Editor:
Several weeks ago volunteers at the East Linn Museum and the Sweet Home Genealogical Society were surprised to receive letters from RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) informing them that they no longer qualified for participation in this program.
After all, neither the museum nor the Genealogy Library would exist without the efforts of volunteers and we assumed our work is of value. Sweet Home was once known for the large number of volunteers whose efforts made possible many varied service groups within our community. The action of RSVP to so narrowly define a volunteer seems counterproductive to a need to encourage volunteerism.
Ironically, many of the volunteers had signed up with RSVP, not because they would receive any personal benefits but because they were told it would benefit the RSVP program! (By the way, the hours in which the museum is open to the public could be expanded if more volunteers could be there to welcome visitors.)
Terry Lanini and Board Members
East Linn Museum
Sweet Home Genealogical Society