Overview of NYC Service Resident Volunteer Corps (RVC)
The NYC Service Resident Volunteer Corps (RVC) is a dedicated cohort of volunteers from the community, created to support New York City government agencies in addressing critical needs. RVC amplifies resident voices in city governance through meaningful volunteerism, enhancing the City's ability to confront urgent challenges while fostering stronger connections between agencies and the communities they serve. While with RVC, volunteers also take part in a professional development and service-learning curriculum that helps build their skills as public servants.
This year, volunteers with RVC contributed their time across the City. Some examples of those projects include:
Conducting patient and community interviews to generate ideas for policy recommendations aimed at improving healthcare accountability and price transparency.
Supporting a Student Advisory Council to train youth to conduct systematic research to improve their communities.
Assisting IT Support technicians with day-to-day activities, including computer upgrades, software rollouts, and end-user telephone support.
Conducting outreach in Brooklyn and Queens to educate New Yorkers about the protections afforded to them under NYC human rights law.
What the Volunteer Experience Looks Like
100 hrs
Serve at a City agency
Complete at least 100 hours of volunteer service during your placement. Service-Learning Volunteers serve 10–20 hours per week for at least one program term, with an opportunity for extension. Volunteers who reach 100 hours of service can receive a Mayoral Service Recognition Award.
Learn
Train with NYC Service
Take part in NYC Service training focused on civic engagement, volunteerism, community advocacy, and workforce development.
Reflect
Share your impact
Submit an end-of-service report about the impact of your work and your plan to remain civically engaged after RVC.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to serve in Resident Volunteer Corps, all candidates must be:
- A New York City resident at the start of volunteer service
- 18 years or older
- Consenting and able to pass an agency criminal background check
- Committed to serving at least 100 hours in a year and keeping a consistent volunteer schedule
Show Your Interest
RVC is open to all residents of New York City who are at least eighteen years old and interested in making a positive impact on their community through civic engagement.
The purpose of the form below is to showcase your interest in RVC and make sure the NYC Service team can follow up with additional information once the application cycle opens. Leela will personally reach out to each applicant who fills out this form, and members are accepted on a rolling basis. If you have questions about the process, reach out to NYCResidentVolunteerCorps@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Fill Out the Interest Form
Application Cycle
First week of August
Screening calls begin for the Fall 2026 Cohort.
October 5, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort start date.
After you apply
Keep an eye out for an email from LCullity@nycservice.nyc.gov to set up a time for your screening call!
Questions? Email NYCResidentVolunteerCorps@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Testimonials
"During my time as a volunteer, I helped address health disparities by increasing screening rates for colorectal cancer. I helped uninsured NYC residents receive colonoscopies for free."
-RVC participant placed with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
"Through my service project, I engaged with marginalized groups such as immigrants and people experiencing homelessness, helping ensure that their voices were included in city governance. I helped to organize a resource fair that connected residents with essential services and fostered collaboration between organizations and city officials."
-RVC participant placed with the NYC Commission on Human Rights
"Our volunteer was extraordinary! She became my right hand and helped me run and expand our district's Student Advisory Council. She helped me train student volunteers in leadership skills and supported them through the development of their social action projects."
-RVC supervisor from NYC Public Schools
