Sec. 01.01.2013.02. Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism (Recinds Executive Order 01.01.2004.58)

A. Definitions. In this Executive Order, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

(1) “Commission” means the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism.

(2) “Office” means the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, as established in Executive Order 01.01.2007.25.

(3) “Act” means the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, as amended.

(4) “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.

B. Established. There is a Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism within the Executive Branch. The Commission shall report to the Executive Director.

C. Membership and Procedures.

(1) Voting Members. The Commission shall be comprised of the following voting members:

(a) The State Superintendent of Schools, or a designee;

(b) 14 to 24 voting members appointed by the Governor to include:

(i) A representative of community-based agencies or organizations within the State;

(ii) A representative of local government;

(iii) A representative of business;

(iv) A representative of labor;

(v) A representative of a national service program;

(vi) An individual between the ages of 16 and 25 who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer service program;

(vii) An individual with expertise in the educational, training and development needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth;

(viii) An individual with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults in service and volunteerism;

(ix) A representative of the volunteer sector; and

(x) Members of the general public with interest, knowledge and experience in service and volunteerism.

(2) Nonvoting Members. The Executive Director of the Office shall serve as a nonvoting member of the Commission. The Commission may also include nonvoting representatives of State agencies.

(3) The Corporation for National and Community Service shall designate one of its employees to serve as an ex-officio nonvoting representative on the Commission.

(4) In accordance with the requirements of the Act, no more than 50 percent plus one of the voting members may be from the same political party, and no more than 25 percent of the voting members may be comprised of officers or employees of the State.

(5) In accordance with the requirements of the Act, the Chairperson will be elected annually from among the Commission members and may be re-elected.In the event of a vacancy between elections, the Governor shall designate an interim chairperson who shall serve until a successor has been duly elected.

(6) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve at his pleasure for a term of three years. A member may be reappointed, but may not serve more than two complete consecutive terms. The terms of the members shall be staggered from initial appointment.

(7) A member of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred while performing approved Commission duties, in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations and as provided in the State budget.

D. Scope of the Commission. The Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) To direct the State’s participation in the implementation of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, and appropriate successor acts, including approving the State's application for funding of service positions under the Act;

(2) To encourage the recognition of outstanding volunteer service and civic participation by individuals, schools, and organizations, with the goal of promoting greater participation in the community; and

(3) To advise the Governor, Executive Director, and State agencies on issues related to volunteerism and service among the citizens of the State.

E. Staff Support. The Office shall provide support to the Commission in carrying out its duties, including:

(1) Performing grant administration functions, including preparation of an annual comprehensive plan and State application for funding, and monitoring and evaluating funded programs;

(2) Serving as the State’s principal liaison to the Corporation for National and Community Service;

(3) Providing technical assistance, education, information, and other support to organizations and institutions to encourage community service and volunteer participation; and

(4) Working with individuals, communities and organizations to promote innovative programs and initiatives that address Maryland’s educational, public safety, human service, and environmental needs.

F. Reports. By December 31 of each year, the Commission shall make an annual report to the Executive Director concerning its activities, and any recommendations it may have for further promoting community service and volunteerism in the State.

Effective date: July 23, 2013