Shecky’s

Happy National Volunteer Week! We’ve already introduced you to Catchafire, and we were so happy to see their Powerful Women series profiling women who give pro bono, that we had to share a few favorites with you!

As the nation’s first-ever municipal Chief Service Officer, and the leader of NYC Service, the City’s initiative to promote a new era of service and volunteerism, we’re saluting Diahann Billings-Burford.

The term “pro bono” gained real meaning for me while I was in Columbia Law School and participated in the Prisoners and Family Clinic. In this role, I conducted workshops about family law and specifically the prevention of the termination of their parental rights to incarcerated men and women. While I’d began a career prior to law school in the not-for-profit, educational sector, this experience was eye opening for me. I could see how I had specific assets, which I could package and give to others for a vital purpose.

I believe that that is the basis for pro bono—individuals identifying specific assets that they possess combined with a willingness to share them and clear plan to do so. In NYC Service terms, we would say pro bono is a particular way for one to use her BLANK for good.

Now, I have the privilege of having a “day job” that allows me to build the infrastructure and lead a team that helps direct the talent and the good will in this City toward addressing our most pressing needs. Through NYC Service, initiatives are managing to help New Yorkers do this across the City.

See all of Diahann’s story [Catchafire.org].

Photo credit: Catchafire.org

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Diahann’s story? How are you volunteering this National Volunteer Week? Who is your favorite inspiring woman?