NYC Civic Corps Accepting Applications

If you’re out of work, looking to develop professional skills, or just want to give back to New York City’s communities, the second class of the NYC Civic Corps program is gearing up for the 2010-2011 season.

The year-long program puts do-gooders around the city, working for the benefit of all New Yorkers. But, like the best volunteer programs, it’s not all give without any take. Participants earn money and get health benefits, as well as an education award.

Here’s the info from Paul Berg, the program’s coordinator:

An initiative of NYC Service and the Mayor’s Office, the NYC Civic Corps is a diverse group of individuals – from recent graduates to experienced professionals – who dedicate one year of service to New York City.  Corps members are dispatched in small teams to local non-profit organizations and City agencies with the charge of developing sustainable volunteer programs and expanding organizational capacity.

In return for their service, members of the NYC Civic Corps earn a monthly living stipend, health and commuting benefits, and an end-of-service education award.  Corps members also receive monthly professional development and support from NYC Service.

Applications are available at

.  Only online applications will be accepted, and the application deadline is June 30, 2010.  To be eligible to join the NYC Civic Corps, individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a Bachelor’s degree, and they must be willing to commit to a full-time (40 hours per week) position starting in late August, 2010.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it best: “You can be a recent college graduate, a mother who’s looking to get back into the workforce, or someone who was recently laid off. It doesn’t matter. If you’re passionate about New York City and have a willingness and ability to serve your city for a year, then we want you.”

You can read more about the NYC Civic Corps in our press coverage from the past year:
New York Times City Room Blog (7/30/09)
Huffington Post (7/30/09)
New York Daily News (8/9/09)
New York Times (1/17/10)