Executive Order 13 (2006)

The Governor's Commission on Community and National Service

Community and national service are vital to the fabric of American democracy.  Volunteerism and service are critical aspects of our civic life.  It is appropriate that the state and federal governments work together to develop a focal point for these efforts.

Mindful of the importance of community and national service, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Commission on Community and National Service.

The Commission is classified as a gubernatorial advisory commission in accordance with Section 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia.

The Commission shall be established to comply with the provisions of the National and Community Services Trust Act of 1993 and to advise the Governor and Cabinet Secretaries on matters related to promotion and development of national service in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Commission shall have the following specific duties:

1. To advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, Natural Resources, the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, and other appropriate officials, on national and community service programs in Virginia and on fulfilling the responsibilities and duties prescribed by the federal Corporation for National Service.
2. To advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, Natural Resources, the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, and other appropriate officials, on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Virginia’s Unified State Plan that outlines strategies for supporting and expanding national and community service throughout the Commonwealth.
3. To promote the expansion of AmeriCorps programs to meet Virginia ’s most pressing human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs.
4. To work collaboratively with Virginia Corps and the Citizen Corps initiative to promote volunteerism and public service throughout the Commonwealth.
5. To collaborate with the Virginia Department of Social Services and other public and private entities to recognize and call attention to the significant community service contributions of Virginia citizens and organizations. 
6. To develop a plan for sustaining and increasing the number of Virginia service programs supported by the Corporation for National Service.
7. To promote and coordinate State programs offering opportunities for community service within the Commonwealth.
8. To work with the Department of Social Services on promoting the involvement of faith based organizations in community and national service efforts.

The Commission shall be comprised of no more than twenty-five voting members appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure.  No more than 25 percent of voting members may be state employees.

The Governor may appoint additional persons at his discretion as ex-officio non-voting members. The voting members of the Commission shall elect the Chairman. Commission voting membership shall include representatives for the categories as outlined in federal regulations issued by the Corporation for National Service.

Such staff support as is necessary to support the Commission’s work during the term of its existence shall be furnished by the Virginia Department of Social Services, and any other executive branch agencies having definitely and closely related purposes, as the Governor may designate.  An estimated 2000 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Commission. 

Funding necessary to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes of the Commission, authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia. Direct costs for this Commission are estimated at $9,000.  Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation and shall receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.

The Commission shall meet at least quarterly upon the call of the Chairperson. The Commission shall make an annual report to the Governor and shall issue such other reports and recommendations as it deems necessary or as requested by the Governor.

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until June 2, 2007, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.  It is my intent to submit legislation to codify this commission to the 2007 session of the General Assembly.
Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 2nd day of June 2006.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth