TV Networks Plan a Big Week for Volunteer Service

TV Networks Plan a Big Week for Volunteer Service

Junior Achievement's Volunteer-Coordinated Program is an Answer for the Call to Service

HOUSTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For seven straight days starting on October 19, volunteers will be the toast of Hollywood. More than 60 national TV programs have agreed to incorporate story lines about volunteers into their scripts, highlight real-life volunteers, air public service announcements, or ask cast members to create a "tag" at the end of their show encouraging people to volunteer according to the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The goal is to use the power of popular culture to persuade more people to volunteer to help solve the country's challenges.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated average annual volunteer rate of 26.9 percent between 2005 and 2007 ranking Houston 29th among the nation's 50 largest cities. The ranking draws attention to an opportunity for the business community in Houston to become involved with this call to service through the development and expansion of employee volunteer programs.

In addition to financial donations, employee volunteer programs allow companies to foster a more personal link to the community by sharing human resources with non-profit organizations. In return for this support, companies benefit with more productive and satisfied employees, a better bottom line and an improved standing in the community.

"We believe that company-coordinated volunteer programs are a highly visible way for businesses to show their commitment to their communities," said Rick Franke, president, Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas. "In return, these businesses benefit from positive perceptions in the community."

Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, a non-profit organization which annually coordinates 10,000 volunteers to teach economic education programs to 209,000 young people in grades K-12, is one means for mounting or escalating a successful employee volunteer program. Junior Achievement's turn-key program can be accomplished with a minimal amount of company resources.

Junior Achievement's unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver lessons from prepared programs while sharing their experiences with students. The programs are scheduled with volunteers to best coordinate with school schedules and curricula requirements. Volunteer role models are trained by professional Junior Achievement staff before they interact with students, further ensuring a positive experience for volunteers, educators, and students.

For more information about developing employee volunteer programs, contact Kevin R. Hattery at khattery@jahouston.org or visit http://houston.ja.org/.

Source: Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas

CONTACT: Kevin R. Hattery, +1-713-682-4500, khattery@jahouston.org

Web Site: http://www.jahouston.org/

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