Mattawa Chamber hears about JustServe

MATTAWA - The Mattawa Area Chamber of Commerce heard about a new volunteerism organization from resident Jef Gallacci.

JustServe.org was organized by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, but it is a non-religious, non-political program, Gallacci said.

JustServe.org is a clearinghouse for posting community and individual service needs. It's also a place to find service opportunities for those who wish to serve.

"The web site, while initiated by The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, is not intended to be a religious venue," Gallacci said. "In fact, the ultimate goal when the site is fully operational and established, is for community members, regardless of faith or affiliation, to use the site to enhance the connection between those who wish to serve and service needs."

The site is in its infancy but will eventually develop into a nationwide service coordinating clearinghouse. Currently there are coordinators in each metropolitan area in Washington. They can facilitate getting service opportunities listed until the site is ready for public input.

In Mattawa the coordinator is Jef Gallacci. In Royal City it is Lamar Gilbert.

For now, anyone can go to JustServe.org and find an opportunity to serve in their area, or within a number of miles from their location, for themselves or for their group. Individuals can also register on JustServe.org and have greater use of the site as it develops. Registration is free, and simple.

Local coordinators have been provided with PowerPoint presentations, brochures and information, and are available to present JustServe.org to any group or individual.

"It is important to understand that JustServe.org is non-religious," Gallacci said. "There is no proselytizing, no preaching of any kind. It is a purely service oriented mission, to connect those who wish to serve with opportunities to serve."

When implemented correctly, community members and individuals will serve those with specific personal needs, working for the greater good in the community.

"No compensation and no political gain, just pure person-to-person service," Gallacci said.