Campaign for Government Funding Gains Momentum
Volunteer Centers' Advocacy Initiatives Yield Record Success in FY06

By Beth Ludlum

Advocacy efforts of Volunteer Centers across the country this year resulted in a 50 percent increase in House and Senate member signatures on a letter supporting a federal appropriation for the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.

Forty-nine House and 20 Senate members endorsed the $35 million appropriations request to strengthen and expand mobilization of traditional community volunteers. Of that request, $10 million is for continued funding of activities at the national level through the Points of Light Foundation, while $25 million would be new funding for Volunteer Centers in communities across the country.

The letter has been delivered to the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies for their consideration. Whether the funding is incorporated into the budget will be determined during deliberations over the next five months. If approved, the funding will be available to Volunteer Centers during the Government's fiscal year 2006 that begins October 1, 2005.

In the meantime, it is important for Volunteer Centers to continue to inform their legislators about the work they do. The most effective way to do that is to invite Representatives and Senators to visit Volunteer Centers and keep them updated about programs, services, and, most importantly, successes. Even if Congress doesn't approve the funding this year, efforts to engage legislators will go a long way toward building Volunteer Centers' credibility as indispensable community assets.

For more information about advocacy efforts at the Points of Light Foundation, contact John Johansen, senior director, The Extra Mile & public affairs, 202-729-8273, JJohansen@PointsofLight.org.