DHSS Press Release

VOLUNTEERS TO PRESENT A $25 MILLION

Presentation at Delaware Conference on Volunteerism represents 1.5 million hours of volunteer service

DOVER - The Delaware State Office of Volunteerism and the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators will present Lt. Governor John Carney with a symbolic check for $25 million on Jan. 30, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. at the annual Delaware Conference on Volunteerism at Delaware Technical & Community College, Terry Campus, Conference and Training Center, Dover.

The $25 million "check" represents more than 1.5 million hours of volunteer service performed in Delaware during calendar year 2002.

The current dollar value of volunteer time is $16.05 per hour, as determined by Independent Sector. Independent Sector is a non-profit, nonpartisan coalition of more than 700 national organizations, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation.

The Delaware Conference on Volunteerism is a statewide conference for all individuals working in the field of volunteer management. The conference which will run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. is open to the public, but limited seating is available. The $40 registration fee includes all workshops, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. For more information about registration, please call 800-815-5465.

The conference workshops will cover a range of volunteer management topics including risk management and liability, computer technology, fundraising and media relations. The conference also will offer roundtable discussions on homeland security, developing partnerships and managing large-scale volunteer projects. Experts in the volunteer field from Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia will be workshop presenters.

The Delaware Conference on Volunteerism is hosted by Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, State Office of Volunteerism; Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators; Governor's Council on Volunteer Services and the Delaware Community Service Commission. The conference is generously supported by Agilent Technologies, Bank One, Christiana Care Health System, Conectiv, Delaware Racing Association, Discover Bank, DuPont, MBNA, and Wilmington Trust.

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.