Section 2.2-2478-2.2-2482 of the Code of Virginia charges the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism with advising on matters related to promotion and development of national service in the Commonwealth and meeting the provisions of the federal National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism was established in compliance with the provisions of the National and Communities Trust Act of 1993 under which Virginia receives AmeriCorps State grant funds. The following report documents the efforts and results achieved through the collaboration of DSS staff and the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism for July, 2021-June, 2022 to meet the power and duties of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism as established in 2.2-2481:

• Advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, and Natural Resources, the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, the State Board of Social Services, and other appropriate officials on national and community service programs in Virginia in order to (i) fulfill the responsibilities and duties prescribed by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and (ii) develop, implement, and evaluate the Virginia State Service Plan, which outlines strategies for supporting and expanding national and community service throughout the Commonwealth.

• Promote the use of AmeriCorps programs to meet Virginia's most pressing human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs.

• Collaborate with the Department of Social Services and other public and private entities to recognize and call attention to the significant community service contributions of Virginia citizens and organizations.

• Assist the Department of Social Services to promote the involvement of faith-based organizations in community and national service efforts.

• Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly.

Major activities and outcomes achieved during this report period include:

• In 2021, the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) provided more than $11.9 million in federal funding to support Virginia communities through national service initiatives. These initiatives were carried out by national service members and volunteers participating in AmeriCorps, VISTA, the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Senior Companions.

• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, training opportunities were conducted for AmeriCorps members and program staff virtually by industry experts. Members attended a virtual opening day event on October 4, 2021, with training on a variety of topics including the following: The Science of Stress, Trauma & Resilience and Building a Personal Resilience Plan; Cross Cultural Conflict: Are You Ready for Impact; and #HEARTWORK: A Recipe for Social Intelligence. Members also attended Life after AmeriCorps training in May, 2022 to provide transitional support at the close of their service year. Program topics included the following: Braving the Challenges of Life & Leadership: Your Curiosity, Courage, Connection & Contribution; Resume Crash Course; Making a Great Virtual Impression; What’s the Latest on Student Loans in Virginia; Building & Managing Relationships in the Workplace; and the Keynote Address- Get the Interview!

• There was a strong presence of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in Virginia. Teams of AmeriCorps members traveled to Virginia and served more than 8,610 total hours from 37 members. This translates to an economic benefit in Virginia of nearly $94,710.

• With the help of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, Governor Northam selected winners of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. Winners, selected from 130 nominations, provided significant contributions in far reaching areas of the Commonwealth -- from Southwest Virginia to Hampton Roads. Winners were recognized during the September 30, 2021 Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism meeting with a special virtual award presentation.

• The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism initiated the implementation of the three-year State Service Plan process. The State Service Plan prioritized strategies to increase participation among Virginians in service and volunteer activities as well as recommended strategies to improve the capacity and quality of the volunteer and service ecosystem statewide.

• The accomplishments and activities of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism helped the citizens of the Commonwealth improve the lives of their fellow Virginians through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism tapped the ingenuity of Virginians to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the Commonwealth.