Community Initiatives
Finding solutions: In addition to our core services, the Center also participates in community initiatives where volunteers and volunteerism can help solve problems.
Youth/Family Volunteering
Research has shown that participation in service can increase youth’s self-esteem, moral reasoning and identity development. Evidence also links youth participation in service with decreases in negative behaviors such as drug use, violence and teen or with lowered risk factors associated with such negative behaviors. Increasing access to service opportunities through a variety of means it gives youth a better chance at achieving and acquiring these attributes.
Current Projects: Family Volunteer Day; Kids Care Clubs; MLK Day in parternship w/ Komachin Middle School.
Community Building & Poverty Alleviation
Current Projects: Thurston County Asset Coalition; Medical Transportation; The Olympia Project
Neighboring: In Mason County, Hispanic and Latino residents are underrepresented as volunteers and community leaders even as the population of this marginalized group continues to grow in percentage of the area’s total population. In addition, the rural setting of Mason County fosters an environment that disenfranchises this population from access to networks that can support and serve their growing needs.
Baby Boomers
Recent research shows that Americans in the second half of life – regardless of income, educational level, or race – want to:
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explore options for the next stage of life
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retool skills, obtain new training, or pursue educational interests
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use their skills and experience in flexible work or service opportunities
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make meaningful connections with their peers and their community.
Current Projects: The Next Chapter initiative calls on communities to create new institutional approaches that help adults make the transition to a new productive life phase by providing support and community connections for ongoing learning, development, and contribution to society.
Disaster Recovery:
Experience has shown that a strong, well-organized long-term recovery group, organization, or committee will enhance a coordinated response to address unmet recovery needs of communities, families and individuals. The Volunteer Center has been helping organize Long Term Recovery Organizations in our area. The work demands organized case management procedures and efficient and effective use of volunteers from board members to backhoe operators. A consistent point person is essential to the smooth operation of these community run groups supported by the Volunteer Center.
Lewis County Long Term Recovery Organization
