A longtime advocate for community service is urging New Yorkers to reconsider how they give back, arguing that traditional volunteering often fails to address systemic barriers that prevent meaningful engagement. The piece explores alternative approaches to service work that prioritize long-term impact over short-term efforts, questioning whether current models truly empower those in need. It also highlights how personal experiences have shaped this perspective, offering a fresh take on how individuals can contribute more effectively to their communities. Readers interested in rethinking philanthropy and social change will find this reflection thought-provoking.


John Adrian: Beating the volunteering drum  Spectrum News NY1