Code Officials Volunteer CORPS (COVC) FAQ’s

What is the Code Officials Volunteer CORPS?

The Code Officials Volunteer CORPS program is designed to recognize, celebrate and support volunteer service by the members and staff of the International Code Council. The program launch includes a volunteer service "challenge" of 250,000 hours of volunteerism starting on September 15, 2008 for the following twelve months and ending on the commencement of the 2009 Annual Conference.

How is a volunteer hour defined?

A volunteer hour is defined as one hour of donated time given without compensation to provide support to individuals or organizations in need. Transportation to and from the time of service can be included as bona fide volunteer hours; however, time donated to family members cannot.

What is a value of a volunteer hour?

Independent Sector publishes an annual volunteer hour value figure, and the 2007 value is $19.51.

What is the definition of the challenge year?

The Foundation defines a challenge year as one calendar year from the time of the ICC Annual Conference.

What qualifies as an eligible project?

Eligible projects include all service provided to nonprofits and charities deemed 501(c)3 by the Internal Revenue Service and other individual projects on a case by case basis. For example, individuals who volunteer by mentoring a child may not necessarily do so through a 501(c)3, but through a school. This service would qualify as hours toward the challenge so long as documentation is provided.

How can members identify volunteer opportunities or projects in their local area?

Members can reach out to local, coordinating agencies like the United Way, Volunteer Action Centers, VolunteerMatch.com or other volunteer search engines on the Web.

What is the annual challenge for 2009?

The 2009 volunteer service challenge is 250,000 total hours and it begins on Monday, September 15, 2008.

How are the hours going to be tracked?

The Foundation will develop an online tracking system to maintain the hours worked by the local ICC Members or Chapters. ICC Members will be able to query the system to benchmark their hours against other ICC Members or Chapters.

How is the total program going to be tracked?

The online system will be available via the Foundation website and will keep a tally of the hours worked on the homepage.

What is the objective of the Code Officials Volunteer CORPS and the Volunteer Service Challenge?

The objective of the Code Officials Volunteer CORPS is to support ICC Members and Chapters efforts to serve their communities and enhance their relationships with their constituents.

Does ICC Foundation have formal partnerships in place that can help members with local service opportunities?

The Foundation is in the process of forming and reinforcing national partnerships with American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and the United Way.