Service Year Alliance applauds New York Governor Kathy Hochul for creating the new Office of Service and Civic Engagement. This action elevates service in the Empire State by prioritizing service within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and appointing a Chief Service Officer. The Chief Service Officer will lead service and civic engagement efforts and launch the “Empire State Service Corps Program” in partnership with the State University of New York to connect students with opportunities to serve their communities.
Just this week, Service Year Alliance, in partnership with America’s Service Commissions and More Perfect, released the State Innovations in National Service & Volunteering report, demonstrating how governors and state legislators can catalyze a wide range of innovations that help meet the needs of their states through service and volunteerism. “With this announcement, New York joins a growing group of states that recognizes the transformative impact service years have on communities and the individuals that serve," said Kristen Bennett, CEO of Service Year Alliance. “We are thrilled to see Governor Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Delgado prioritizing service years and look forward to learning more about their plans for connecting New Yorkers to service opportunities.”
At Service Year Alliance, we envision a future where a year of paid, full-time service — a service year — is part of growing up in America. As New York and other states embark on innovative approaches to expanding service years, Service Year Alliance stands ready to support these efforts as we work to ensure that a year of service is a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans.
