Statewide input on community needs sought

Press release

HELENA — The Governor’s Office of Community Service is asking Montanans to take a Community Needs Assessment survey regarding statewide critical needs and how AmeriCorps can play a role in addressing those needs. 

Results from the Community Needs Assessment survey will be used to determine how AmeriCorps members and community volunteers can address some of the most pressing needs in Montana. The survey confidentially captures personal and relevant opinions of what Montanans believe to be the most critical issues facing our state today. Issues are divided into seven areas: Environmental Stewardship; Education; Economic Opportunity; Healthy Futures; Veterans and Military Families; American Indian Affairs; and Montanans Age 55 and Up.

The Community Needs Assessment is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OCSCommunityNeeds2018/. Montanans are encouraged to take the Community Needs Assessment by Friday, Aug. 31. The assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and requests basic demographic information in addition to asking questions on critical community needs. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to take the assessment including those representing nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local, state or federal government, tribal members, or those identifying as themselves.

“National Service members and community volunteers play a very important role in providing critical services to our underserved populations in addition to forming valuable partnerships throughout Montana,” said Dan Ritter, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “The results will help distinguish how we can continue our current efforts and what we can do better to improve the quality of life for all Montanans.”

Since 1994, more than 10,000 AmeriCorps members have served 8.5 million hours in Montana. In 2015, approximately 264,800 Montanans volunteered a total of 29.54 million hours of service to the state.

Along with OCS, the Montana Commission on Community Service is currently drafting the 2019-2021 State Service Plan which serves as the framework for service and volunteerism in the state. This plan is based in state statute and is a requirement of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Input from the Community Needs Assessment will be included in the State Service Plan as a way to determine key goals and develop rural, tribal, and underserved targets.

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The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service. Visit http://www.serve.mt.gov/.