Under current law volunteers who are not working with an official nonprofit organization are not covered by the Volunteer Protection Act. Therefore, there are absolutely no legal protections for the average American who wishes to volunteer.

The quote by Jon Porter highlights a significant gap in legal protections for volunteers who are not affiliated with an official nonprofit organization. He points out that under current law, such volunteers are not covered by the Volunteer Protection Act, which provides legal protections for those who volunteer with recognized organizations. As a result, Porter emphasizes that the average American who wishes to volunteer independently, without being part of an official nonprofit, has no legal protections if something goes wrong during their volunteer work.

Porter’s statement underscores the need for reform in the legal framework surrounding volunteerism. While nonprofit organizations and their volunteers are shielded by the Volunteer Protection Act, those who volunteer outside of these established structures are vulnerable to potential legal risks, such as liability or lawsuits. By pointing out this issue, Porter is advocating for better legal safeguards for all volunteers, regardless of whether they work within an official organization.

The origin of this quote comes from Porter’s background as a U.S. Representative, where he was involved in legislative efforts to improve the legal framework for various social and public service initiatives. His focus on volunteer protection reflects his interest in creating an environment that encourages civic engagement and ensures that individuals who give their time for the greater good are not at risk of undue legal consequences.

Ultimately, Porter’s quote calls attention to the lack of legal protections for many volunteers, advocating for policy changes to ensure that individuals who wish to serve their communities through volunteerism are afforded the same protections as those who volunteer with recognized organizations. This would help foster a more supportive and sustainable environment for civic participation across the country.