President George W. Bush introduced Citizen Corps as part of the USA Freedom Corps to answer the need for volunteer efforts in areas of crime, natural disasters, and terrorism program. Citizen Corps is a federal initiative that harnesses volunteer spirit to create better-prepared citizens, neighborhoods, and communities, through education, training, and volunteer service.

Citizen Corps Councils coordinate volunteer initiatives at the state and local levels. They help make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.

CITIZEN CORPS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK CITY

Coordinated by OEM, the Citizen Corps Council of New York City brings together leaders from law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, emergency management, volunteer organizations, the private sector, and local elected officials to engage citizens in community preparedness through public education and outreach programs. The Council exercises inclusive membership and ensures that programs are available to meet all levels of interest and capability.

The Citizen Corps Council of New York City uses voluntary citizen involvement, through the coordination of interagency resources, to create a culture of preparedness among New York City's most vulnerable populations and to enable individuals citywide to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.