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VOLUNTEERISM PEAKED in the United States of America during the 1930s when the federal government coordinated volunteerism to fight the hunger, homelessness, and unemployment that were rampant due to The Great Depression.
In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing National Volunteers Week.
In his inaugural speech of 1989, George H.W. Bush cast a vision of “a thousand points of light” in relation to volunteerism. He is also credited as saying, “The potential of the American people knows no limits.” The Points of Light Foundation launched in the early 1990s as an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit resource for volunteerism. It currently is the world’s largest organization dedicated to supporting service.
In 1993, Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, which laid the foundation for Americorps, a national service program designed to address pressing challenges with civic duty. President Barack Obama strengthened and grew this program.
Volunteers are a vital resource, whose talents are utilized in many sectors, including but not limited to healthcare, social service, animal welfare, and environmental care. Volunteer opportunities abound on a local and national level and vary in formality and commitment.
With volunteer opportunities plentiful, it is important for volunteers to identify the unique set of talents they wish to share and the time they’re willing to share, and to evaluate whether these align with the needs of a specific position. Many agencies have a volunteer coordinator or designee to assist in this process. Proper alignment helps the volunteer achieve experiences that are personally rewarding.
The Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Program utilizes volunteers to advocate for excellence in nursing-home care. This is accomplished through advocacy visits focusing on resident rights and investigating complaints. Volunteers work under the direction of paid staff and are a vital part of our team.
If you are interested in receiving information about services or volunteering for the Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Program, please contact our main line at 419-259-2891. The Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Program is supported by the Ohio Department of Aging, and the services provided are free of charge and confidential.
Lori Davis is an Ombudsman Volunteer Coordinator. ✲
