City forming volunteer network

By Staff
Thomas Tingle
Record Managing Editor
A volunteer network is being developed in Madison and volunteers are needed.
In a city of more than 30,000 residents, Madison City Councilman Larry Vannoy said there are numerous community projects to be accomplished and what better way to get those projects done but through a volunteer network and volunteers to do them.
Vannoy has already created a volunteer application form that is available at the Madison Municipal Complex, Madison Public Library and the Madison Chamber of Commerce. The councilman said there are many individuals and organizations in Madison wanting to volunteer. The intent is to maintain current listings of community projects and match resources with those projects.
"What makes Madison special is the interest and willingness to volunteer," Vannoy said. "Volunteerism adds to the Madison spirit of community and the atmosphere that Madison is one big family, all interested in improving the quality of life here."
Vannoy said the volunteer network is necessary to match and focus helpers to the needs of the community.
"Anyone can be a volunteer," Vannoy said. "Charlotte Rumore, our city council aid, will establish and maintain the database. However, once the volunteer network is up and running, maintenance and updates will be turned over to volunteers as well."
Vannoy said he is putting together a searchable database and application forms are already being collected.
Information on the database will include individual volunteers, names and means of contact, special talents, physical abilities, amount of time to commit, availability to work, type of work willing to help with, organizations already in town and what projects those organizations host and help, as well as a list of projects, the type and quantity of help needed, a schedule of events, and a location of the project.
"I am confident that the network will take off," Vannoy said. "The responses I'm getting from the public are very encouraging. I am confident that we will get a big volunteer response and I know there are more than enough projects to go around."
Some of the projects under consideration include putting in and maintaining walking trails in the city, the revitalization of the "Adopt a Mile" program, drivers for the Meals on Wheels project, and more.
"I will be putting forms and projects on Madison's Web page. It will also offer the opportunity to advertise for volunteers with certain skills and talents," Vannoy said. "Information will also be available for new residents who have the desire to get involved in the community."