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Issues - Volunteerism

Policy spheres are complex; democracy is supposed to be that way - easy answers do not often rise to the level of public debate.  And in a free state, robust and transparent dialogue is a blessing - even when we want to pull our hair out as a result.  In simplest terms, these principles are offered so that they may be "factored" into the equation, whenever possible. 

Consider them as a foundation; a starting point - rather than destination - for a shared public adventure involving a peaceful revolution of community practice, of citizen spirit.  Even though every aspect within public policy-making is defined through circumstance, we can - and must - seek out a framework that advances polices we favor, retards those that we disfavor. 

Hopefully these principles will help you determine the right "balance" for you.  If not, at least they will inspire dialogue (both internal, and external) that will strengthen our Oregon.  Hopefully, these conversations will eventually lead our community into the serious - shared - community-wide dialogue about the mechanics of rebuilding the Oregon we aspire to become.

Volunteerism - Rebuilding the Chain of Service

• Recognition of volunteerism quotient as a material, quantifiable value in formal/informal procedures
• Structural and systemic incentives for volunteerism
• Review of any/all public enterprise; annual reports on making volunteerism "easier" in terms of administrative overhead (reducing the time spent between initial interest and fielding volunteer)
• Integration of regional, state, and national volunteer organizations with targeted requirements based upon threat assessments, historical trends, and emergent needs
• Rehabilitating image of "the volunteer" through collaboratively designed, systematically implemented strategies, tactics, and procedures