National Volunteer Management Awards Presented
 
The National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG) announced four award winners during their annual meeting held online on June 23.  The awards recognize excellence in the field of volunteer management in city and county governments.
 
Awards were presented to:

• Tibby Larson, Volunteer Coordinator with the City of Salem, Oregon’s Parks & Recreation Program was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer Administrator.  During her 20 year career she coordinates and manages volunteer projects and activities throughout the City’s 92 parks and helped oversee a citywide volunteer management system.
• The City of Shawnee, Kansas received the Innovative Program Award for their Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program. Through this program which began in 2018, the City’s Volunteer Coordinator matches eligible residents with common household needs to qualified volunteers.  Examples of projects include deck repairs, mowing, and removing fallen trees.
• The City of Santa Clarita, California received a Rising to Excellence Award for exemplary work done as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Volunteer Engagement Program established the online SC Volunteer Hub to connect volunteers to critical services. So far, 150 volunteers have used the hub and this online portal will continue in use beyond the pandemic.
• The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia was also honored with a Rising to Excellence Award.  The Center’s Volunteer Service program created new opportunities including telephone visitors, birthday calls to veterans, and an on-site food pantry to serve veterans.