Mayor launches citywide mentoring, volunteer program
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Mayor Luke Ravenstahl called Tuesday for Pittsburghers to join him in programs to help young people and "revitalize our city block by block."
As he launched ServePGH, a program supported with a $200,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mr. Ravenstahl promised to be personally involved.
"I'm going to do this myself. I'm going to be a sixth-grade mentor," he said.
As several dozen guests looked on, Mr. Ravenstahl signed an executive order that gives city employees two hours of paid leave each week to serve as mentors. The Mayor's Mentoring Initiative complements mentoring efforts already under way in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
ServePGH also includes a "Snow Angels" project to pair volunteers with senior citizens who need help clearing driveways and walks and "Love Your Block" and "Redd Up Zone" volunteer initiatives to spruce up neighborhoods.
"There are opportunities for everyone," said Rebecca Kottler-Wein, in her public debut as the city's first chief service officer.
The city established a website at www.pittsburghpa.gov/servepgh that provides more information about the program.
Neighborhood groups can apply for grants to finance block-improvement projects. Mr. Ravenstahl has instructed city department heads to do what they can to help.
He also said he's expanding the city's Civic Leadership Academy to include a program for high school students. Until now, the 10-week program, offering an inside look at city government, has been limited to adults.
In 2009, Mr. Ravenstahl was one of 17 mayors who founded the Cities of Service coalition in New York. The group's goal is to address city needs through volunteerism.
"Like President Obama, I believe that people who love their country can change it," Mr. Ravenstahl said. "I think we have the opportunity to prove that now in the city of Pittsburgh."
First Published March 23, 2011 12:25 am
