Iowa’s State Service Plan
Are you invested in volunteerism and service in Iowa? Then we invite YOU to give us feedback!
Please take a moment (10-15 minutes) to fill out the following survey: Iowa's State Service Plan Survey.
Feedback will be used to develop the 2026-2028 Volunteer Iowa (Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service) State Service Plan. This plan serves as a blueprint identifying state priorities, themes, and areas of emphasis for Iowa national service and volunteer programs. The survey will close on Friday, July 11. Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience. Participants may wish to review a preliminary draft of the 2026-2028 Iowa State Service Plan prior to completing the survey.
Contact info@volunteeriowa.org with questions.
Thank you to our outgoing commissioners
At the end of June, we will say farewell to four long-time commissioners. Dan Cataldi, the current commission chair, has served two full three-year terms with the commission. Dan previously chaired the Programs & Development committee and served as Vice Chair prior to taking over as chair in 2024. Dawn Roberts, AJ Lyman, and Kevin Koester are also finishing their terms of service. They each played a crucial role in our work and will be greatly missed.
Leadership for the 2025-26 commission term was confirmed at the May 8 abbreviated commission meeting. Monica Chavez Silva will take over as commission chair, with Ray Haas serving as vice chair.
Interested in joining our commission? Applications are accepted year-round, but we are currently in the process of reviewing applications to fill slots beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Commission appointments are three-year terms and begin on July 1, 2025. Apply today at Iowa Talent Bank or contact info@volunteeriowa.org.
 Outgoing commissioners being honored at the May 27th commission meeting, clockwise from the top left (pictured with Executive Director Adam Lounsbury): Commission Chair Dan Cataldi, Kevin Koester, AJ Lyman, Dawn Roberts.
A Special Honor for Volunteer Iowa
Volunteer Iowa was honored to receive recognition as a Recovery Partner from the City of Greenfield last month, on the one-year anniversary of the devastating tornado. We would also like to thank the AmeriCorps teams who were integral to the volunteer response in Greenfield, including AmeriCorps NCCC members from the Vinton campus, as well as members with the Habitat for Humanity of Iowa and RIVA AmeriCorps programs, for their service assisting with the disaster response and recovery process.
Welcome Ashley Sorenson
Ashley Sorenson joined Volunteer Iowa in late April as an RSVP Volunteer Coordinator. Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Ashley has had the unique opportunity to live in many different states, including South Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Kansas and now Iowa! She attended the University of Mobile in Alabama, where she embraced the vibrant small campus life while playing college soccer. Although Ashley initially focused on elementary education, she graduated with a degree in general studies, concentrating on social sciences. Since graduation, Ashley’s career has been dedicated to the YMCA, where she led many different teams and programs, ultimately serving as executive director for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their fullest potential and is excited to continue this journey at Volunteer Iowa, working closely with volunteers and the community. In her free time, Ashley enjoys playing pickleball and coaching soccer, and loves cheering on her son, Blake, and daughter, Alexis, at their school athletic events. Her family, including husband George and four beloved dogs—Jazz, Penguin, Ruby, and Bailey—continues to be a significant part of her life.
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Save the Date + Call for Workshops: 2025 Iowa Nonprofit Summit
Mark your calendar for the Iowa Nonprofit Summit, happening October 1, 2025, in Ankeny, IA! INA is currently accepting workshop proposals — and they want to hear from nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and community leaders across the state. Submit a proposal or learn more.
Help Shape Iowa Nonprofit Alliance’s Work – Take INA's Survey
Iowa Nonprofit Alliance is gathering input through a short Membership and Engagement Survey to guide their work and strengthen Iowa’s nonprofit sector. Whether you're a current member or new to INA, your voice matters! Click here to take the survey.
Current Volunteer Iowa Opportunities
Volunteer with us! Find volunteer opportunities with Volunteer Iowa here: Volunteer Iowa | Volunteer Iowa (galaxydigital.com)
Iowa AmeriCorps programs supported by Volunteer Iowa are also recruiting now. Find a listing of Iowa AmeriCorps programs at Join AmeriCorps | Volunteer Iowa.
Volunteerism in the News
Important Dates
Looking for a way to give back? Visit Get Connected today to find volunteer opportunities. Organizations can post volunteer opportunities on Get Connected as well at no cost.
This email was sent to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. https://hhs.iowa.gov/
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