Executive Order No. 33-18 (No. 02-09) [SerVermont]
WHEREAS, Vermont has a long and proud heritage of neighbor helping neighbor that continues
today; and
WHEREAS, there is growing awareness of volunteerism and civic participation as a means
to address unmet social, environmental, educational, and public safety needs; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to foster an ethic of service and to support and recognize
community service and volunteerism throughout our state; and
WHEREAS, a state commission is necessary to advise and assist in implementation of
a comprehensive national and community service plan in Vermont.
NOW THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor
of the State of Vermont, do hereby establish the Vermont Commission on National and
Community Service (hereafter the “Commission”), and do hereby order that the duties
of this commission shall be set out under section 201 of the National and Community
Service Trust Act of 1993, as amended (hereafter the “Act”), codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16238, and shall include:
1. Provide an annual update to the three-year national service plan to the Corporation
for National Service (hereafter the “Corporation”) as required under the Act that
sets out priorities for, as well as addresses coordination of efforts in, community
service programs in Vermont;
2. Administer grants programs as required by the Act;
3. Provide technical assistance to Vermont non-profit organizations and other entities
in applying for Corporation funds and in planning programs relating to community service;
and
4. Disseminate information in Vermont relating to national service programs in a manner
designed to ensure that interested Vermonters are aware of such opportunities.
Membership of the commission shall consist of no fewer than 15 and no more than 25
voting members. All members shall be appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.
Not more than 50% of the members plus one member shall be from the same political
party. To the extent possible, membership shall be balanced according to race, ethnicity,
age, disability, gender and geography.
Members shall include as voting members at least one of the following individuals:
an individual with experience in the educational, training, and developmental needs
of disadvantaged youth; a representative of community-based agencies or community-based
organizations within the state; an individual with experience in promoting the involvement
of older adults in community service and volunteerism; an individual between the ages
of 16 and 25 who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer or service program;
a representative of a national service program as described in the Section 122(a)
of the Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 12572(a)); the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Education or his or her designee,
a representative of local government, a representative of a labor organization; and
a representative of business.
The commission may also include as voting members representatives of the following
groups: local educators; persons experienced in delivery of services in the areas
of human services, education, the environment, or public safety; out-of-school youth
or other at-risk youth; and representatives of entities that receive assistance under
the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.). There shall also be a non-voting ex-officio representative of the Corporation
for National Service.
Not more than 25% of voting members may be state employees, although the Governor
may appoint additional officers or employees of State agencies operating community
service, youth service, education, social service, senior service and job training
programs to serve as ex-officio, non-voting members.
Vacancies occurring among the members shall be filled by the Governor to serve the
balance of such terms. No member appointed after the effective date of this order
shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.
In addition to the State of Vermont Executive Code of Ethics, commissioners shall
abide by the limitation on voting as found in Section 221(a) of the Act (codified
at 42 U.S.C. § 12638(d)(2)).
The Commission shall meet at least four times a year to perform its business. The
Commission shall receive administrative support from the Agency of Human Services.
Public members may receive reimbursement of expenses in attending Commission meetings
and may receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010.
The officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer
and Secretary and shall constitute the Executive Committee. Officers shall be elected
annually by the voting members of the Commission at the first regular meeting of the
calendar year for a term of one year, commencing with the first meeting following
their election subject to the approval of the Governor.
Officers may not hold office for more than three consecutive years. Following at
least one year out of office, persons who have served as officers are again eligible
for election. The Chair shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, with the
exception of the Nominating Committee, when one is established.
The Chair shall have authority to appoint committees as necessary and appropriate
to carry out the functions and duties of the Commission, including a Finance Committee
that shall be chaired by the Treasurer, that shall review the annual budget and make
recommendations.
This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 09-98 (codified as E.O. 3-35),
dated August 13, 1998 and rescinds and repeals any by-laws previously adopted by the
Commission. The Commission created by this order, however, shall be a continuation
of, and successor to, the Commission established by Executive Order No. 09-98. Members
of the Commission serving on the effective date of this order shall continue to serve
until the expiration of their terms and may be re-appointed for up to two additional
consecutive terms.
This order shall take effect on January 23, 2009.
Dated January 21, 2009.