This year\'s \'Volunteering in America\' report reveals that volunteering rates have increased in the US for the second year in a row!

See results from Illinois and/or the nation as a whole: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/IL

United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, Hickory Point Bank & Trust and Caterpillar encourage Volunteerism.

Day of Action is a brand new United Way initiative that will mobilize volunteers to help local non-profit organizations during this time of budget cuts, delayed payments and staffing decreases.  The first ever Day of Action will be held on September 25, 2010 from 8am to 5pm.

More than half of the nonprofits in the U.S. are estimated to be all-volunteer organizations.  Due to the fact that these organizations have an informal air about them, it is easy for finances to be treated in a casual way.  But when money matters are treated casually, it can become too easy for money to get lost or for some people to question how money has been spent.

The following are eight key accountability and transparency responsibilities treasurers should be most concerned with:

1.  Handle the money with high standards and set a tone of integrity
2.  Manage the filings
3.  Identify and manage risk
4.  Confirm contributions
5.  Track volunteer time
6.  Plan and evaluate with a budget
7.  Prepare timely financial reports
8.  Recruit the next treasurer

To read the full article and get more details on these responsibilities, click here.

Striving for success during the recession can be daunting, but when you tap into the power of volunteering, everybody – the volunteers, nonprofits and the community – wins.

Nonprofits should know that volunteering is not just advantageous to them, but also to the volunteers themselves.  Here are some tips on how to recruit, manage and retain volunteers:

1.    Define the role
2.    Don’t waste your time on people who aren’t a good fit
3.    Get them motivated
4.    Be flexible
5.    Recognize their important contribution

Learn more about these tips in the full article, found here.