to fit activities that serve society into one's current life.

Volunteer Vacations: Short-term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others by Bill McMillon
Adult Non-Fiction 910.2 Mc

McMillon provides exhaustive information about more than 2,000 projects worldwide that need volunteers and helps travelers plan the details of their trips.

On the Web

Americorps
http://www.nationalservice.org/stateprofiles/va_intro.html

More than 18,700 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to solve problems and strengthen communities through 94 national service projects across Virginia. Serving through local nonprofits, schools, religious organizations and other groups, these citizens tutor and mentor children, coordinate after-school programs, build homes, organize neighborhood watch groups, clean parks, recruit volunteers, and accomplish other things to improve communities.

Virginia Office of Volunteerism
http://www.dss.state.va.us/community/volunteer.html

"The mission of the Virginia Office of Volunteerism (VOV) is to enhance the quality of life for Virginia's people and communities through volunteerism. We provide services and products that equip individuals, organizations, and communities to maximize voluntary resources and effectively mobilize and sustain volunteer and community service efforts."

Virginia State Parks
http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/volnteer.htm

"We at Virginia State Parks know how important your time is. That's why we treat our volunteers as professionals. Not only will you have the opportunity to play active roles in the management of your state parks, but you'll be given the specialized training and valuable hands-on experience that can improve job skills and allow you to meet new and exciting people."

Volunteer & Information Services of the Rappahannock United Way
http://www.rappahannockunitedway.org
P.O. Box 398, 3331 Shannon Airport Circle
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
Toll free HELP510 or , FAX
mailto:

This service serves Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties in Virginia and organizes Connections, volunteer management seminars and round tables.