In the shadow of 9/11 National Day of Service and at a moment when division dominates our news feeds and affects the way we see our community and the country, one of the clearest paths forward is also one of the simplest: connecting with one another through service.
Volunteering has always been part of New York City culture — we have turned to each other through disasters, tragedy, and blue-sky times. Being “of service” is a responsibility we share as both stewards of our neighborhoods and to each other. Because New Yorkers know — and we now have research to support — that when we serve, we strengthen trust, bridge divides, and remind ourselves of the power of working together toward a good that serves us all.
NYC Service recently surveyed more than 8,000 New Yorkers, leading to our report “The Power of Volunteering: Findings on Connection, Unity, and Health of Volunteers in NYC.” New Yorkers overwhelmingly detailed how volunteering improves their personal well-being. Nearly 80% reported that volunteering helps build bridges across political differences and 65% of New Yorkers said volunteering helped them feel less lonely.
We also saw that after being involved, 82% of volunteers in New York City reported stronger ties to their communities, greater purpose, and more willingness to see service as a way to deliver equity and justice in their neighborhoods. These findings are critical to a path forward: We need to feel a sense of agency around our country and world, and recognize once again that our greatest asset is each other. This evidence should also serve as a call to action. Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to your community, serving others is one of the most effective ways to invest in both personal well-being and the health of our democracy. The greatest acts can sometimes be found in the smallest steps, and we march forward putting one foot in front of the other. Help your neighbor clean a storm drain. Mentor a young person. Clean a park with your family or friends. Record historical documents with the Department of Records. Stock a local food pantry. In short, volunteer. Our society needs unity, trust, and connection. Service provides all of these and more. This report is a reminder that the potential for a new horizon is ours to take — to seek opportunities, volunteer, and strengthen the ties that hold our neighborhoods and our nation together. Find opportunities to volunteer and “The Power of Volunteering” report at nyc.gov/service.
Laura Rog is chief service officer at NYC Service, where she drives volunteer strategy, including emergency response efforts, civic engagement research, community-based resource development, and youth-focused initiatives.