Spotlight on Member Agencies -- The City of Dublin, Ohio

In 1998, Dublin leaders saw the wisdom in developing a volunteer program and building another layer of relationships with its citizens through volunteerism.  Since that time, former NAVPLG Board Member Christine Nardecchia has been the Administrator.  Today, the program sees nearly 3,000 volunteers per year who donate well over 40,000 hours of time to all departments and programs.

"One of the most important things we did off the bat was to develop our program's core values with the community," said Nardecchia.  "As we have grown and developed into our "Learn, Serve and Engage" philosophy of service, those values -- Belonging, Engaging, Enriching, Outstanding, Learning, Developing and Supporting  -- have helped to shape a model program that makes citizens, employees and corporate citizens proud."  

She continued, "If I were limited to offer only one piece of advice to my colleagues, it would be this:  Allow your community to define volunteerism; it will help you to measure the most effective ways to building relationships and find the support needed in programs.  And always remember that you are not sparing cost -- you are contributing to and preserving the fabric of a community."

You can learn more here or by e-mailing cnardecchia@dublin.oh.us.