ISBE celebrates the Year of the Volunteer

Local volunteers recognized at monthly State Board meetings

SPRINGFIELD, IL — State Board Members are honoring school volunteers as part of Illinois’ “Year of the Volunteer,” an initiative established by a Senate resolution.  The initiative aims to “engage all generations as participants, planners, organizers and leaders of the volunteer infrastructure.”

“Education and volunteerism naturally fall hand-in-hand,” said Illinois State Board of Education Chairman James T. Meeks. “By recognizing the success and commitment of volunteers throughout our state, we are teaching the next generation about the joy and value of serving others and contributing to make a difference in our communities and our world.”

Each of the State Board’s nine members will honor someone from their own community for their dedication and volunteer service during ISBE’s monthly meetings. At ISBE’s monthly Board meeting today (Thursday), Board Member Lula Ford will recognize fellow Chicagoan Joyce Chapman for her long list of contributions to her community.

Chapman has lived in the historic Pullman neighborhood on the city’s South Side for 46 years. In May 2002, Chapman embarked on a mission to start the Pullman Community Development Corporation. Through her community advocacy one can walk the Pullman north area and see the revitalization. In addition, Chapman is known for her years of service in the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), which promotes community policing. She also currently serves as a chairwoman on the Far South Community Action Council of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). As a member, she works for educational success in the community.

“Joyce has been committed to improving her community for many years in many ways,” said Board Member Ford. “It is an honor to be able to present this award to her, as she is an inspirational volunteer who has made a huge impact in her neighborhood.”

Board member Melinda LaBarre of Springfield recognized Kathy Lamsargis at the March meeting for her extraordinary efforts to share the holiday spirit in Springfield School District 186.

Lamsargis, a retired District 186 reading teacher, started the Gift of Giving program, a holiday charity, in 2000. She collects new and like-new items throughout the year, storing everything from salt and pepper shakers to bleacher cushions in her home. Each December, she sets up the items in schools and lets elementary students select gifts for a friend, family member or loved one for the holidays.  Volunteers then help students wrap and tag the gifts. Lamsargis started the sharing program at Pleasant Hill and Wanless Elementary Schools, which have since closed, and now offers it at Feitshans and Dubois Elementary Schools.

“I feel very honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Lamsargis. “I would love to start educating other schools about my endeavor and spread the Gift of Giving throughout the community. I don’t want to keep it as my own project, but educate others about the significance of giving instead of receiving.”

The Senate established the Year of the Volunteer in response to the “Volunteering and Civic Life in America” report by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the National Conference on Citizenship that showed only about a quarter of Illinoisans volunteered in 2013. According to Senate Resolution 1002, research shows that “Illinoisans who do not volunteer would like to, but simply do not know how to get connected to service opportunities.” In cooperation with fellow organizations, ISBE urges community members of all ages to explore volunteer opportunities, particularly those related to children and their education.

ISBE supports the initiative in cooperation with Generations Serving Generations, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the Illinois Department on Aging, the Serve Illinois Commission, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Senate via Senate Resolution 1002.

For more information on how to take part in the Year of the Volunteer, go to www.serve.illinois.gov.