April 19, 2021 — As New York City continues to rebuild during the COVID-19 pandemic, the work done by volunteers has been an essential lifeline to New York City communities. In 2019, over one million New Yorkers volunteered with City agencies and organizations that range from assistance to immigrant communities, veterans, low-income residents, and many more, according to end-of-year report by NYC Service, a division of the Office of the Mayor that is focused on volunteerism and service. Volunteers in New York City have assisted families adjust to remote distance learning, provided wellness check to the elderly and helped prepped food deliveries for homebound New Yorkers. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Laura Rog, NYC Service’s acting chief service officer, and Moriah Washington, New York City Emergency Management’s director of community engagement, share the impact that volunteers have on assisting agencies and organizations fulfill their mission during National Volunteer Month and throughout the year. 

“Volunteering is one of the greatest supports we have in our city during emergencies.  Resilience is inherent in NYC communities – after every disaster the city has seen, residents have without fail shown up for one another during crisis and helped move entire communities towards recovery,” said Laura Rog, NYC Service’s acting chief service officer.

“What we often see within our communities is people rising and shinning. I often say ‘If you see a need, fill a need’, and that is the power of our community organizers, the hyperlocal community organizations and faith-based groups. They are filling the gaps, like contacting us if they see a language access issue at a vaccination pod”, said Moriah Washington, NYC Emergency Management’s director of community engagement.

You can listen to the latest episode on SoundCloud, iTunes, and Spreaker. 

Laura Rog is NYC Service’s acting chief service officer, where she has driven volunteer strategy, including emergency response efforts, civic engagement research, community-based resource development, and youth focused initiatives. Most recently, Rog spearheaded the citywide Volunteer Coordination Task Force, partnering with NYC Emergency Management, New York Cares, and New York City Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NYCVOAD), to centralize volunteer efforts during in response to COVID-19. Laura began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA and worked in public school and nonprofit sectors in New York and across the nation prior to joining NYC Service. She holds a B.A. in English from SUNY Geneseo and an M.S. in teaching and curriculum from the University of Rochester.

Moriah Washington, MPA joined NYC Emergency Management in 2019, serves as the director of community engagement leading a team, collaborating and engaging community-based organizations in emergency preparedness and response. Prior to serving in the emergency management field, Moriah served in the youth development sector as an educator, community organizer and manager for over 14 years. Moriah is an alumna of AmeriCorps (City Year + Citizen Schools) and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She has actively served in urban communities working with parents, schools, local leaders and community organizers throughout her entire career.

Brian Fargnoli served as a guest co-host for this “Prep Talk” episode. He is the deputy director for legislative affairs at NYC Emergency Management. In this role, Fargnoli analyzes legislation, prepares the agency for legislative hearings, and builds relationships with elected officials and community boards. Prior to this, he was a budget analyst at the NYC Office of Management and Budget, and deputy legislative director to NYS Assemblymember Bob Sweeney. He holds an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Albany. 

In the United States, April is National Volunteer Month — a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes. April became National Volunteer Month as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light campaign in 1991.

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