Innovations
Innovations Overview
Thank you for visiting our CaliforniaVolunteers’ Innovations web page! CaliforniaVolunteers is proud to showcase some of its most innovative programs and initiatives with you. Our hope is that we can continue to share best practices and resources, and collaborate on new ideas that will continue to push the service and volunteering movement forward!
Below, you will find some of the most successful programs and initiatives we have launched at CaliforniaVolunteers. Some have already launched, some are in the development phase and some have already proven very successful… whatever the state of the program, we are confident that it will provide you with a unique insight into our programs and offer you perspective on our key program findings and lessons learned.
We hope this gives you a snapshot of what California is doing to make the service and volunteering movement thrive, and we look forward to learning about some of your innovative programs and initiatives.
To learn more about each of our programs and initiatives, please click on the desired program below or continue to scroll down:
- California Volunteer Matching Network
- Business Partner Program
- Surviving and Thriving
- California Green Jobs Corps
- CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Corps
- CaliforniaVolunteers Disability Inclusion Program
- WE Prepare Disaster Preparedness Campaign
- Governor and First Lady’s Medals for Service
- Governor and First Lady’s Service Awards
California Volunteer Matching Network
Program Description
- The California Volunteer Matching Network (CVMN) was originally established in Fall 2006 to address the need for a single online statewide portal where any Californian could find volunteer opportunities in their own communities. Through the initiative, CaliforniaVolunteers partners with 27 “Hubs” (volunteer centers and HandsOn Affiliates) across the state, as well as virtual volunteer matching entities such as Volunteer Match, AmeriCorps.gov, and more than a dozen others. Since its launch, the CVMN has served as a key springboard for additional partnerships. CVMN Hubs often play a central role in the implementation of CaliforniaVolunteers activities in local communities by recruiting needed volunteers, identifying potential projects, promoting various CaliforniaVolunteers activities, and supporting volunteer needs as part of disaster response and recovery.
Need Addressed through Program
- The California Volunteer Matching Network ensures a single, robust online volunteer matching tool for all Californians, provides technical and financial support for local online volunteer technologies across the state, and offers a strong network of organizations working to promote volunteering and service across the state, in partnership with CaliforniaVolunteers.
Key Program Elements
- The California Volunteer Matching Network utilizes various elements to create a robust program. The following elements comprise the cornerstone of the CVMN:
- An online volunteer matching tool housed at CaliforniaVolunteers.org, which aggregates volunteer opportunity listings from 27 Hubs as well as a wide variety of virtual volunteer matching tools.
- Agreements with local Hubs to partner with CaliforniaVolunteers in the implementation of local activities, including disaster response.
Budget Implications
- The California Volunteer Matching Network receives state funding to provide basic support of this program. In FY 2006-07 and 2007-08, funding was approximately $1.2 million per year and included funding for promotion of the CVMN. In FY 2008-09, funding was reduced to just over $360,000.
Timeline
- Initial research for the California Volunteer Matching Network began in December 2005, with full implementation of the program in October 2006.
Key Program Partners
- Primary program support is generated by CVMN “Hubs” (volunteer centers and HandsOn Affiliates) across the state.
Lessons Learned
Key Lessons from the California Volunteer Matching Network:
- CVMN has proven an effective program for engaging more Californians in volunteering and service. Since launch, more than 120,000 searches have been conducted using the tool.
- Originally launched as a technology solution, the Network has become an important partnership base on many fronts.
What CVMN could improve on:
- Diversifying funding to avoid being too reliant on a single funding stream.
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Business Partner Program
Program Description
- The CaliforniaVolunteers Business Partner Program was developed to support an expanded culture of volunteering among California’s businesses – of all sizes and from all industries. The initial development of the Business Partner Program was led by a team of pro bono consultants from Deloitte LLP in collaboration with CaliforniaVolunteers staff. The program design is informed by significant local, state and national thought-leaders in the national service arena, as well as a wide variety of business leaders who have a strong commitment to employee volunteering. In September 2009, CaliforniaVolunteers will launch the state’s first Business Advisory Council (BAC) focusing on employee volunteering and service to communities. The BAC is a cornerstone of CaliforniaVolunteers’ new Business Partner Program (BPP), and will serve to inform CaliforniaVolunteers’ efforts to increase and strengthen business volunteering across the state in collaboration with local, regional and national leaders.
Need Addressed through Program
- The Business Partner Program provides a statewide platform and associated programming to increase business volunteering in all California businesses.
Key Program Elements
- The Business Partner Program utilizes various strategies to support program development and outreach. The following elements comprise the cornerstone of the Business Partner Program:
- A Business Partner Program section on the CaliforniaVolunteers.org website, which includes a robust reference section linking users – both businesses and nonprofits that provide volunteer opportunities for businesses – to a wide array of online resources.
- A Business Advisory Council, which will serve to inform CaliforniaVolunteers’ efforts to increase and strengthen business volunteering across the state in collaboration with local, regional and national leaders.
Budget Implications
- Program development was conducted through a pro bono partnership with Deloitte LLP. CaliforniaVolunteers is currently seeking grant funding to support the implementation and management of the Business Partner Program.
Timeline
- Program development for the Business Partner Program began in November 2008. The Business Partner Program website will launch in June 2009 and the Business Advisory Council will launch in September 2009.
Key Program Partners
- Key program partners are Deloitte LLP, who has provided significant pro bono consulting for the development and launch of this program. CaliforniaVolunteers also solicited input from 75 business and nonprofit leaders. The Business Advisory Council work group will also be a key program partner as the program evolves.
Lessons Learned
Key lessons learned about the Business Partner Program:
- Businesses and nonprofits are enthusiastic about the potential of this program.
- Dozens of businesses have already indicated early interest in joining the Business Advisory Council and/or participating in future Business Partner Program programming.
- The pro bono support from Deloitte was invaluable in getting this program designed and off the ground.
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Surviving and Thriving
Program Description
- CaliforniaVolunteers, in partnership with Bank of America, the Taproot Foundation, and local partners across the state developed a series of free one-day conferences providing nonprofits access to key training and resources to help them effectively manage – and thrive – during the economic downturn. More than 1,000 California nonprofit leaders have attended this series to date, where they learned about leveraging the full spectrum of volunteers; financial and operational tactics for tough times; current donor trends; and local, state and national data related to nonprofit success during the economic downturn.
Need Addressed through Program
- Nonprofits across California are struggling to keep their doors open. As part of this conference series, CaliforniaVolunteers surveyed all conference registrants and found more than 70% of those surveyed indicated declining funding, while at same time some 80% are experiencing an increased demand for services. While many community organizations offer in-depth training, many nonprofits are not able to afford the costs.
Key Program Elements
- One-day conferences for nonprofits addressing key strategies regarding volunteers, financial and operational practices, and donor trends. Conferences were held in Sacramento, Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Central Valley and the Bay Area. Future conferences across California and other parts of the US are in the planning stages.
- In-depth training led by California’s Secretary of Service and Volunteering, Karen Baker, members of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Management Team, and the Taproot Foundation.
- Lunchtime roundtables at which conference attendees could ask questions, discuss their needs and explore best practices on a wide variety of issues.
Budget Implications
- CaliforniaVolunteers and Bank of America invested an estimated $40,000 combined total in staff time developing this program. Each conference cost an estimated $3,000-5,000 in hard costs to produce, including lunches, materials, and locations. Several of the conferences were held in venues that were provided free-of-charge.
Timeline
- The Surviving and Thriving program was conceived in late December 2008, with agreement to implement the program in January 2009. All workshops and conferences were held in April 2009.
Key Program Partners
- Key programs partners include: Bank of America, who developed and delivered brand-new curriculum, and provided funding to pay for lunches and some venues; the Taproot foundation, who partnered to develop new volunteering curriculum; and, various local organizations that helped CaliforniaVolunteers publicize the conference.
Lessons Learned
Key lessons learned:
- Conference attendees found the curriculum very practical and relevant to their needs. Overall they gave the conference very high marks and walked away inspired and with tools they could implement right away.
- Working with the local organizations gave the conference increased relevance as attendees were referred to them for further training and support.
- Conference partners were highly engaged in the process and delivered high-quality training.
What Survive and Thrive could have improved upon:
- Further efforts could have been made to engage local partners earlier in the process.
For More Information
Agenda Overview and Data to Inform Your Strategy – Local Perspectives
Knowing Your Donor and Strategic Implications for Today
Financial and Operational Tactics to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times
Designing a Purposeful Strategy for Managing Human Capital
Leveraging the Full Spectrum of Volunteers
California Green Jobs Corps
Program Description
- Launched by Governor Schwarzenegger in March 2009, the California Green Jobs Corps will train 1,000 at-risk youth for technical, construction and other skilled jobs in California’s emerging green economy. The program will use federal economic stimulus funds and resources from public-private partnerships to invest $20 million in local programs to provide youth with training and development opportunities, including job-specific skills, education, environmental stewardship and service.
Need Addressed through Program
- The California Green Jobs Corps is stimulating the state’s economy while protecting its environment. The program is building the workforce for California’s developing green industry by providing at-risk youth with employment and skills training.
Key Program Elements
- California Green Jobs Corps programs are built upon local public-private partnerships that provide at-risk youth ages 16-24 with comprehensive training and development services:
- Partnerships: At a minimum, local partnerships include a workforce investment board, community college or community college district, a nonprofit organization and a private sector employer.
- Training: Participants receive job-related and soft skills training.
- Education: The program curriculum instruction that includes environmental stewardship and civic engagement.
- Service: Participants will also perform environmentally focused community service.
Budget Implications
- The state portion of the program is supported through $10 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. However, the program also requires grantees to contribute matching funds.
Timeline
- California Green Jobs Corps grantees will be announced in late June 2009. Programs will launch as early as July 1, 2009 and continue for the next 20 months.
Key Program Partners
- Key program partners are the Governor’s Office, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Employment Development Department, local workforce investment boards, community colleges and community college districts, local nonprofit organizations, and private sector employers.
Lessons Learned
- N/A
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CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Corps
Program Description
- Will be a cadre of 1,000 government-affiliated volunteers that meet Disaster Corps training, typing, certification, and security screening guidelines. These volunteers are part of local government disaster volunteer programs and represent a mutual aid resource that can be utilized statewide.
Need Addressed through Program
- The Disaster Corps program will integrate volunteers into the state’s emergency management system, using the mutual aid system to coordinate volunteer resources on a statewide basis in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Key Program Elements
- The CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Corps is built upon integrating disaster volunteers into the state’s emergency management system and providing them valuable benefits for affiliation. The key program elements and benefits include:
- Volunteer Classification, Typing, Training, and Credentialing Guidelines
- Disaster Volunteer Resource Inventory
- Connection to the Statewide Emergency Management System.
Budget Implications
- The CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Corps has received limited funding through the Citizen Corps Program and the State Homeland Security Grant Program. More diverse funding sources are needed to ensure the program can expand beyond its initial cadre of disaster volunteer programs.
Timeline
- The CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Corps program rollout is scheduled for June 2010.
Lessons Learned
- N/A
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CaliforniaVolunteers Disability Inclusion Program
Program Description
- CaliforniaVolunteers’ disability inclusion program aims to increase the number of people with disabilities serving as AmeriCorps members and volunteers across the state. CaliforniaVolunteers’ partners from the disability and service/volunteering fields work together to broker service and volunteer placements for people with disabilities across California. Through this collaboration, AmeriCorps programs, volunteer centers, and the disability inclusion field continue to build relationships and strategies that will result in the integration of inclusion into service and volunteer recruitment and management. The program also directly links AmeriCorps programs with resources to further strengthen inclusion practices and principles within their own program operations.
Need Addressed through Program
- Increase the number of people with disabilities participating in service and volunteering activities;
- Identify and address barriers for people with disabilities in service and volunteer positions;
- Identify and address barriers for service and volunteer programs to recruit and place people with disabilities; and,
- Provide AmeriCorps programs with strategies to continue to build inclusive environments and opportunities for people of all abilities.
Key Program Elements
- Outreach, training, and technical assistance:
- Maintain and develop new partnerships with disability organizations to recruit, place, and support people with disabilities in AmeriCorps programs, and to raise awareness of service and volunteering as a valuable opportunity for people with disabilities
- Secure or provide reasonable accommodations for AmeriCorps members
- Address needs and gaps in program capacity related to inclusion through trainings and workshops
- Generate accessible outreach material in multiple formats, including print, web, and other media
- Disability inclusion project model:
- Increases outreach and awareness of service and volunteering as valuable learning and skill development opportunities for people with disabilities
- Increasing outreach and awareness of people with disabilities as service providers
- Brokers recruitment and placement activities
- Provides AmeriCorps programs with guidance and recommendations on how to use the brokering approach to work with different disability organizations to successfully recruit and place people with disabilities into programs
Budget Implications
- For program development: This project is funded by federal Disability Inclusion funds.
- Outreach, training, and technical assistance efforts: $281,092
- Disability inclusion project: $420,000, including $110,000 for AmeriCorps programs and volunteer centers serving as placement sites and $160,000 for Regional Centers and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers for outreach and to broker placements. The Department of Developmental Services and the Tarjan Center received the remainder of funds for project management, oversight, and implementation of additional brokering activities.
- Implementation
- This model is a pilot project. Local program costs are unknown at this time.
Timeline
- Program development: The disability inclusion project was developed over the course of three months in preparation for the implementation timeline below. Methods to deliver outreach, as well as training and technical assistance were identified during the planning period. The program allows for the development of additional methods over the course of the program period to best meet the needs of the field.
- Implementation: Program period runs from January 1 – December 31, 2009. All outreach, training, technical assistance, and project efforts must be completed in this timeframe.
Key Program Partners
- Disability Organizations and Agencies: California Department of Developmental Services, the Tarjan Center at UCLA, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, local Independent Living Centers, Regional Centers
- AmeriCorps State and National Programs: California Safe Corps, Northstate Rural Assets Project, Fresno Safe and Proud Neighborhoods, Habitat for Humanity, WECARE, California Community Health Corps, Monterey County United for Literacy, Project REACH/Project APPLE, First 5 Service Corps
- Volunteer Centers: Volunteer Center of San Diego, Hands On Sacramento
Lessons Learned
Key Lessons about the Disability Inclusion Program
- Partners have engaged a variety of AmeriCorps programs and volunteer centers in rural and urban areas to provide diverse service and volunteering opportunities to people with disabilities.
- Collaboration with partners and disability organizations has resulted in plans to develop innovative outreach material to communicate service and volunteering as meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities, and to assist disability organizations and AmeriCorps programs in recognizing the value of service and hosting people with disabilities as volunteers (i.e., development of a transition toolkit for youth with disabilities in collaboration with the California Health Incentives Improvement Project, outreach material targeted to AmeriCorps programs and disability organizations to overcome knowledge barriers).
What the Disability Inclusion Program could have improved on:
- Target outreach to disability organizations to raise awareness of AmeriCorps programming as an opportunity for service delivery (i.e., encouraging disability organizations to apply for AmeriCorps funding).
- Support programs in the development of new service and volunteer opportunities that are a strong match for people with disabilities through continued training and technical assistance.
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WE Prepare Disaster Preparedness Campaign
Program Description
- WE Prepare is a statewide disaster preparedness campaign launched by CaliforniaVolunteers, in partnership with First Lady Maria Shriver. The WE Prepare campaign is the first-of-its-kind online disaster preparedness campaign providing mothers and families with real world disaster preparedness tips, information, resources and a fully customizable children’s book to teach children about disaster preparedness in a non-threatening and engaging manner.
Need Addressed through Program
- Since 1950, 255 states of emergency have been proclaimed in California. And since 1989, there have been 27 major declared disasters. Although these numbers are staggering, statistics show that less than half of Californians have a disaster plan. The WE Prepare campaign is designed to engage mothers and families to identify potential disaster risks, make AND practice their disaster plan, and help keep their children and families safe.
Key Program Elements
- WE Prepare utilizes various outreach strategies to engage mother and families in disaster preparedness. The following elements comprise the cornerstones of the WE Prepare campaign:
- Comprehensive campaign micro-site, which includes various tips and resources to get families prepared;
- A downloadable family disaster plan on the WE Prepare micro-site that allows for customization by each unique visitor that fills out the plan;
- A customizable children’s book with teachable moments to engage children in a non-threatening way about disaster preparedness; and,
- A “Mom’s Brigade” that serves as an army of mother influencers recruited to help us be our preparedness ambassadors.
Budget Implications
- Grant funding for the WE Prepare campaign was provided by the California Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $250,000. The WE Prepare campaign initially developed as a pilot program in Los Angeles, with intentions of a statewide rollout, and an additional $250,000 has been set aside to launch a statewide rollout and program implementation.
Timeline
- For program development:
- The California Readiness Advisory Group conducted a research study identifying the need for a disaster preparedness campaign in 2007
- CaliforniaVolunteers contracted with a public relations firm in March 2008 to plan and launch the WE Prepare campaign; campaign is officially launched in April 2008
- Pilot program lasts from April 2008 – June 2008
- For implementation:
- Pilot program launch of WE Prepare is April 2008 – June 2008
- Statewide rollout of WE Prepare scheduled for July 2009
Key Program Partners
- Key program partners include: First Lady Maria Shriver, the California Emergency Management Agency, ClearChannel Communications , Univsion 34 (Los Angeles), local CERT programs, and mommy bloggers.
Lessons Learned
Key lessons:
- Strategic partnerships with broadcast media helped leverage and stretch our dollars further in the Los Angeles media market.
- Positioning First Lady Maria Shriver as key spokesperson to moms, with a message that preparedness is an important factor and responsibility to keep mothers safe resonated with our audience because she is a credible information source.
- A customizable family plan that provided families an opportunity to make the planning process real and tangible inspired action.
- A customizable children’s book that engaged youth in a non-threatening way made the disaster preparedness planning a good family activity.
- A social media initiative engaging “mommy bloggers” to drive Web traffic to the WE Prepare site helped amplify our disaster preparedness message.
Areas for improvement:
- Finding additional opportunities to engage the Mom’s Brigade.
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Governor and First Lady’s Medals for Service
Program Description
- The inaugural Governor and First Lady’s Medals for Service recognizes individual volunteers, business volunteer programs, and nonprofit leaders whose innovation in the field of volunteerism has had a tangible impact on their community, region and the state of California. More than 100 nominations were received, and the awards in each category will be presented at a special luncheon in conjunction with the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco.
Need Addressed through Program
- The Medals for Service program addresses the strong desire from many sectors for a high-profile, statewide recognition program and it serves as an opportunity to inspire all Californians to serve their communities.
Key Program Elements
- A medallion is presented to an individual volunteer, a business with an innovative employee volunteer program, and a nonprofit leader who engages volunteers to achieve high impact.
Budget Implications
- Funding for this program is being provided by the Shinnyo-en Foundation. Excluding event program costs, the Medals for Service will cost an estimated $10,000 in staff time and $2,000 in hard costs.
Timeline
- The decision to launch this program was made in January 2009. Nominations opened in early May 2009 and were open for 3 ½ weeks. The Nomination Committee had about 5 days to review nominations. The top nominations in each category were then sent to the Governor and First Lady’s Offices for final selection. The awards will be presented June 22, 2009.
Key Program Partners
- The key program partner is the Shinnyo-en Foundation, who provided funding.
Lessons Learned
- N/A
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Governor and First Lady’s Service Awards
Program Description
- The Governor and First Lady’s Service Award program provides recognition to Californians who complete a minimum number of service hours within a 12-month period. Youth ages 5-14 receive the award after completing 25 hours of service. Individuals ages 15 and older receive the award following the completion of 50 hours of service. Award recipients receive a certificate of recognition from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver. In addition, award recipients are encouraged to continue serving towards the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Need Addressed through Program
- Volunteer recognition is an important aspect of effective volunteer management. The Governor and First Lady’s Service Award program provides a high-quality, no-cost option for nonprofits and other entities that use volunteers to provide recognition to their volunteers.
Key Program Elements
- The program is administered in partnership with the President’s Volunteer Service Award program. Nonprofit organizations can apply to become a certifying organization via the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program Web site - www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. Once approved, certifying organizations receive access to an on-line system to track volunteer hours and order awards for both the Governor and First Lady’s Service Award and President’s Volunteer Service Award programs.
- CaliforniaVolunteers processes all award packages for the Governor and First Lady’s Service Award, which includes a certificate of recognition from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver, as well as other recognition items. The California award package is provided free of charge.
Budget Implications
- For program development: Fees for establishing a relationship with the President’s Volunteer Service Award program, minor program costs for development of certificate/recognition items and collateral materials for promotion.
- For implementation: Ongoing staff time (or fulfillment contract) to process award packages, postage/shipping for award packages, ongoing costs for certificate/recognition items and collateral materials promoting the program.
Timeline
- For program development: 1-3 months, depending on the level of customization of state-branded President’s Volunteer Service Award website, as well as internal processes for developing recognition and promotional materials.
- For implementation: Ongoing program.
Key Program Partners
- The key partner is the President’s Volunteer Service Award program.
Lessons Learned
Key lessons:
- There has been a positive response from certifying organizations and volunteers receiving awards.
- The program is a low-cost and high-return activity.
- The program builds credibility and recognition in the field for CaliforniaVolunteers.
Areas for improvement:
- Develop a formal weekly schedule for processing of awards to prevent back-log of orders during high-traffic times (particularly in the spring).
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