Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Days of Service Project Collection Tool
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government group AmeriCorps wants to ask people questions about volunteering on special days, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to see how these events help, and they want people to share their thoughts on it by March 18, without worrying about secrets getting out.
Summary AI
The Corporation for National and Community Service (operating as AmeriCorps) is proposing to renew an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection, known as the Days of Service Project Collection Tool, allows event organizers to register volunteer projects for Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day, September 11th Day of Service, and other events. AmeriCorps invites public comments on the necessity and efficiency of this collection and on ways to improve it, with the deadline for comments set for March 18, 2025. The information collected is voluntary and will not be used for grant or funding purposes.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Corporation for National and Community Service (operating as AmeriCorps) is proposing to renew an information collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The recent notice from the Corporation for National and Community Service, operating as AmeriCorps, outlines proposed actions to renew an information collection tool known as the Days of Service Project Collection Tool. This initiative is part of AmeriCorps' efforts to encourage the registration of volunteer projects for events like Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day and September 11th Day of Service. The document seeks public feedback on this information collection by March 18, 2025.
Summary and Purpose
The primary goal of the Days of Service Project Collection Tool is to gather information from organizers of volunteer events. While the participation in providing this information is voluntary, AmeriCorps desires input to enhance the tool's effectiveness and measure its impact on service activities nationwide. The tool is slated to continue past its current expiration of March 31, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the content and structure of the notice:
Burden Estimation Transparency: The notice mentions the number of annual responses and related burden hours but does not explain how these figures were derived. This lack of transparency may limit the public’s ability to provide informed feedback on the collection's efficiency.
Utilization of Collected Data: The document generally states that the information gathered will support the promotion of service days and assess AmeriCorps' initiatives. However, there is little detail on how the data will specifically be used or safeguarded, which could raise concerns about data privacy and the ultimate purpose of the collection.
Handling of Confidential Information: Standard warnings advise against including sensitive information in public comments, yet there are no instructions on how one could submit necessary confidential data securely if required. This omission might deter stakeholders from providing complete feedback.
Feedback and Follow-Up: There are no concrete strategies outlined for how AmeriCorps will handle or incorporate the comments received, nor how they will keep contributors informed of any subsequent developments or decisions. This could affect transparency and reduce the public’s trust in the feedback process.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially those involved in organizing volunteer service projects, this document represents an opportunity to voice their opinions on a tool that might affect their activities. Although participation in the information collection is not mandatory, the process could indirectly impact the way such service projects are identified and promoted at a national level.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For businesses and organizations that participate in organizing volunteer activities, the proposed renewal of the Days of Service Project Collection Tool presents both an opportunity and a commitment. On one hand, it offers a unified way to register and potentially boost the visibility of their projects. On the other, it could introduce extra administrative work to contribute to the information collection efforts.
In conclusion, while the renewal of the information collection tool seeks to advance national service days and volunteer impact, clearer articulation of data use, privacy considerations, and feedback processing would aid in garnering more robust and constructive public participation. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in the feedback process to help shape this well-intentioned initiative to better serve its purpose.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on how the burden estimates (total number of responses and total burden hours) were calculated, which could be helpful for public understanding and feedback.
• There is no specific information on how the data collected will be utilized beyond promoting Days of Service and assessing AmeriCorps' impact, which might lead to concerns about the purpose and confidentiality of the data.
• The document includes a standard warning about not including confidential information in comments, but it does not offer any instructions on submitting confidential information if necessary.
• The document does not specify any feedback mechanisms or follow-up processes post-comment submission, which may affect transparency and accountability.