VSA Committee reviews feedback on workshop and prepares for April 25 Concert to Celebrate Volunteerism.
(Madison County, NY – March 2013
) The Volunteer Services Alliance (VSA) held its first networking meeting in February. The effort is a collaboration of area non-profit agencies who want to work together on issues related to volunteer management. The meeting was attended by 25 representatives of a variety of non-profits from around Madison County. The purpose of the VSA is to promote volunteerism and support community service efforts in Madison County.
Participants at the meeting left with a toolkit to help with their volunteer management needs. The meeting provided a much needed networking venue for non-profit staff who work with volunteers. Organizations have so many needs, but are not always sure how to get all the volunteers they want. The VSA was designed to provide information that non-profits need to recruit and support volunteers. One participant commented about the importance of having a Volunteer Bill of Rights as an organizational tool. This is something she will remember and use in her agency work with volunteers.
In addition to the networking meeting, the VSA is also coordinating a community concert and volunteer fair to celebrate and showcase volunteerism in Madison County.
“The week of April 21st is National Volunteer Week and we wanted to do something special to honor our volunteers right here in Madison County” said Mary Bartlett, VSA Steering Committee member. Mark your calendars for Thursday April 25 when the VSA proudly presents Karen Savoca with Pete Heitzman in a free concert at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The concert is being offered as a big thank you to all area volunteers and is free and open to the public. The event is funded in part by CNY Arts which is dedicated to connecting arts, culture and community.
Karen Savoca with Pete Heitzman are winners of seven SAMMY awards. Notable appearances include The Today Show, A Prairie Home Companion, and Big Top Chautauqua. Their original music is described as ‘acoustic soul’ – electrifying, unique and always uplifting.
For more information about the Volunteer Services Alliance or questions about the Community Concert to Celebrate Volunteerism, call Mary Bartlett at 684-3001 Ext 103.