Maryland State employees are encouraged to participate in community volunteerism through the Just Serve initiative, championed by Governor Larry Hogan. Recognizing the value of community engagement, Governor Hogan has authorized up to four hours of paid administrative leave for state employees to dedicate to volunteer activities. This opportunity allows employees to contribute to causes they care about between September 11 and October 10, 2021.
Understanding and Utilizing Paid Leave for Just Serve
To take advantage of this opportunity and participate in Just Serve, follow these straightforward steps to ensure a smooth process for both your volunteer work and leave submission.
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Discover a Volunteer Opportunity: Begin by exploring the Just Serve website to find local volunteer events and organizations. It’s important to confirm that the organization you choose is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which can be verified through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
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Confirm Leave with Your Supervisor: Before committing to a volunteer event, discuss your plans with your supervisor to ensure your absence can be accommodated on your chosen date and time.
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Complete and Submit Required Forms: Formalize your request by completing the State Employees Day to Serve Agreement and Day to Serve Verification Form. Submit this form to your supervisor for approval.
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Register Your Volunteer Hours: After securing approval, register your planned volunteer hours and activity details here. This step is crucial for tracking participation across state agencies.
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Submitting Your Leave: Agencies will grant up to four hours of Paid Administrative Leave upon submission of the verification form. If your agency uses Workday, log your time off using “Paid Administrative Leave” as the Time Off Type and “Just Serve” as the Time Off Reason. Remember, Paid Administrative Leave is only applicable when officially granted by your agency’s timekeeper. If your agency uses an alternative timekeeping system, reach out to your HR Department for specific guidance.
Key Updates for 2021 Just Serve Participation
For the 2021 initiative, some updates were introduced to enhance flexibility and accessibility:
- Remote Volunteer Options: Recognizing ongoing health concerns, remote volunteer service with registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits became an option for those unable to participate in person due to COVID-19 related concerns.
- Flexible Hour Usage: The allocated four hours of volunteer service could be completed either in one continuous block or split into multiple shorter sessions, accommodating diverse schedules and volunteer opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Just Serve
What is Just Serve?
Just Serve, previously known as Day to Serve, is an annual initiative designed to encourage volunteerism and active community service among residents. Maryland proudly participates alongside Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., in this regional effort.
When does Just Serve take place?
The designated period for Just Serve is from September 11 to October 10, 2021.
How can I find volunteer opportunities?
Visit justserve.org to explore a wide array of volunteer opportunities in your local area. If you are interested in volunteering with an organization not listed, ensure they are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit to qualify for the program.
Is paid leave available for state employees?
Yes, Maryland state employees are eligible for up to four hours of administrative leave to participate in Just Serve. Supervisor approval is necessary for any volunteer event utilizing paid leave hours.
Can administrative leave be used outside of regular work hours?
No, administrative leave is specifically for volunteer activities conducted during your regular work hours. Volunteer work performed outside of these hours is not eligible for paid leave.
Can I get compensatory time for volunteering outside work hours for Just Serve?
No, compensatory time is not offered for volunteer activities outside of normal working hours.
Are any state employees ineligible for paid leave for Just Serve?
Yes, certain employee classifications are not eligible for this administrative leave. Refer to this list of ineligible employees for detailed information.
Are contractual employees eligible for leave hours?
Unfortunately, contractual employees are not eligible for administrative leave under this program. Please consult the list of ineligible employees for more details.
By participating in Just Serve, Maryland state employees can make a significant positive impact on their communities while utilizing a valuable benefit provided by the state. Explore the opportunities available and engage in service to strengthen our communities.
