4:00pm | The following is a response to this article by contributor Jacob Beizer on the fundraising hardships that non-profit organizations face in the Recession, and was sent to the lbpost.com by Diane Johnson of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

*

The article written on the fiscal issues of nonprofits by Jacob Beizer truly reflects the drastic changes that nonprofits are encountering on a daily basis. As funding sources decrease, almost inevitably requests for service increase dramatically. And how can agencies that truly serve our community in its greatest need continue to serve? Creativity and moving from traditional delivery of services to an new and more sustaining resource: Volunteers.  
 
One of the most simple solutions lies in the natural resources of each community: Utilization of Volunteers. This resource, growing as more individuals retire, are laid off from work and those who have expendable time look for solutions to solve their “too much time on my hands” syndrome could assist agencies who could use the talents, skills, experience and passions of these volunteers to meet the needs of the community.
 
Often finding the “perfect fit” for serving can be difficult: not knowing who to call, not being sure what they want to do, do I have enough training, all become barriers to serving. One solution to the search, Volunteer Village is being held on Wednesday, October 20, from 3:00–7:00pm at the El Dorado Park West, Community/Senior Center on Studebaker Road. A free “one-stop shopping” event designed solely for potential volunteers to meet with 50 local non-profit and public agencies.  
 
I have attached the Press Release for the general public. I am hoping that as a follow up to the nonprofit fiscal concerns as cited by Mr. Beizer, you could offer the public a response and solution to the growing problem. As I read your article, it struck me that you could provide a new resource to those hurting agencies by offering a real and long term solutions to their fiscal woes. In fact, a high percentage of volunteers become so vested in the agency they volunteer for, they soon become fiscal supporters as well as ambassadors for the agency.  
 
I welcome your help and am hoping that lbpost.com can make a difference in helping our community. Your access to the public can make a difference for both individuals and  agencies.  
 
In Service,
Diane L. Johnson
RSVP Director

The press release attached by Johnson is printed in full below:

Free Volunteer Village Event Offers Wide Range of Volunteer Opportunities for All

Interested in volunteering? Don’t know where to start? Answers and advice can be yours by attending the 8th Annual Fall Volunteer Village. This free event will be held at El Dorado Park West Community/Senior Center, 2800 Studebaker Road, Long Beach on Wednesday, October 20 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parking is free and plentiful.

Volunteer Village aims to make it easier for the public to find their perfect volunteer placement in a one-stop shopping experience. The event provides potential volunteers an opportunity to interview nonprofit and public agencies to find a volunteer placement that matches their time, talents and interests. Everyone –students, adults, retirees, families and corporate employees – with an interest in volunteering is invited to attend. 

Fifty Greater Long Beach community organizations, nonprofits and public agencies will have representatives available to provide potential volunteers information about their programs and how volunteers can help. The event is free to the public and attendees of all ages are welcome.  

  • Donations of disposable diapers, baby blankets, and infant clothing for Councilwoman Gerrie Shipskie’s Community Baby Shower will be accepted at this event.
  • Donations of pet food, dog and cat toys for City of Long Beach Animal Care Services will also be accepted at this event.

 
Volunteer Village is organized by the Greater Long Beach Directors of Volunteers, an affinity group convened by the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership.  Event co-sponsors are Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership, Long Beach Unified School District, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and the City of Long Beach: Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine.

For general information, please contact Diane Johnson at Retired & Senior Volunteer Program: (562) 506-2801 or email [email protected]. Information for agencies interested in participating is available at Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership: www.lbnp.org.