New York City on the Road to Recreate Itself

New York City on the Road to Recreate Itself with the Passion of Volunteerism!

What if.

New York City is a place of constant reinvention. From its towering skyscrapers to its cultural movements, the city thrives on innovation and resilience. But what if the next great transformation wasn’t about buildings or business, but about people reconnecting through volunteerism?

Across the world, countries like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Bhutan have built strong cultures of civic engagement, where volunteering is not just a side activity but a fundamental part of life. As New York City continues to rebuild and redefine itself, we can learn from these nations and rekindle a spirit of service that strengthens our communities.

Lessons from Asia’s Culture of Volunteerism

South Korea: A Culture of Civic Duty

In South Korea, volunteerism is seen as a civic responsibility rather than a choice.

Schools require students to complete volunteer hours.

Corporations encourage employees to give back through community service.

Organizations like the Korea Volunteer Center connect people to projects that benefit society.

This structured approach ensures that giving back is a lifelong habit, not just an occasional act of goodwill.

Japan: A Society that Mobilizes for the Greater Good

Japan’s volunteerism is deeply rooted in a sense of collective responsibility, especially in times of crisis.

After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, thousands of volunteers mobilized to support affected communities.

Companies integrate community service into corporate culture.

The idea of “oyakoko” (filial piety) extends beyond family and into society—people give back as a moral obligation.

Imagine if New York City had a similar culture of rapid, large-scale mobilization for social good, whether for disaster relief, education, or neighborhood support.

Taiwan: Volunteering as a Lifelong Practice

Taiwanese society embraces volunteerism across all ages.

The Volunteer Service Act encourages citizens of all backgrounds to contribute.

Retirees stay active by volunteering in libraries, museums, and cultural centers.

University students take part in volunteer tourism, traveling to rural areas to support education and social initiatives.

New York City could create more structured volunteer opportunities for seniors and retirees, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Singapore: Skills-Based Volunteering for Impact

Singapore has transformed volunteerism into a strategic and professional movement.

The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) connects citizens to causes that match their expertise.

Many professionals offer skills-based volunteering, using their knowledge in law, tech, or finance to support nonprofits.

Community service is built into education and corporate leadership programs.

New York City could expand skills-based volunteer programs, encouraging professionals to give back not just through donations, but through expertise.

Bhutan: Volunteering as a Path to Happiness

Bhutan is unique in that it measures success through Gross National Happiness rather than economic growth.

Volunteering is tied to personal fulfillment and community well-being.

Citizens take part in environmental conservation and social projects to create a harmonious society.

Service is seen as a way to build inner peace and collective joy.

New York City could benefit from shifting the narrative—volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s about finding joy, purpose, and connection.

Rekindling a Passion for Volunteerism in New York City

As New York City evolves, it has an opportunity to redefine success beyond economic recovery and urban development.

What if every New Yorker committed to giving back in some way?

What if schools, businesses, and community leaders worked together to embed volunteerism into daily life?

What if New York City became known not just for its ambition, but for its heart, generosity, and unity?

By learning from these global models, New York City can reignite the passion for service and create a future where every citizen plays a role in uplifting their community.