The fourth task will be completed after the draft recommendations are reviewed by the Mayor, Commissioner Francesconi and the superintendents. There are undoubtedly other employees who are volunteers in additional programs serving youth. In addition, there is minimal capability for tracking participation over time. Employees need encouragement, information, training, and recognition to assist them in trying something new. Work culture does not encourage taking time away from work for such service.
Employees feel guilty and at times feel the resentment of colleagues.
Individuals now are involved, but most Departments and Bureaus do not see it as part of their strategic plans. In the process of learning about the range of mentoring and tutoring activities in Portland, the Work Group heard consistently that there is a need for a defined structure which would allow the disparate efforts to coordinate with each other and to increase in capacity. Quality programs exist, but often there is inadequate staffing to maintain high standards in recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers. The group also heard that there can be some programs that have space, but not the adequate coordination to notify other overfilled programs. In constructing opportunities for volunteering, it is important to recognize that employees, and bureaus as a whole, are willing and able to commit to different types of activities, with different levels of involvement.