[StBernard] Summer of Service begins with launch of Volunteer Web site and call center

[Westley Annis]

Summer of Service begins with launch of Volunteer Web site and call center Volunteer Louisiana coordinates opportunities statewide 

BATON ROUGE-Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and other state officials joined the Points of Light Foundation to unveil VolunteerLouisiana.gov and Louisiana's Volunteer Call Center at the State Capitol today. Both tools streamline and enhance the state's ability to engage and connect the numerous volunteers eager to assist in Louisiana's recovery with opportunities that best suit their interests. Louisiana is the first state in the nation to establish this major partnership with the Points of Light Foundation. 

"One silver lining that followed the hurricanes was the outpouring of prayers, caring and volunteers who came to us from all across the nation," said Governor Blanco. VolunteerLouisiana.gov is an easy-to-use system. Potential volunteers from across the nation can offer their services and quickly be linked to those who can use those services. This is the kind of collaborative between branches of state government and between p! ublic and private that is driving our recovery to success."

Lt. Governor Landrieu praised the collaboration as he discussed the call center which is hosted by the Louisiana Serve Commission. The call center numbers are 866-286-3835 and 225-342-3070.

"The new call center gives volunteers many opportunities to assist in recovery and non-recovery efforts," said Lt. Gov. Landrieu. "This will extend the ability of the Commission to accomplish its mission to promote volunteerism and service, and serve as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities." 

Governor Blanco, Lt. Governor Landrieu, First Gentleman Raymond S. Blanco and Higher Education Commissioner E. Joseph Savoie welcomed Points of Light Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Bill Bentley to Louisiana for today's unveiling.

The Points of Light Foundation is collaborating with Louisiana and Washington state simultaneously to launch similar sites and nu! mbers. Local volunteer centers throughout the state will use their exp ertise to place volunteers in communities with identified needs. 

"Our partnership with Louisiana provides a model we hope will expand to support states all through the nation," said Bill Bentley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Points of Light Foundation. "Together with local Volunteer Centers and State Service Commissions, we are growing a national infrastructure designed to support the average citizen's desire and ability to serve year round and during disasters." 

Commissioner Savoie urged college students in the state and throughout the country to give of their time and talent in the effort to rebuild lives and communities. 

"The purposes of higher education include more than just helping our students make a good living," said the Commissioner. "We have a responsibility to help our students live good lives. Instilling a sense of active citizenship, community responsibility and the obligation to contribute to! the common good are values as old as America. The storms exposed the fissures in our social and economic structures, fissures that these young people form across America can help us mend." 



-30- 



The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People www.louisianahelp.org