About Oregon Volunteers

Oregon Volunteers is the Oregon Commission for Voluntary Action & Service.

Our Mission

Oregon Volunteers promotes and supports AmeriCorps, volunteerism and civic engagement to strengthen Oregon communities.

See our Goals and Objectives.

See a list of our Staff and Commissioners.

See Frequently Asked Questions about us.

Oregon Volunteers provides Oregonians a statewide entity to:

• focus service and volunteer efforts
• enhance the ethic of service and voluntarism in the state
• provide funds for state-based AmeriCorps programs

Our History

Formed in February 1994, the Oregon Volunteers was established in accordance with the federal National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. In 2001, the Oregon State Legislature gave OCVAS statutory recognition and assigned us responsibility for Oregon Shines Benchmark 30.

Oregon Volunteers is composed of up to 25 voting members who are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. The commission is a non-partisan, diverse group of citizens that reflects the unique nature of Oregon.

Oregon Volunteers has been part of Oregon Housing and Community Services since 2001. OCVAS was previously affiliated with the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development and the Secretary of State’s Office. Portland State University has been a partner and has provided a physical home to the commission since its inception in 1994.