The City of Plano is a dynamic and growing community where hundreds of employees work side by side with volunteers to enhance city services and the community. Our goal is to continue to improve the quality of life through volunteerism, for all those who work and play in Plano by providing excellent service to our City and our community.
PROGRAM History
The City of Plano has been fortunate to have a diverse pool of individuals donating their time and talents. Volunteers participate in a multitude of services including technical, professional, emergency and general support areas. City officials and employees welcome their assistance, enthusiasm and skillfulness. Volunteerism is a huge part of what makes Plano special. With a shared vision, City employees lead volunteers in a myriad of activities and are committed to creating the best possible relationship with our volunteers.
For over two decades the City of Plano has sponsored an active volunteer program that strategically targets the needs of government and the community. In the past 28 years, Volunteers in Plano has donated one and a half million hours, with an estimated value of $20 million
Under the direction of the City of Plano’s Volunteer Resources Group, the Volunteers in Plano (VIP) program is committed to encouraging citizen participation, developing money-saving programs and responding to the needs of the community, while enhancing municipal services. Our mission is to serve the volunteer community by providing leadership, increased awareness, and understanding of trends and needs.
GOALS:
· Identify priority community issues
· Impact City services in positive ways
· Attract skilled volunteers
· Increase volunteer productivity
· Examine future opportunities for volunteerism
· Encourage partnerships and support efforts
· Help coordinate new program initiatives
· Achieve successful City-wide program outcomes and
· Encourage community-wide stewardship through volunteerism
Volunteerism in City - led initiatives has grown from 3,372 volunteer hours and a monetary value of $27,290 in 1983 to 91,709 hours and a monetary value of $1.7 million in 2011.
The equivalent of 11,463 eight-hour days worked by volunteers, or 44 full time employees. Strengthening City services and stretch the City’s bottom line.
The ROI for the VIP Program is $9.93 to every dollar spent. Volunteer hour are valued at $18.50 as recommended by
The Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org). The value is based on the average hourly earnings of all production
and nonsupervisory workers.
OUR VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Bruce Glasscock, Plano City Manager explains, “Volunteers supporting our city services and programs are truly a million dollar asset in this community.”
Volunteers will always be an essential part of Plano, with the help of volunteers, develop money-saving programs and respond to the needs of the community, while enhancing City services. Helping make Plano a better place to live, work and play.