BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution Expressing Appreciation of the Santa Clara Valley Water District Volunteers and Their Contributions During 2026 National Volunteer Week.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution EXPRESSING APPRECIATION OF THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS DURING 2026 NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK.
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SUMMARY:
Volunteers play an essential role in advancing the mission of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) to provide Santa Clara County with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. Through year-round stewardship activities, countywide cleanup events, and community education and leadership initiatives, volunteers actively protect local waterways and promote public understanding and engagement in Valley Water’s work.
National Volunteer Week, established in 1974 by the nonprofit Points of Light, is observed annually during the third week of April to recognize and celebrate volunteers nationwide. In 2026, National Volunteer Week runs from April 19 to April 25 and provides the Board of Directors with a special opportunity to formally acknowledge the contributions of Valley Water volunteers and to express appreciation for their ongoing year-round service.
In 2025, volunteers made significant contributions in advancing Valley Water’s mission of environmental stewardship through multiple programs. More than 70 organizations and individuals participated in the year-round Adopt-A-Creek Program and contributed 1,192 volunteer hours, removing 17,033 pounds of litter from 52 miles of waterways throughout Santa Clara County. During the 2025 National River Cleanup and California Coastal Cleanup Days, community members contributed a combined 8,067 hours to remove 48,384 pounds of litter from 146 miles of waterways.
In addition to cleanup activities, Valley Water’s Water 101 Academy and Water Ambassador Program continued to educate community members about water-related items. To date, more than 100 community leaders have completed the Water 101 Academy and continue serving as Water Ambassadors. Program participants support Valley Water projects and initiatives while fostering stronger community connections and helping to build long-term public understanding of and support for local water issues.
In 2025 alone, volunteers across all programs contributed 9,259 hours of service. Based on the latest Independent Sector estimate for the value of volunteer time, this represents approximately $322,120 in community benefit supporting Valley Water’s mission. These efforts enhance water quality, reduce pollution, and strengthen community stewardship throughout Santa Clara County.
Volunteer engagement is a year-round effort that extends beyond the accomplishments of Calendar Year 2025. Valley Water will continue to support stewardship programs, countywide cleanup events, and community education initiatives in 2026 and beyond as part of its ongoing commitment to community involvement.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
This action is not subject to environmental justice analysis because it is ceremonial in nature and it is unlikely to result in any human health or environmental impacts.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with adoption of this resolution.
CEQA:
This action is not a ‘project’ under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 because it does not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Rachael Gibson, 408-630-2884