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Committee discusses city‑run volunteer matchmaking service or app to connect residents and nonprofits
Summary
Community Wellness Committee members proposed a city‑hosted volunteer matching tool — a web portal or app — to replace a now‑defunct United Way volunteer database and connect people with short‑term volunteer opportunities.
Committee members discussed creating a volunteer‑matching service hosted on a city website or an app to link residents with local nonprofits that need volunteers. The idea arose after members learned the United Way no longer maintains a volunteer database.
Council members and attendees described features they would like: a searchable calendar of opportunities, organization‑controlled postings so local groups can update availability quickly, and low‑barrier sign‑ups for short weekly commitments. The mayor suggested colleges and SUNY Oneonta as potential partners for development and promotion.
Participants noted obstacles: lack of staff or funding to build and maintain an app, and uncertain ongoing maintenance. Human Rights Commission members previously discussed an app; the committee said it would explore whether the city could host a light web‑based portal and consult with local colleges and the United Way about past models.
Committee members agreed to continue the conversation and to ask the Human Rights Commission, United Way and local colleges for input on technical needs, potential partners and funding models.
