On behalf of KristinMcSwain, Chief of Program Operations

DearColleagues:

Per Executive Order (EO) 13513 (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24203.pdf), Corporation grantees, project sponsors andsites are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messagingwhile driving company-owned or -rented vehicles, or while driving when onofficial Government business, or when performing any work for or on behalf ofthe Government.  Please read the linked EO.

Grantees andsponsors are also encouraged to take appropriate action within the scope oftheir existing programs to further the policies of this EO and to implementSection 2 of this EO. This includes, but is not limited to, considering newrules and programs; reevaluating existing programs to prohibit text messagingwhile driving; and conducting education, awareness, and other outreach forFederal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.These initiatives should encourage voluntary compliance with the agency’s textmessaging policy while off-duty.

In accordancewith EO 13513, AmeriCorps NCCC and AmeriCorps VISTA members are prohibited fromtext messaging while driving as they are covered by the federal government forworkers’ compensation claims.

AmyBorgstrom

AssociateDirector of Policy

AmeriCorps State and National

202606 6930

The Corporation for National and Community Service has released Volunteering in America 2009 (http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/), the most comprehensive data on volunteering ever assembled.  This research provides a wealth of information to national, state and local leaders to better understand volunteering trends and demographics and to develop to develop strategies for engaging more citizens in service. 

In partnership with HandsOn Network, the Corporation is providing specific resources to support the findings of this report. The resources on http://nationalserviceresources.org/via have been developed to increase the capacity of your organization, company, program, or community to effectively engage volunteers (http://nationalserviceresources.org/volunteer-member-staff-management/leveraging-volunteers) of all ages. These tools build on previous Volunteering in America reports and include new and updated resources.

Volunteering in America Resources

(available in the resource center: http://nationalserviceresources.org)

·         Volunteer Self-Organizing – Resources to help individuals plan and manage projects to bring about positive community change

·         Recruitment - Strategies to recruit new volunteers, including target populations such as Boomers and students

·         Retention – Tips for retaining volunteers and plugging “the leaky bucket”

·         Human Capital Strategies – Innovative techniques for nonprofits during these difficult economic times, including the use of pro bono services, other skilled volunteers, and volunteer leaders

·         Cost-Effective Volunteering - Practical tips for maximizing resources during an economic downturn

·         Voluntourism – Resources for understanding the growing trend of combining service and vacations