ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland]

In 1986, the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism formed as the Office on Volunteerism (Chapter 13, Acts of 1986), and adopted its present name in 1998 (Chapter 22, Acts of 1998). From January 1997 to 2003, the Office functioned under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. In 2004, it transferred to the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives (Executive Order 01.01.2004.57). In October 2005, it joined the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives.

The Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism supports and promotes service and volunteer efforts that engage Marylanders to strengthen their communities. By combining traditional volunteerism with modern programs, the Office helps meet pressing needs in the areas of education, health, the environment, and public safety (Code State Government Article, secs. 9.5-201 through 9.5-206). The Office also provides training and technical assistance to volunteer organizations, "Communities of Promise," and national service programs throughout Maryland. Technical assistance includes telephone and on-line consultations, site visits, workshops, presentations, and printed materials.

The Governor names the Director.

100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland, July 2016. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Formerly located at 300 West Preston Street in Baltimore, the Office moved to 301 West Preston Street in October 2005, when it joined the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives. In May 2016, it moved to 100 Community Place in Crownsville, Maryland.

Under the Office are three main units: Administration, Outreach, and Programs.