Idaho Commission for Libraries

The American Library Association (ALA) is working with the White House, in partnership with the Corporation for National & Community Service, to get libraries involved in a national volunteer initiative that will run from June 22 to September 11, 2009. On June 22, the White House will announce a call to action and challenge all of their campaign volunteers to participate in "United We Serve" (originally "Summer of Service"), suggesting that people go to an online portal at www.serve.gov, where they will be directed, based on their zip code, to volunteer opportunities that have been posted on numerous volunteer-matching databases (such as Volunteer Match and United Way). The ALA is encouraging libraries to post volunteer opportunities at this site, with the hope that it will bring new people into the libraries and will further advocacy efforts.

The ALA set up a webpage with more information about the initiative at www.ala.org/unitedweserve and will provide updates, tips and resources for volunteer ideas, best practices, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas, and stories.

On September 11th, 2009, President Obama plans to hold an event to celebrate the success of the United We Serve initiative. ALA is hoping to share library success stories and have President Obama highlight library stories during the event.

Coordinating a volunteer force requires planning. Following are links to some valuable resources to help you get started if you are new to recruiting and managing volunteers:

Energ!ze (www.energizeinc.com) is a resource for volunteer managers with a library and articles on current volunteer-related issues.

Points of Light (www.pointsoflight.org) is a national organization to promote volunteerism and support volunteer managers.

The WebJunction pathfinder at www.webjunction.org/volunteers links to WebJunction resources and other outside links.

At Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org) volunteers can search for opportunities and volunteer managers can post their volunteer needs.

The Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism is found at www.serveidaho.org