CERTIFIED VOLUNTEER HOURS PROGRAM

CERTIFIED VOLUNTEER HOUR (CVH) PROGRAM

WHAT IS A CVH?
A Certified Volunteer Hour is an hour spent in preparing to conduct a volunteer activity and an hour spent directly in volunteer work. Both of these activities can be counted. Hours of service include time devoted to the county and state Home and Community Education organization as well as other volunteer groups. For example – hospital, school, church, senior citizens, scout leader, 4-H, civic, etc.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
All Illinois Association for Home and Community Education members may participate. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Each person that participates is responsible for keeping his/her records of volunteer service.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CVH PROGRAM?
The program is intended to help you recognize your personal growth in volunteer leadership skills. It
also recognizes and enhances self-esteem for participating members. This program is also a way of showing appreciation for valuable and essential services rendered by volunteers. The CVH hours are used to receive grant money from the state and to report to IAHCE, NVON, CWC and ACWW. It's important to turn your hours in so all of our service to others is recognized.

WHAT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A CVH?
Anything that is done for a family member.

WHAT COUNTS AS VOLUNTEER TIME?
The time you contribute without pay to others through HCE (unit, county, state) and activities in other organizations count as volunteer time. You cannot receive any pay for your work, but you can be paid for your out of pocket expenses while serving as a volunteer. It is the service to others that must be voluntary.

HOW DO I RECORD MY VOLUNTEER TIME?
You will have to develop a system that works for you and discipline yourself to use it. Use a pocket calendar, appointment book, or index cards to record volunteer service information. Carry it with you at all times for recording dates and activities on the road.

WHEN DO I REPORT MY VOLUNTEER TIME?
It is important to have your volunteer hours turned in to the county no later than December 15th each year. If you are sending by mail, please have them postmarked by December 1st because of the holiday mail. Mark your calendars and make sure you get your hours turned in!