Orange County NC Website
LI <br />• <br />these requests can be met. <br />Over 60 volunteer stations are active, providing a variety of volunteer <br />assignments. The second annual volunteer station manager's training <br />and recognition event was held. Several new members joined the Advis- <br />sory Council, including a student representing the UNC Campus Y. The <br />sub committees has provided excellent input for determining the direc- <br />tion of the program. Special projects this year which were supported <br />by RSVP include fitness, recreation, pre- school literacy, tax assis- <br />tance and reading to the homebound visually impaired. <br />Volunteer Recruitment <br />New volunteers have been recruited each quarter through media and <br />Public relations efforts. The council has noted that if the program <br />becomes much larger, additional staff, funds, and space would be <br />needed. The community appears to be moving in the direction of dev- <br />eloping more facilities for older persons and agencies. <br />Volunteer Support <br />There is a low turn -over rate for volunteers in the program. Those <br />exiting the program cite reasons of ill health or moving away from the <br />area for discontinuing their volunteer service. The positive responses <br />to the questionnaires reflect a belief in the program and the benefits <br />it offers. The council felt that volunteers, both new and those with <br />the program for several years should be advised of their rights and <br />privileges. Volunteers not satisfied with their assignments should be <br />informed of the opportunity to change. <br />The job description form encourages a greater understanding of the job <br />by the volunteer and the supervisor. Most volunteers learned of the <br />program through the media, (especially newspapers) or word of mouth. <br />The advertisements usually will bring a new volunteer into the program, <br />not to volunteers for the specific request, but to enroll. Problems <br />associated with expense reimbursement have been solved. <br />Communication /Planned and Informal <br />The RSVP newsletter, "Volunteer Viewpoint ", is now eight pages. Birth- <br />day cards and notices of special volunteer projects are sent regularly. <br />The Advisory Committee meets bi- monthly. RSVP staff are Orange County <br />employees and attend all staff meetings. <br />Resource Development, Fund Raisin <br />As a result of efforts by the Advisory Council, and staff, RSVP has <br />excellent local financial support (63 percent of the RSVP budget). <br />Local government sponsors regard RSVP as a vital community resource. <br />Pro'ect management <br />The goals and objectives are realistic based on professional staff <br />size. More staff time (especially in the fall) has been spent on <br />14-B <br />