New York City
Like all big cities, New York faces many challenges — from environmental concerns, to public safety, to the quality of its schools. It's how New York City is solving these problems that makes it unique.
In 2009, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a bold new program to involve the city's residents in the solution: NYC service. NYC service asks New Yorkers from around the city to mobilize through Impact Service Projects aimed at combating some of the city's most vexing problems.
Since April 2009, the program has already engaged over 160,000 New Yorkers in citywide programs. One program, Middle School Mentors, brings talented volunteers to mentor youth in NYC public schools. Another, Shape Up, sends volunteers to deliver free fitness classes in low-income communities, where obesity is often disproportionately higher.
NYC Service has also used technology to help connect service opportunities with potential volunteers. A quick search at nycservice.org allows users to find projects that are tailed to their skills, location, or interest. Just another way the program aims to create a standard for "cities of service."
Diahann Billings-Burford, the nation's first Chief Service Officer, says the program "calls on New Yorkers to give their BLANK — convenient shorthand for whatever it is they have to offer, from time and energy to high-demand professional skills."
