Huntington Park outlines volunteer program relaunch, aims to expand database from 240 to ~1,000

City staff on Sept. 9 presented a relaunch plan for Huntington Park's volunteer program that includes consolidating existing volunteer records, an online application form, activity waivers, training, fingerprinting for long-term leadership roles and partnerships with LAUSD for internship opportunities.

Presenters said the city currently has a database of about 240 volunteers with contact information and plans to expand that database toward roughly 1,000 active volunteers by next summer through outreach and training. "We have a database, a list of about 240 volunteers... we hope that by the end of next summer this 240 database can become a thousand members database and all of them very active in the community," a staff presenter said when describing goals.

The relaunch will require volunteers to sign activity-specific waivers and participate in initial training; only volunteers taking sustained leadership roles would be fingerprinted. Staff said there is no dedicated fund for volunteer events but they plan to seek sponsorships for recognition events and operational needs. City and LAUSD internship partnership ideas would create paid positions and training opportunities for students in city departments.

Councilmembers asked about fingerprinting policies, digital waivers and how commissioners and residents would be informed of volunteer opportunities. Staff said QR-code sign-up and virtual orientations will be considered to make participation easier for working residents. The council thanked staff for the comprehensive approach and encouraged outreach to commissioners and community groups.

Staff said they will return with implementation details and timing for training and the master calendar of volunteer activities.