| Author |
Message |
    
Dave
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2001 - 9:54 am: |     |
What can the township committee do to restore some of the interest in volunteerism in the township?
If elected, what programs would you institute in this regard? |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:29 am: | |
SCOTT KISCH:
People need to be "incentivized." Sometimes the rewards are tangible, sometimes they come w/the satisfaction of performing a public deed, often through group association.
By working through the Chamber and the various Partnerships and Improvement Districts, we can develop a coupon program in exchange for a certain number of hours of volunteer work.
Public recognition also works and kudos should go to the TC for, regularly, recognizing various groups/individuals for performing various deeds. Maybe we could expand this by establishing a monthly "wall of fame" in town hall, and simply rotate the names and faces. This would be great for kids/teens, and help instill in them the volunteer spirit at an early age.
For large employers in town i.e. PSEG, NJ Transit, Verizon, Winchester etc. (and public sector/unions/BOE also) we should work closely with their public affairs departments to instill community service as part of their "corporate culture" and convince them that an active community relations program is in their best interest as our neighbor. Their employees could also receive coupons for products/services from Maplewood businesses. |
Admin
| | Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2001 - 7:31 am: | |
DAVID HUEMER:
Volunteerism is alive and well in Maplewood. There are four people that want to fill one vacant seat on the Township Committee. Contested School Board Elections are the norm. This year's CBAC had 30 members, compared to 15 members last year. Both voter registration and percentage of voter turnout were higher in 2000 than they were in 1996. When I participated this year in the Earth Day Clean Up Project, I was heartened by the large number of enthusiastic, hard-working Columbia High School students who participated. As much as their lives allow people in this community are interested in contributing.
During my two years as Co-President of the Tuscan School PTA, we moved as many events and activities that took place during school hours as possible to non-school hours, allowing more working parents to participate in these activities.
I'm receptive to the idea that arose out of my conversation with an Oberlin Street family, that the Township should consider offering jitney, parking or pool passes to residents who perform these kinds of volunteer services for many years. These acknowledgments would cost the town very little, and could also be used to attract new volunteers to join these efforts. I welcome your opinions about this.
We should explore the success other communities have had in developing auxiliary programs for high school juniors and seniors.
People do volunteer work to become involved in and improve their communities, and not for recognition or attribution. Volunteerism plays a big part of our community in so many areas -- in our schools, recreation programs, houses of worship, and in public safety. Our community relies on this important work and it should be officially acknowledged and encouraged. To that end, I support designating a week every year as "volunteer appreciation" week. |
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