Collaborating for a Better Miami-Dade County: The Role of Voluntary Organizations

The Office of Community Advocacy in Miami-Dade County, Florida was established to foster a productive community and improve the quality of life for all. The new ALICE report reveals an increase in the number of families struggling to afford the basics in Miami-Dade County (July 17, 2020, Thursday). To address this issue, UpSkill Miami was created to provide residents with access to jobs. In addition, three specialized centers for the elderly in Miami-Dade County offer a variety of services for independent, homebound residents.

The Mortgage Assistance Program (MRP) provides assistance to Miami-Dade County homeowners who are experiencing economic hardship. The Board of Women's Affairs works to improve the status of women and their quality of life in Miami-Dade County. Income-eligible homeowners who live in certain Miami-Dade neighborhoods can get financial assistance to meet local and state building codes. The LGBTQIA+ Board of Directors is dedicated to addressing community issues and promoting Miami-Dade County as a friendly and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ people. The Military Affairs Board is committed to providing recommendations to the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners regarding the military and veterans.

A goodwill ambassador is a Miami-Dade County employee who volunteers to provide customer service to residents and visitors, improving the reputation of Miami-Dade County and its municipalities. The CLEO Institute was a key partner in promoting participation and also as a partner in virtual meetings, in which the staff of their organization opened each meeting with a mini-lesson on Climate101. Experienced staff and volunteer residents appointed by County Commission Board members work on behalf of the public to help residents live together in an environment of mutual respect and understanding, making Miami-Dade County one of the most culturally and dynamically diverse metropolitan areas in the country. Voluntary organizations in Miami-Dade County collaborate with other organizations or agencies to achieve their goals. These collaborations are essential for providing services that meet the needs of the community. For example, UpSkill Miami works with local nonprofits to provide job training opportunities for residents. The Mortgage Assistance Program (MRP) works with local banks and lenders to provide financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners.

The LGBTQIA+ Board of Directors works with local businesses and organizations to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ people. The Military Affairs Board works with local veterans' organizations to provide support services for veterans. The CLEO Institute works with other environmental organizations to promote awareness about climate change. These collaborations are essential for providing services that meet the needs of the community.