§ 25-10-128 - Division of Volunteerism. - Arkansas Statutes

25-10-128. Division of Volunteerism.

(a) There is created in the Department of Human Services a Division of Volunteerism.

(b) Administrative assistance to coordinate the activities of the division shall be given by a Deputy Director for Volunteerism who will devote full time to the duties of the office and assume the responsibility for carrying out the duties prescribed by this section. The deputy director shall employ any employees who are necessary to carry out the goals of the office, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

(c) The duties and responsibilities of the Division of Volunteerism are as follows:

(1) To assess and recognize the needs of communities throughout Arkansas and to recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers and volunteer organizations in meeting those needs;

(2) To assist in specific projects involving volunteers to meet community needs;

(3) To provide greater public awareness and recognition of volunteer efforts; and

(4) To assist in devising training programs for use by community organizations which have programs to assist welfare recipients and to assist other divisions of the department in devising and administering programs to match those current and past welfare recipients with any community organizations which desire to assist them.

(d) The program and staff of the Division of Volunteerism will be assisted by an advisory council. It will be the responsibility of this council to assist the staff in setting goals, establishing priority activities, performing an advocacy role, and assisting in funding and resource development and publicity and recognition and awards programs. Council members shall be appointed by the Governor from existing state, local, and private agencies which operate volunteer programs and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.