California is creating a cabinet-level post to oversee programs for volunteers, reports The New York Times.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to expand and elevate the role of the executive director of California Volunteers, the state’s commission for volunteerism. As a cabinet secretary, the volunteerism leader will be involved in planning the state’s response to natural disasters and coordinating volunteer efforts to provide relief.

State leaders also hope that giving a higher profile to volunteer roles will lead corporations and individuals to increase their support for programs that rely on volunteers. They said that is especially important given the state’s tight economy.

See The Chronicle’s article on the state budget woes affecting charities in California and beyond.

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