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Office on Volunteerism and Community Service
Mission
The Office on Volunteerism and Community Service (OVCS) serves organizations that strengthen their communities through volunteerism and service. Working with Virginia Corps, the Volunteer Center Network of Virginia and the Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteerism and National Service, OVCS promotes a sustainable holistic, cohesive, collaborative statewide system of volunteer service. The office is also responsible for promoting collaborations with faith-based and community organizations for the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Vision
- Virginians believe that volunteer service and civic engagement are a responsibility and a privilege, and practice them as an integral part of their daily lives
- Corporations and small businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, civic and grass roots organizations, neighborhoods and communities of faith encourage and provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to transform their communities through service.
History
1974 – Statewide meeting of citizens convenes to promote the establishment of a state office on volunteerism.
1975 – Executive Order 25 creates the State Office on Volunteerism. ACTION (now Corporation for National and Community Service), the federal agency on volunteerism, provides a grant for initial funding.
1976 – The Advisory Committee to the State Office on Volunteerism is established. Executive Order 42 continues the State Office on Volunteerism.
1977 – The General Assembly passes the Virginia State Government Volunteers Act, which encourages the development of volunteer programs within government. The act also authorizes certain standards for volunteer programming and benefits for volunteers.
1979 – Legislation creates the Virginia Division of Volunteerism, which is to encourage and enhance volunteerism in the Commonwealth.
1992 – Legislation that established the Department of Volunteerism is repealed. The governor and General Assembly preserve the department’s essential functions, funding and staff in the Department of Social Services under the name Virginia Office of Volunteerism (VOV).
1994 – In response to the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (NCSTA), Virginia submits its first State Plan for National Service and Volunteerism. The Corporation for National and Community Service approves the plan and Governor Allen’s Executive Order establishes the Virginia Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. The Commission’s charge encompasses a broad approach to supporting and strengthening volunteerism and community service in Virginia.
1995 – The Virginia Commission funds the first State AmeriCorps programs, beginning a rich tradition of national and community service in the Commonwealth.
1997 – The Virginia Commission becomes independent and continues to strengthen national and community service, while VOV carries on its work to support the traditional volunteerism community.
2003 – The Virginia Commission and VOV come full circle in a merger that combines their missions, constituencies and resources.
2006 – The Virginia Commission changes its name to the Virginia Office on Volunteerism & Community Service.