Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Service in Our City
A comprehensive landscape analysis to obtain a
full assessment of community assets, volunteer opportunities
and service was the first step in the
Mayor’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N) implementation
plan. This assessment was crucial for the development
of an N2N service plan that meets the
city’s greatest needs and taps into all of the community’s
many strengths.
The initial phase of the N2N assessment focused on assessing the strengths and interests
of the city’s workforce to engage in community service. To identify employees’ areas of
interest, a survey was conducted to create appropriate volunteer job opportunities. Volunteer
job descriptions for city agencies were created outlining project requirements, such
as location, beginning and end dates of project, skills, certifications if necessary, frequency
and contact person. The second stage of the lanscape analysis was a community-wide assessment
of service. The N2N initiative formed strong partnerships with primary volunteer
organizations, such as AmeriCorps, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, Hands
on Greater Richmond and Greater Richmond Volunteer Association. In addition, the city
surveyed faith-based organizations of all denominations, corporations, other non-profit organizations
and colleges and universities to engage them in the assessment process of the
city’s volunteerism initiative.
Following this process, data compiled from the surveys was used to develop a comprehensive
landscape analysis to inform the N2N citywide service plan and act as a benchmark measurement
to build upon. Furthermore, the Chief Service Officer continues to recruit and encourage
cohesiveness among all key players in the increased service initiative, including the
volunteer organizations, non-profit groups, and the valuable resources of area universities.
www.richmondgov.com/neighbortoneighbor
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