Online hub set to help organizations, volunteers hook up

San Anselmo is launching an online volunteer hub to connect organizations with potential helpers.

The Town Council heard a presentation Tuesday from Kelley Warner, the town's “community engagement coordinator,” about the development of the website.

“We have people that want opportunities at all different levels,” Warner said. “What we are trying to do is trying to provide an opportunity for people to volunteer at any different level and give organizers a platform to find those volunteers.”

The program is known as the San Anselmo Volunteer Effort, or SAVE, Warner said. It used to function through the town's website, but officials sought to develop a new website to promote it, Warner said.

Mayor Eileen Burke said she had been promoting the program as an ambassador, even with children in schools. She said the program is in a “slow roll” at this point in order to get the website up and running correctly.

“We are not trying to rush this,” she said. “We are trying to get this set up and ready so that when we do go do that, we say this is where you go, here is an opportunity coming up this week.”

The website is tentatively set to launch this month along with a public engagement program to attract new volunteers.

The site will include a program to allow organizations and volunteers to post profiles and interest areas and to verify hours. Users will be able to find volunteer opportunities and use the site to sign up or confirm their involvement in events.

The website will also include a calendar of events, volunteer needs and the various categories for volunteering. The town plans to post vacant positions for boards, committees and commissions on the site.

The volunteer options will also have delineations between immediate and shortterm opportunities.

Established volunteer programs that will be included the Friends of Sorich Ranch Park, the Friends of the San Anselmo Library and cleanups at Red Hill Dog Park and Elders' Garden.

Short-term programs include the Easter egg hunt, the Millennium Playground work party, the Beatles in the Park event and the creek cleanup.

“It's pretty incredible what we can do at this point,” Warner said.

Councilmember Steve Burdo said he has done volunteer work such as painting the Isabel Cook Community Center and staining the RobsonHarrington House.

He said he has already solicited interest from local organizations.

The website will be promoted through the town's various newsletters, a summer recreation guide ad, social media and a flyer.