Moraga Town Council Member Jeanette Fritzky thought of it and the Moraga Citizens Network did it: create a virtual space for local groups seeking volunteers and for residents wanting to give their time to meet and match. The web page can be accessed on the MCN site: www.moragacitizensnetwork.org/volunteer-opportunities.
MCN's Ellen Beans announced the creation of the page, saying that what goes on in Moraga depends so much on the availability of volunteers. "But there's never been a central source to post the need for volunteers for a project, or to go to find a place to volunteer," she added.
Eliot Smyrl, principal at Twist and Twirl Consulting in Moraga, explains that the development required a bit of tweaking. He met with Fritzky at the beginning of the project to discuss the concept. The council member had long been aware of individuals of all ages in town who want to be involved, but did not know what was available, as well as service groups and public entities that needed more volunteers but were not always able to reach those potentially interested.
Smyrl hosts the MCN website for free and thought it would be the easiest solution to add the service to that site rather than creating a new ad-hoc site.
Beans and Fritzky have started making presentations to groups that might need volunteers, and Beans is already thinking of other entities to contact, such as Saint Mary's College or the school districts. She acknowledges that it will take some time and energy at the onset to prime the pump.
The page is still empty, as it awaits opportunities and volunteers. Right now nothing is stopping people from outside Moraga to post. Beans said that Fritzky was not opposed to the site becoming a Lamorinda hub.
MCN's Ellen Beans announced the creation of the page, saying that what goes on in Moraga depends so much on the availability of volunteers. "But there's never been a central source to post the need for volunteers for a project, or to go to find a place to volunteer," she added.
Eliot Smyrl, principal at Twist and Twirl Consulting in Moraga, explains that the development required a bit of tweaking. He met with Fritzky at the beginning of the project to discuss the concept. The council member had long been aware of individuals of all ages in town who want to be involved, but did not know what was available, as well as service groups and public entities that needed more volunteers but were not always able to reach those potentially interested.
Smyrl hosts the MCN website for free and thought it would be the easiest solution to add the service to that site rather than creating a new ad-hoc site.
Beans and Fritzky have started making presentations to groups that might need volunteers, and Beans is already thinking of other entities to contact, such as Saint Mary's College or the school districts. She acknowledges that it will take some time and energy at the onset to prime the pump.
The page is still empty, as it awaits opportunities and volunteers. Right now nothing is stopping people from outside Moraga to post. Beans said that Fritzky was not opposed to the site becoming a Lamorinda hub.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA