Celebrating Service During National Volunteer Month
By Doria Josma
National Volunteer Month is a powerful reminder of the impact service has on our communities—and the people who lead that work with passion and purpose. As a proud AmeriCorps alum and woman of color in philanthropy, I carry the spirit of service with me in every space I enter.
This April, I was honored to be invited to Gracie Mansion by the Office of the Mayor to celebrate National Volunteer Month and receive a 2024 Mayoral Service Recognition—AmeriCorps Alum Impact certificate. This acknowledgement is given to those who embody AmeriCorps’ mission of “getting things done,” affirming the continued value of grassroots volunteerism long after our official service years end.
The initiative I was recognized for stemmed from my volunteer work with the Manhattan Borough President’s Office in partnership with West Side Campaign Against Hunger. Together, we packed hundreds of food bags for NYC families experiencing food insecurity, offering not only sustenance but also culturally appropriate food that honored the dignity of each recipient. This effort didn’t just alleviate hunger; it strengthened community bonds and restored a sense of belonging to underserved neighborhoods.
Volunteering is more than a one-time act—it’s a commitment to building a just and thriving society.
Earlier this year, I also took part in HOPE 2025, a citywide initiative led by the NYC Department of Social Services. For the 20th year, volunteers like myself canvassed neighborhoods during the overnight hours to help count New Yorkers living unsheltered. These efforts are vital—they help the city accurately estimate homelessness and strategically allocate resources to better serve individuals in need.
As we reflect on what it means to serve, I believe it’s crucial to uplift the role of women of color in philanthropy and service leadership. We bring lived experience, cultural fluency, and deep-rooted empathy into volunteerism, ensuring solutions are not only effective but equitable.
However, with the growing challenges faced by service-driven organizations like AmeriCorps, we must stay vigilant. Volunteering is more than a one-time act—it’s a commitment to building a just and thriving society. To preserve the spirit of service, we must continue to invest in civic engagement, tell the stories of those on the ground, and inspire the next generation to lead through action.
Service has the power to transform. And when women of color are centered in that transformation, our communities flourish.
