Army Volunteer Corps - A Tradition of Service

What is it'

The Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) is managed by Army Community Services (ACS) and their volunteer coordinators on garrisons across the United States and around the world. AVS helps identify volunteer opportunities, promote volunteerism, and connect Soldiers, family members, civilians, retirees and community members to legitimate service organizations. Through the AVS, the Army is helping individuals join together in military communities around the world to acquire and maintain skills while serving their neighbors and the Army family.

The AVC mission is to "promote and strengthen volunteerism by uniting community volunteer efforts, supporting professional management, enhancing volunteer career mobility, and establishing volunteer partnerships to support individual personal growth and life-long volunteer commitment."

What has the Army done'

AVC has established a Services Locator website which helps interested parties identify and contact their local volunteer coordinators. It has also established the Department of Army Volunteer Management Information System (DAVMI), allowing for online volunteer registration, the ability to search for volunteer opportunities, track volunteer hours, and receive training and awards. The DAVMI also provides coordinators a real-time snap shot of volunteer activity at any given time.

Both websites are located on <a href="https://www.myarmyonesource.com" target="_blank">Army OneSource website</a> under the "Family Programs and Services" tab.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned'

Through the Army Family Covenant and the Army Community Covenant, the Army has given the AVC a high level of visibility and promises to provide training for coordinators, as well as screening of volunteers, records management and community outreach to organizations such as the American Red Cross, enlisted and officer spouse's organizations, chapel programs, youth programs, and Family Readiness Groups (FRG).

The Army has identified and plans to continue to recognize the 4th Saturday of October as 'Make a Difference Day'. The next scheduled recognition day is Oct. 22, 2011. On this day members are invited to participate in a "national day of doing good" by conducting food drives, repairing homeless shelters, visiting veterans and the elderly and supporting special local activities and events.

The Army also recognizes volunteers with annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremonies and may convey the following awards to deserving volunteers: Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service, Outstanding Civilian Service Award, Commander's Award for Public Service and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Why is this important to the Army'

The Army believes building volunteer networks and communities enhances the quality of life of Soldiers, their families, our civilian workforce and retirees throughout the world. AVC also allows members to meet new people, acquire and maintain skills, develop and grow personally, gain a sense of achievement, obtain training and knowledge, and acquire a high level of personal satisfaction.

Resources:

<a href="https://www.myarmyonesource.com/familyprogramsandservices/volunteering/default.aspx" target="_blank"> Volunteering</a>

<a href="https://www.myarmyonesource.com/FamilyProgramsandServices/Volunteering/ArmyVolunteerCorps/ArmyVolunteerCorpsResources.aspx " target="_blank"> Army Volunteer Corps Resources</a>

<a href="http://daytabank.handsonnetwork.org/" target="_blank">'Make A Difference Day' </a>

Local AVC websites :</I>

<a href="http://www.fortbraggmwr.com/volunteer.php" target="_blank"> Fort Bragg </a>

<a href="http://community.carson.army.mil/ACS/programs_installVolunteer.html" target="_blank"> Fort Carson </a>

<a href="http://www.detrick.army.mil/volunteers/" target="_blank"> Fort Detrick </a>

<a href="http://www.benningmwr.com/acs-volunteercorps.php" target="_blank"> Fort Benning </a>

<a href="http://www.fortjacksonmwr.com/acs_volunteer/" target="_blank"> Fort Jackson </a>

<a href="http://www.fortcampbellmwr.com/acs/avc/index.html" target="_blank"> Fort Campbell </a>

<a href="http://www.tobyhanna.army.mil/community/acs/volunteer%20corps.html" target="_blank"> Tobyhanna Army Depot </a>

<a href="http://www.westpointmwr.com/ACTIVITY/IVC/index.HTM" target="_blank"> West Point </a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/10/23/47309-bliss-soldiers-help-local-organizations-for-make-a-difference-day/" target="_blank"> Bliss Soldiers help local organizations for Make a Difference Day</a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/10/28/47328-jblm-soldiers-help-make-a-difference-for-local-communities/" target="_blank"> Joint Bass Lewis-McChord help make a difference for local communities </a>

Army Volunteer Corps - A Tradition of Service

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