It's officially been a year since I started working with NYU's Service and Civic Engagement program Give Where You Live! So much has morphed within the program and so has my position, yet my philosophy has remained the same: to act as a bridge between NYU students and the greater NYC area through community service and learning experiences; to give back to the city that gives us invaluable perspectives and opportunities. I strive to make community service not seem as daunting/overwhelming, insist we reflect and hold discussion on the process, and find joy in community all the while!
It's complicated being in position of collegiate privilege and to be a student of a system that is constantly expanding it's gentrification. With this, I'm dedicating my efforts to uplifting local community partners and collaborating with them to find the best ways to empower folks and the ecosystem we're apart of. Now as a coordinator of GWYL, I work intentionally with the team to connect with phenomenal partners throughout all 5 boroughs, like Part of the Solution, CHiPS (Community Help in Park Slope, Inc.), and Big Reuse, just to name a few (just because NYU is in downtown Manhattan and BK doesn't mean our existence only impacts these neighborhoods).
Please connect with me if you're seeking out volunteer opportunities throughout the city- I'm enthused to uplift the work that numerous non-profits are doing as pillars of public good.
