Portneuf ActionPortneuf ActionVolunteer NetworkVolunteer Network

Portneuf ActionPortneuf ActionVolunteer NetworkVolunteer Network

Anthropology of Global Health • Fall 2007Chris Peirsol

Katrina Harwood

Karen Robertson

Angela Gilbert

Kacee Garner

Our MissionOur MissionOur MissionOur Mission

• To unite concerned Pocatello, Idaho, citizens with organizations in the area in need of volunteers through an internet-based calendar and organization listing.

Our PhilosophyOur PhilosophyOur PhilosophyOur Philosophy

• We believe that by making volunteering easier to coordinate, the community will more actively participate in service. Through service, the community will work together to help the poor and afflicted, thereby creating a better city. Through the small efforts of many, we wish to create a light to the world of unity and service.

Our VisionOur VisionOur VisionOur Vision

• As we unite volunteers with organizations, we will look forward to expanding our efforts from Pocatello to southeast Idaho. Our internet site will grow and become more user-friendly and helpful for families, large and small groups, professionals, and lay people.

OrganizationOrganizationOrganizationOrganization

• Small board of directors to review policies and provide oversight.

• External accountant to oversee accounts and tax code requirements

• Volunteer/part time paid staff person(s) to:• Update website as needed• Generate publicity (media, newsletter etc.)• Recruit and retain partner organizations

Local ProblemsLocal ProblemsLocal ProblemsLocal Problems

• Staffing Needs

• Fundraising Needs

• Lack of Resources

Government FundingGovernment FundingGovernment FundingGovernment Funding

• Example:

Source: Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, 2006

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

• Family Services Alliance• Crisis Line Advocate

• Reading to Children

• Child Care Aide

• The Idaho Foodbank• Food Repacking

• Assistant Load and Unload Trucks

• Write Newsletter Articles

• Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICCA)

• Deliver Meals on Wheels

• Mutual Self Help Housing

• RSVP – Mentoring Children of Prisoners

• The Salvation Army• Cook and Serve Meals

• Assemble Food Boxes

• Clerical Duties

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

• Bannock Youth Foundation• Teen Suicide Hotline

• Help Children with Homework

• Food Drives

• Southeast Idaho Council of Governments /Area Agency on Aging

• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)• United Way of Southeast Idaho

•Aid For Friends•Home Hygiene Drives

•Maintenance and Repair Projects

•Shelter Supervision

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

Potential Partner Potential Partner Organizations & NeedsOrganizations & Needs

• Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services• First Book• Big Brothers/Big Sisters• Special Olympics• Hispanic Health Project• Red Cross• Pocatello Free Clinic• Medical Reserve Corps• Local Schools

WebsiteWebsiteWebsiteWebsite• Opportunities for:

• Individuals

• Groups

• Professionals

• Donations

• Success Stories:• Volunteer of the

Month

• Organization of the Month

• Newsletter download

WebsiteWebsiteWebsiteWebsite• Calendar

• Community Events

• Partner Organization Events

• Customizable & Printable Volunteer Calendar

• Community Bulletin• Post information and

events

• Share experiences, tips and photos

Needs AssessmentNeeds AssessmentNeeds AssessmentNeeds Assessment

• Focus Groups• Surveys• Partner organization recruitment

and training• Legal issues / liability waivers• Website creation bid• Public information campaign plan

StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths

• Online—widely accessible, inexpensive, utilizing new technology

• Assisting existing organizations meeting their goals, not duplicating services

• Minimal overhead or need for large paid staff

• Pocatello seems like the right size to attempt this sort of project—large pool of volunteers with a well-developed sense of community

Opportunities• Help local organizations better serve people in

need• Help people become more comfortable

volunteering• Increase volunteerism• Create a better sense of community • Increase Pocatello’s aptitude for giving• Working with well-established volunteer groups

including religious community• Opportunity for idea to spread to other cities

www. portneuf-action.orgwww. portneuf-action.orgwww. portneuf-action.orgwww. portneuf-action.org