In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced a new initiative, NYC Service, to increase volunteering in the Big Apple. Emergency preparedness is one of the program’s six priority areas. ”The NYC Service program has three main goals,” according to the City’s press release, “channel the power of volunteers to address the impacts of the current economic downturn, make New York City the easiest city in America in which to serve, and ensure every young person in New York City is taught about civic engagement and has an opportunity to serve.”

The centerpiece of the new effort is the NYC Service website (nycservice.org) which offers users a concrete way to get involved with more than 700 organizations. The site has a search capability that allows visitors to choose a project from one of six categories of volunteer opportunities: Strengthening Communities, Helping Neighbors in Need, Education, Environment, Health and Emergency Preparedness. For example, if someone wanted to find emergency preparedness, you can search here and find 46 volunteer opportunities, either offered by the American Red Cross of Greater New York or local community groups.