WHEREAS, Vermont has a long and proud heritage of neighbor helping neighbor that continues today; and

WHEREAS, there is growing awareness of volunteerism and civic participation as a means to address unmet social, environmental, educational, and public safety needs; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to foster an ethic of service and to support and recognize community service and volunteerism throughout our state; and

WHEREAS, a state commission is necessary to advise and assist in implementation of a comprehensive national and community service plan in Vermont.

NOW THEREFORE, I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby establish the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service (hereafter the "Commission"), and do hereby order that the duties of this commission shall be set out under section 201 of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, as amended (hereafter the "Act"), codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16238, and shall include:

1. Provide an annual update to the three-year national service plan to the Corporation for National Service (hereafter the "Corporation") as required under the Act that sets out priorities for, as well as addresses coordination of efforts in, community service programs in Vermont;

2. Administer grants programs as required by the Act;

3. Provide technical assistance to Vermont non-profit organizations and other entities in applying for Corporation funds and in planning programs relating to community service; and

4. Disseminate information in Vermont relating to national service programs in a manner designed to ensure that interested Vermonters are aware of such opportunities.

Membership of the commission shall consist of no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 voting members. All members shall be appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.

Not more than 50% of the members plus one member shall be from the same political party. To the extent possible, membership shall be balanced according to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender and geography.

Members shall include as voting members at least one of the following individuals: an individual with experience in the educational, training, and developmental needs of disadvantaged youth; a representative of community-based agencies or community-based organizations within the state; an individual with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults in community service and volunteerism; an individual between the ages of 16 and 25 who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer or service program; a representative of a national service program as described in the Section 122(a) of the Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 12572(a)); the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Education or his or her designee, a representative of local government, a representative of a labor organization; and a representative of business.

The commission may also include as voting members representatives of the following groups: local educators; persons experienced in delivery of services in the areas of human services, education, the environment, or public safety; out-of-school youth or other at-risk youth; and representatives of entities that receive assistance under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.). There shall also be a non-voting ex-officio representative of the Corporation for National Service.

Not more than 25% of voting members may be state employees, although the Governor may appoint additional officers or employees of State agencies operating community service, youth service, education, social service, senior service and job training programs to serve as ex-officio, non-voting members.

Vacancies occurring among the members shall be filled by the Governor to serve the balance of such terms. No member appointed after the effective date of this order shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.

In addition to the State of Vermont Executive Code of Ethics, commissioners shall abide by the limitation on voting as found in Section 221(a) of the Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 12638(d)(2)).

The Commission shall meet at least four times a year to perform its business. The Commission shall receive administrative support from the Agency of Human Services. Public members may receive reimbursement of expenses in attending Commission meetings and may receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 1010.

The officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary and shall constitute the Executive Committee. Officers shall be elected annually by the voting members of the Commission at the first regular meeting of the calendar year for a term of one year, commencing with the first meeting following their election subject to the approval of the Governor.

Officers may not hold office for more than three consecutive years. Following at least one year out of office, persons who have served as officers are again eligible for election. The Chair shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, when one is established.

The Chair shall have authority to appoint committees as necessary and appropriate to carry out the functions and duties of the Commission, including a Finance Committee that shall be chaired by the Treasurer, that shall review the annual budget and make recommendations.

This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 09-98 (codified as E.O. 3-35), dated August 13, 1998 and rescinds and repeals any by-laws previously adopted by the Commission. The Commission created by this order, however, shall be a continuation of, and successor to, the Commission established by Executive Order No. 09-98. Members of the Commission serving on the effective date of this order shall continue to serve until the expiration of their terms and may be re-appointed for up to two additional consecutive terms.

This order shall take effect on January 23, 2009.

Dated January 21, 2009.