With the task of planning and implementing more than 50 free public events each year, the City of Carmel relies heavily on the time and talents of its dedicated volunteers.
Over the past year, staff members have been working with City Council President Jeff Worrell to identify a user-friendly, online platform on which to list event opportunities and recruit volunteers and have settled on CERVIS (Community Event Registration & Volunteer Information System). With CERVIS, event planners can match volunteer interests with specific needs, communicate freely with volunteers before and after each event, and track and recognize the hours of dedicated work those volunteers put in each year.
According to Worrell, “On almost a weekly basis, residents will ask me how they can get involved to support their community. My response is usually based on my awareness of immediate needs. This program will not only help us connect willing volunteers with groups looking for immediate help, but will help us keep track of everyone ready, willing and able to serve in a variety of capacities throughout the year.”
Volunteer Carmel is open to anyone who is interested in volunteering regardless of residency. Prospective volunteers should visit carmel.in.gov and click on LIVE then Volunteer Carmel. There they will find event descriptions and a link to CERVIS where they can create a profile and sign up for their favorite events.
Volunteers need only register once, but can log in at any time to register for future events, track their hours and receive real-time correspondence before, during and after each event.
Volunteer Carmel is looking for volunteers now. Questions can be directed to Melanie Brewer, Project Manager, at (317) 571-2474 or mbrewer@carmel.in.gov.