Throughout the year, the MAVA Public Affairs Committee will continue to provide MAVA Members with advocacy information and tools regarding timely issues, opportunities and needed rapid-responses on volunteerism-related topics.

Following you will find the 2006 Platform:

MAVA's 2006 Platform is to advocate with policymakers to strengthen the infrastructure for volunteers and effective volunteer resources management. To accomplish this goal MAVA will:

1. Be available to serve as a resource to policymakers on volunteerism-related topics and questions.

2. Educate policymakers about the nature, complexity, and impact of volunteer programs in Minnesota, including the significant level of responsibility carried out by volunteer resources managers.

3. Advocate for new funding streams for volunteer programs in order to maintain and build the quantity and quality of Minnesota volunteerism.

4. Work to accomplish the re-creation of a statewide Office of Volunteerism.

The Office would be a quasi-public or private sector organization rather than a government organization.

MAVA is now positioned to expand its work to fulfill the role of a statewide Office of Volunteerism.

Through this Office, Minnesota will once again be positioned as a national leader in volunteerism and volunteerism will be strengthened on a broad scale throughout Minnesota.

5. Educate policymakers about the important role that Volunteer Centers and other volunteer connector organizations play as an integral and essential part of Minnesota's volunteerism infrastructure.

6. Work toward more accessible, seamless and affordable background checks for Minnesota volunteer programs and work in coordination with or partner with other organizations to achieve this end, as appropriate and consistent with MAVA's priorities.

7. Advocate that AmeriCorps Members who serve in volunteer coordination roles be considered entry-level volunteer coordinators (unless they come to the position with prior volunteer coordination or volunteer program management experience).

We need your help in advancing the Platform. Keep us abreast of new developments in the field and volunteerism-related issues of importance to you and your organization.

The Committee will act in accordance with the Board approved Policy on Taking Public Positions that is included in the Members-Only section of the MAVA website. Members are encouraged to become familiar with that policy.

We look forward to being of service to you, and by working together, to being instrumental in creating real, needed change in the field of volunteerism and volunteer resources management.

Please forward information on an ongoing basis to office@mavanetwork.org. Join our committee today. And/or serve as an advisor on areas in which you have special expertise.