We have always felt that Staten Island was years ahead of the rest of the country in this effort but according to the statistics shared New York ranks as one of the lowest states in citizen involvement and volunteerism.
We at Where to Turn are going to double our efforts in an attempt to rectify this situation.
Through our Where to Turn Community Circle Initiative (http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=80) we will be reaching out to all our local schools civic groups, community boards and elected officials to recruit volunteers into our current programs and support of the volunteer efforts by posting their events.
We have also proposed programs at the National level to both Senator Clinton and Schumer (see below for details)
For a list of all of our Where to Turn Programs go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=18
For additional volunteer opportunities go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=26
We have already reached out to all of our local elected officials through our Campaigning for our Community Program asking candidates to offer their campaign workers of a day of community work.
We will continue to work with our court ordered offenders through our weekly graffiti cleanups but we will also work with any school to coordinate additional cleanups.
We also will ask all Staten Island Schools to adopt a block in their neighborhood and keep it graffiti and litter free. Where to Turn will supply the paint and supplies.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for this year’s Snow Shoveling for Seniors Program.
Last year we shoveled for over 625 seniors and this year our goal is 750.
Information and applications can be found at
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=42
We will also be planning our Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Flea Market and will need volunteers. We are also asking schools if they can begin supporting the effort by collecting unwanted gifts. We are also looking for some new toys to be distributed over the Holidays. We will arrange pick up at your convenience.
We have also passed on the following to our elected officials
National Recommendations
Proactive Support
Instead of waiting to coordinate efforts after hurricanes hit we recommend that schools and churches in non hurricane regions adopt schools and churches in hurricane regions or regions impacted by other natural disasters.
This will develop a proactive relationship. If a hurricane should hit our local school or church would have a contact at the hurricane impacted school or church and would be able to coordinate the collection of what is needed.
This could also be expanded to community groups and police departments, fire departments etc.
Where to Turn will arrange to cover the shipping costs by recruiting corporate sponsors. The coordination of the shipping will be expedited as all information would already be on file.
Recruiting Retiree Volunteers
Set up a federal or state fund which will support medical benefits to recent retirees who volunteer at least 20 hours a week at not for profits or schools.
This will supply valuable resources while cutting the payrolls of not for profits while provided medical benefits for those who have lost them when they retired.
Where to Turn is ready to coordinate a pilot program on Staten Island.
Volunteerism = Financial Aid
Have Colleges and Universities (especially at the state and city level) offer financial aid based on the amount of community service hours incoming students have accumulated over their pre college years.
Local organizations can be set up to track and document student volunteer hours
Injured Soldiers Benefits
Both candidates spoke of the problem of recruiting and retaining soldiers in the military.
One of the major problems is the pathetic treatment of injured veterans (both mentally and physically) when they return home.
Even though this was newsworthy last year little has been done and the injured vets continue to suffer.
Our proposal is that a certain percentage of each year’s military budget be dedicated to the treatment of returning soldiers.
If we dedicate even 3 to 5 percent we will have more than enough the properly treat the needs of those who have given up.
I believe that last year the only 1/10 of 1% of the total military budget went to veteran benefits. That is a disgrace.
In times of war as the military budget increases we will be able to bank funds to assist vets when they return.
We welcome your participation and suggestions.
Dennis McKeon
Executive Director
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island, NY 10308
718-966-6531
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