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 2022 - June 2023 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 2022, the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) provided more than $16 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.

• Training was provided for members and program staff virtually. Members received training on the AmeriCorps education award and how best to leverage their end of service benefits to further their education, pay back student loans, and about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Program staff were immersed in training provided by Do Good Be Good on best practices in Recruitment, Retention, outreach, and marketing strategies; with an additional opportunity outside of the training for 2 hours of consultation.

• There was a strong presence of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in Virginia. Teams of AmeriCorps members traveled to 9 projects in Virginia and served about 17,000 total hours from 68 members. This translates to an economic benefit in Virginia of about $546,957.97.

• With the help of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, Governor Youngkin selected winners of the 2022 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. Winners, selected from 67 nominations, provided significant contributions in far reaching areas of the Commonwealth -- from Southwest Virginia to Hampton Roads. Winners were recognized on October 25, 2022, during an awards program held at the Executive Mansion. The event was hosted by Governor Youngkin, Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel, The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, and the Virginia Service Foundation.

• The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism continued the implementation of the three-year State Service Plan in partnership with the Virginia Service Foundation. The State Service Plan promoted strategies to increase participation in service and volunteer activities and recommended strategies to improve the capacity and quality of the volunteer and service ecosystem statewide.

• The activities of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism improved the quality of life for Virginians. Working hand in hand with community partners, the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing the Commonwealth.