Serve Illinois Commission Seeks Input on State's Volunteerism Plan

SPRINGFIELD - The Serve Illinois Commission is asking for your help in Illinois' State Service Plan for 2010-2013.  The Commission is announcing a series of five listening sessions to assist in the development of Illinois' State Service Plan.

"These listening sessions will help in moving Illinois forward through volunteerism and community service," said Serve Illinois Executive Director Ted Gibbs. "They will also help us gain information on what volunteers are doing, and what they need to benefit communities.

Last year, the Serve Illinois Commission developed the State Service Plan in accordance with the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.  To ensure that all Illinoisans can contribute to their service plan, the Commission annually hosts a series of listening sessions throughout the Land of Lincoln to encourage an open and public process.

All those who wish to contribute will be able to make public comment about the direction of Illinois' support of service.    The listening sessions will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the following locations:          

August 18 - Peoria
Embassy Suites East Peoria
Grandview Room
100 Conference Center Drive
East Peoria, Illinois 61611

August 25 - Champaign
Champaign Public Library
Pavilion Room A&B
200 W. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820

September 1- Carbondale
Carbondale Civic Center
Room 118
200 S. Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62902-2047

September 8 - Chicago
Metcalfe Building
Room 331
77 W. Jackson St
Chicago, IL 60604

September 9 - Quad Cities
Rock Island Health Dept
2112 25th  Avenue
Rock Island 61201  

If you are unable to attend one of the Listening Sessions, we welcome you to provide written feedback.  You can submit written feedback by email or fax to Scott McFarland.  Mr. McFarland's email address is Scott.McFarland@Illinois.gov and his fax number is 217-557-0515.  There is also a set of questions posted on the "Spotlight" section of the Serve Illinois website at www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

The current Service Plan can be viewed at the Serve Illinois website, www.Serve.Illinois.gov, a valuable new resource for volunteer opportunities statewide.  The website serves as a primary resource for Illinoisans who are seeking information about volunteer agencies, trainings, nonprofit resources and national service programs including AmeriCorps.

The Serve Illinois Commission administers the AmeriCorps* State programs in Illinois.  Serve Illinois is funded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service.  The Serve Illinois Commission currently supports 32 AmeriCorps programs throughout the state. 

For more information on AmeriCorps or Serve Illinois, visit the website at www.serve.illinois.gov or call 800-592-9896.