Service2Service is a professional development experience centered in mentorship between NYC Veterans and AmeriCorps alumni as mentees and City government employees as mentors. The program aimed to build relationships between service-minded New Yorkers and empower mentees with the network and knowledge to continue a legacy of service in the City.
Mentorship Model
The mentorship model combined one-on-one mentorship between City employees and NYC Veterans, or AmeriCorps alumni and virtual workshops connected to professional careers in NYC government. Each mentee and mentor paired committed to a minimum of bi-monthly, one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Why Mentorship?
NYC Veterans and AmeriCorps alumni are individuals with a unique set of experiences, deep commitment to civic responsibility, and are valuable members of our communities. NYC Service and the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services welcome the NYC Veterans and AmeriCorps alumni of New York City to connect to City employees and open up opportunities to continue their public service journey.
Impact
Since 2020, 74 mentees (39 NYC Veterans and 35 AmeriCorps Alums) from across the five boroughs with support from 74 mentors representing 33 city agencies, developed their professional skills, increased their knowledge of NYC Government landscape and awareness of city government resources and initiatives to prepare them for continuing a life of service.
Mentee & Mentor Testimonials
The Service2Service Mentorship Program gave me the opportunity to learn about public service in NYC while surrounded by peers and professionals that are dedicated to serving the community. Public service was a career that I knew I wanted to pursue but I did not know much about the landscape. I also did not have many peers to ask as most of them were not on the same career path. This Mentorship program broadened my outlook on opportunities that lie within public service while teaching me tangible skils that will benefit me in my career such as goal setting, professional development, and civil service. Overall, I feel more confident regarding my understanding of public service, and I am excited to keep in touch with these lifelong friends!
Benice Mach, Mentee and NYC VISTA
The Service2Service Program has immensely helped my future trajectory. It has allowed me to acquire a mentor who has influenced me immensely in what career I will have in the future. My mentor, along with S2S pieces of training throughout the program, have influenced me into thinking strategically and dynamically. As a veteran, the program has allowed me to understand how important civil service is. I actually now have a job in the city government due to this program. This program will help veterans in immense ways even if they do not see the seeds of knowledge that have been planted inside them.
Michael O. Del-Llano Subervi, Mentee and NYC Veteran
Words would fall short in describing the impact on this program both on the mentor side, as well as I would imagine to be the same on behalf of the mentees. We as veterans are very good at executing a mission, with the ultimate goal of succeeding in its accomplishment. However, when those missions are no longer rolling down from higher command, we tend to feel lost or lacking purpose. This more often than not seems to be the case in the civilian sector. Veterans lack guidance, sense of purpose, and the tools and experience to navigate its waters. Going through this program I was able to see this need in real-time. Amazing individuals who just simply needed a helping hand in the form of a mentor, a friend, a simple connection, a resource available, etc... S2S was able to offer just that, in simple to digest, bite-sized pieces. On any given day, the participants just couldn't get enough! All that to say this, we can all do more. We need more of this program and others alike for the betterment of our fellow veterans.
Will Gonell, Mentor and NYC Veteran
If you're interested in other volunteer or mentorship opportunities, search nyc.gov/volunteer or subscribe to receive emails about volunteer opportunities.
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