TALLAHASSEE – Volunteer Florida will host a service project tomorrow in Orlando as part of a training event for 11 states across the Southeast. The service project and training are part of the Southern Regional Training, hosted by Volunteer Florida.
Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is proud to be selected as one of only four states in the nation to host a regional training event for America’s Service Commissions. We are proud to bring close to 550 service leaders from 11 other states to Florida to not only participate in extensive training, but to support the local economy and area families with a meaningful service project.”
“One of the most unique elements about all Volunteer Florida events is serving our neighbors,” continued Spellman. “Tomorrow, hundreds of volunteers will assemble 2,250 hygiene kits for needy children, families, and seniors in Central Florida. We are proud to mobilize our colleagues from neighboring states in service to Central Florida.”
The Southern Regional Training brings together AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, VISTA, NCCC, and volunteer organizations from across the Southeast to receive critical fiscal and programmatic training so that each state can expand the impact of its service programs. Participants will receive training on topics ranging from effective grants management and budget development to compliance with state and federal laws. National speakers include Kim Mansaray, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, Acting Director of AmeriCorps.
Volunteer Florida will also host a panel on the role of Florida’s volunteers and AmeriCorps members following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016. The panel will feature Joseph Ibrahim, M.D., Trauma Medical Director of Orlando Regional Medical Center and Larry Zwieg, Chief Deputy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Glenton Gilzean Jr., President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League, said, “Volunteer Florida is a key partner for the Central Florida Urban League and together, we are making a difference in the lives of Central Florida’s youth. By choosing Orlando to host this massive training and service project, Volunteer Florida is once again demonstrating its support for our growing and diverse community. We are grateful to all partners involved in this event for their dedication and commitment to serving others.”