Iowa Administrative Code Agency 817 - Volunteer Service, Iowa Commission On
Iowa Administrative Code – Agency 817: Volunteer Service, Iowa Commission On
1. Purpose and Mission
Agency 817 governs the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, which is charged with promoting, supporting, and coordinating volunteer service efforts throughout the state of Iowa.
The mission is to encourage civic engagement by mobilizing volunteers, supporting volunteer programs, and facilitating partnerships between citizens, nonprofits, and government entities.
2. Scope of Authority
The Commission operates under rules that enable it to:
Develop statewide strategies for volunteerism.
Administer grant programs to support volunteer initiatives.
Provide training and technical assistance to organizations engaging volunteers.
Coordinate service opportunities across sectors.
Recognize and promote outstanding volunteer efforts.
3. Commission Structure and Membership
The Commission is composed of appointed members representing various sectors such as government, nonprofits, business, and volunteer organizations.
Membership terms, qualifications, and appointment procedures are outlined in the rules.
The Commission may establish committees or working groups to focus on specific areas like youth service, disaster response, or senior volunteering.
4. Programs and Funding
The rules specify how the Commission administers volunteer-related programs, including:
Grant programs: The Commission may award grants to nonprofits and public agencies to develop or expand volunteer services.
AmeriCorps and National Service programs: The Commission often serves as the state agency overseeing these federal programs.
Volunteer recognition: Programs to honor exceptional volunteers or organizations contributing to community service.
5. Application and Reporting Requirements
Organizations seeking grants or program participation must follow application procedures set by the Commission, including:
Submission of proposals detailing program objectives, volunteer management plans, and expected outcomes.
Compliance with reporting requirements such as progress updates, financial statements, and final impact reports.
6. Standards and Best Practices
The Commission promotes standards for effective volunteer management including:
Recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers.
Ensuring safety and liability protections.
Diversity and inclusion in volunteer programs.
Data collection and evaluation to measure impact.
7. Meetings and Governance
The Commission holds regular meetings, with notices and agendas provided in accordance with administrative rules.
Quorum requirements, voting procedures, and recordkeeping practices are established.
Meetings are generally open to the public, supporting transparency and community involvement.
8. Collaboration and Partnerships
The Commission fosters collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private sector partners.
It serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer resources and information.
Summary Table (Simplified):
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Promote and coordinate volunteer service statewide |
| Commission Members | Appointed members representing diverse sectors |
| Programs | Grants, AmeriCorps oversight, volunteer recognition |
| Application | Procedures for grants and program participation |
| Standards | Volunteer management best practices, safety, inclusion |
| Meetings | Regular, public meetings with governance rules |
| Collaboration | Partnerships across sectors and volunteer resource coordination |
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