Volume 29 • Summer 2009 The case for leadership training in public service ublic service is in the spotlight on pressing problems, citizens are being Rose Anello was involved with the PSSP P the national stage in its volunteer sought for community service, primarily as for many years as a scholar placement P format. Led by President Obama’s volunteers. Two pieces of legislation were supervisor in her former position as associate “call to action” in his inaugural address, recently signed to this end: the Generations executive director for public affairs at legislation and federal initiatives have Invigorating Volunteerism and Education the Citizens’ Committee for Children of come along to strengthen national service Act and the Edward M. Kennedy Serve New York. She said: “When the economy laws and increase civic engagement America Act. These laws are steps in the improves, that citizenry in public service throughout the country. These efforts right direction and will help restore our will hopefully be embedded in our society aim at national problems such as the nation’s health. People of all ages are but there is a concern that group will dwin- fallout from a failing economy and a weak being encouraged to participate, with dle.” Anello continued: “While one does not health-care system. As federal and local financial incentives for students and replace the other, there is an urgent need governments seek people for a massive seniors. Service opportunities for working for public service professionals who can volunteer force, a significant, if not vital, ele- professionals and better collaboration chart the course, write the blueprint and ment appears overshadowed: sustaining and between all sectors will also be needed. directions for the citizenry to augment. strengthening an effective public service Volunteers need drivers.” sector for current and future generations. We need to prioritize and recognize these nonprofit and public sectors as vital. The Miriam Burns, formerly senior policy It is no surprise to those 11 million people leaders of the public service sector main- analyst with the New York City Council and working in the nonprofit sector, or those tain its strength, yet they continue to lack now a consultant, has been involved with countless people who are linked to public- recognition, compensation and resources. the PSSP for 10 years as an adjunct profes- service entities, that there is a major focus While the magnitude and contributions of sor, scholar supervisor and mentor. She on this sector. Nonprofit and public agencies the sector are unmatched, it has always believes that while volunteers are essen- are vital to the nation’s social and economic been under-valued and under-funded. tial to many agencies, “professionals bring well-being. They represent the arts, eco- a different skill.” “They understand the nomic development and social services Planning beyond the immediate crisis must issues because they often must implement to name a few. The public service sector begin. While a spike in job and volunteer public policy decisions,” she said. “Both has been the catalyst for social change, applications is seen by organizations such roles are important but a highly educated, serving as the incubator for programs and as Teach for America and CityYear, will aware and involved cadre of professionals policies that have worldwide impact. these novices remain in the sector? is essential.” Will those who are turning to public service Now, as the country has an administration because of a weak private job market leave focused on “change” to deal with our most once the private sector revives? Continued on page five THIS JUST IN! As we went to press, News & Views learned that Jenny Alcaide (far right) has won one of 16 national fellowships given by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. No one should be surprised to learn that Alcaide’s mentor this year, Yessica Diaz (right), honored as outstanding mentor, in ’97 was herself a winner of this coveted fellowship. A third public service scholar has also won this award —— Eleanor Velasquez, ’02, establishing a remarkable record for a small program. In August, Alcaide will go to Washington to start nine months of public policy work at the national level. She will receive a monthly stipend and may work in a Congressional office, national agency or advocacy group. A view from the dIRecToR’S cHaIR by Elaine M. Walsh, Ph.D. n 1993, I said in this newsletter: without a pipeline for leaders. I am Thank you, thank you all once again for I “People sometimes forget that proud to be a part of a model program supporting us. Your continued and I you need leadership to make that is a true pipeline for leaders. This increased support is needed now more change; you don’t have the leadership, year, 24 talented people completed the than ever. We have been experiencing you’re not going to get the change.” undergraduate cycle and I am confident greater fundraising challenges this past While every academic year brings new of their abilities to persevere in public year. Agencies that have given in prior challenges, such themes persist: the service and make a lasting impact. years are forced to decrease or even government’s inattention to leadership stop donations because of their own development, the under-representation On page four, we have highlighted three financial struggles. Corporate foundations of women and minorities in leadership, alumni who are committed to growing in that have generously matched individual and our constant struggle to finance pubic service. They are professionals donations, such as The New York Times our program. Yet our scholars act as a working in government and nonprofit Foundation, are either scaling back or beacon of light in troubled times and agencies, following their passions and closing these programs. As we look always represent change. This is why building on skills and knowledge gained forward to continuing our pilot program our program continues: to prepare in the program. They are yet another at the New York State Department of students for their leadership as agents example of the effectiveness and need Environmental Conservation and admit of social change and to fill the significant for this type of program in our country. more scholars to the program, we ask gap in education that trains professionals for your renewed commitment. We need for public service. I am also happy to showcase two of our your help in these uncertain times. long-time internship agency partners In our feature article, we hope to raise on page three: The New York Industrial awareness about the need for leader- Retention Network and the New ship development in public service. York City Department of Youth and AtteNTIoN! Recent national attention on the public Community Development. As influential AtteNTIoN! sector promotes volunteerism while agencies in our city, they provide Public service agencies and offices giving minimal attention to training invaluable support for the program and interested in becoming a Public leaders in the field. There is no question the professional development of the Service Scholar Host can now that volunteers serve a critical role in scholars. Each year, scholars compete submit applications through public service. But as Rose Anello said for their placements and are never the program’s website: in the article, “Volunteers need drivers,” dissatisfied with their experience. http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/pssp/ and the public sector cannot thrive dedIcaTed To oUR missioN The Public Service Scholar Program, a leadership program, seeks to improve our cities and the lives of people by preparing talented undergraduates for careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Housed in the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College, the 18-credit, full academic year program gives these students, especially women and minority- group members, an opportunity to explore public service through internships in government agencies, legislative offices and nonprofit organizations. Scholars participate in academic seminars on city government and public policy. The PSSP receives external funds to support the program, including funding for stipends for our scholars. Without this help, our students could not participate. Major funding for the PSSP is provided through the generosity of the Ann S. Kheel Charitable Fund, Helena Rubinstein Foundation, the Estate of Dorothy Epstein, and the United Way of New York City, along with generous support from New York Assembly Members Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Micah Z. Kellner, Deborah Glick, Richard N. Gottfried, and Brian P. Kavanagh, New York State Senator Liz Krueger, and New York City Council Member Daniel R. Garodnick. 2 INTeRNSHIP aGeNcY SPoTLIGHT The New York Industrial are so passionate about what they do, on something that is so Retention Network important for our fellow New Yorkers.” Her experience is like those The New York Industrial Retention Network is a nonprofit economic- of earlier scholars, who have all expressed appreciation for a development organization established in 1997 to strengthen New York supportive working environment, and the chance to work on tasks City’s manufacturing sector and promote sustainable development. that increased their knowledge of green manufacturing and (www.NYIRN.org) business practices here. This organization has demonstrated a decade of commitment to When asked about the value of the scholar program to NYIRN and the Public Service Scholar Program and to the professional other parts of the public service community, Seifried said: development of its participants. A strong supporter, advocate and “By hosting a scholar, we are investing in the future of our city. alumnus of the program, Anne M. Seifried, is deputy director at the Because the placements are competitive and the program organization. She has been welcoming the talents and dedication of provides supervisors with ongoing communication and encourage- scholars as a way to bolster the mission of her nonprofit.