G1: Objective 4

Maximize the benefits of older volunteers across sectors.

Strategies:

Evaluate the landscape of volunteerism in Maryland and develop an action plan that leverages the growing population of skilled older volunteers.

Overview of Progress Made

  • MDOA and the Department of Service and Civic Innovation have initiated a collaborative effort to understand the landscape of existing volunteer opportunities.

Key Initiatives

Increase awareness and adoption of the neighbor-helping-neighbor Village model.

Overview of Progress Made

  • MDOA has partnered with academia to create data collection research, education, and resources, to empower Village model community orgranizations.
  • MDOA has engaged Village Model community organizations to participate in a statewide Maryland Village Directory and communications hub for collecting and disseminating resources and supports.

Key Initiatives

  • Supportiving Communities: An initiative aimed at creating age-friendly communities where older adults can thrive by supporting  local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members that serve older adults.
  • Washington Area Villages Exchange​: An initiative that offers resources and support for DC-area Village members​​​.

Recruit older volunteers and multigenerational volunteer teams into coordinated service opportunities.

Increase the number of volunteers of all ages providing support to older Marylanders through Maryland Corps, AmeriCorps Seniors, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, SHIP, and other programs through cross-promotion of volunteerism opportunities across state agencies.

Overview of Progress Made

Key Initiatives:

Outcomes:

Short-Term (1-3 years)

  • Establish actionable methods to encourage volunteer support for older Marylanders
  • Increase awareness of volunteer opportunities

Mid-Term (4-6 Years)

  • Increase volunteers of all ages

Long-Term (7-10 years)

  • Improve and expand services through a multigenerational volunteer workforce