“Spark the Spirit of Giving”

The use of volunteers gives communities the power to both increase meaningful engagement with residents and discover creative ways to meet expanding needs for services with limited resources. The successful implementation of volunteer programs can accomplish these dual goals, as many recent local government initiatives have shown. Yet there is an overall lack of focus on utilizing volunteerism, not only to meet service needs but also as a strategy for positive citizen engagement.

Eau Claire can tap into a reservoir of human capital—volunteers—to deliver services, drive economic recovery and growth, and to engage residents within our city, which in turn can lead to creative and sustainable solutions.

Specifically, volunteers can bring scale to strapped programs, enhance city identity, lead activities that drive family and community recovery, and build a sense of shared purpose and collective action across neighborhoods and politics.

Beyond enhancing the face of Eau Claire, volunteerism keeps people connected and engaged in their community. This is critical in maintaining a robust and vibrant population. An ongoing study conducted by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation entitled “Soul of the Community” explores what brings people to a community and what makes them stay. Critical to this discussion is the finding of “a significant relationship between people’s passion and loyalty for their community and local economic growth.” In tangible and intangible ways, municipal volunteer programs can support the broader policy goals of a city.

Smart, strategic activation of volunteers in service can help managers and cities bring to life platform priorities such as education, sustainability, and economic growth. The view that “volunteering involves activities solely for nonprofit organizations” is too narrow. We need residents to assist Eau Claire.  Volunteers help local government stretch shrinking dollars and make real-life connections with citizens.

Last fall, the City of Eau Claire created a City Volunteer Coordinator to act as a liaison between the public and the City to assist with scheduling volunteers for the City.  As part of this effort, the City is holding a “Spark the Spirit of Giving” service night on February 18^th from 5 to 7 pm.  Learn about some meaningful ways you can spend time with your family, the community and help make Eau Claire a healthy, vibrant, and productive community of exceptional beauty. To register for the event go to www.eauclairevolunteercoordinator.eventbrite.com.  Spend 15 minutes or stay the whole two hours. You pick what works for your schedule.