First to arrive. Last to leave. Finally heard.
The Unseen Hands of New York is a civic education and advocacy organization that aims to help building-service workers understand government, meet their elected officials and become stronger voices for their buildings, families and communities.
Who we are
The People Behind New York's Buildings
The Unseen Hands of New York brings together the people who keep New York's buildings running — superintendents, porters, handymen, maintenance workers, custodial staff and other building-service workers — to build a stronger civic voice.
We also work with organizations, community leaders and businesses who want to expand civic education and help workers participate in government.
Why our voice matters
A strong voice in Albany and in city government.
We take pride in our work, support our families, and care about our communities. We deserve a seat at the table. Our mission is built on six commitments to our Ambassadors.
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EDUCATE
Understand government.
We educate Ambassadors about government and public policy — how decisions get made, and how to influence them.
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ENGAGE
Civic engagement done right.
We teach respectful, effective civic engagement that earns attention and gets results.
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CONNECT
Meaningful engagement with elected officials.
We aim to connect Ambassadors with the elected officials who represent their communities.
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ORGANIZE
Organized, respectful advocacy.
We organize advocacy efforts around the issues that matter to working families and housing communities.
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DEVELOP
Tomorrow's leaders.
We aim to develop future community leaders from within our own Ambassador network.
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UNITE
A credible, informed voice.
We create a credible, informed voice for people who are too often overlooked.
Step by step
How it works.
Workers become Ambassadors
Ambassadors receive civic education, government updates and meaningful opportunities to participate.
We organize by district
Ambassadors try to connect with the elected officials representing the neighborhoods where they live and work.
We prepare participants
Ambassadors learn how government works, how to tell their stories and how to participate effectively and respectfully.
We show up
Ambassadors seek to participate in local meetings, community events and organized advocacy visits to Albany, City Hall and other government offices.
Partnerships help expand the network
Organizations and community partners may collaborate with us on outreach, education, events and civic-engagement initiatives.
Partner With Us
We welcome opportunities to work with organizations, community leaders, businesses and others who share our commitment to civic education and meaningful public engagement.
Partner With UsQuiet New York brownstone street at sunrise with building staff at work
The Ambassador Program
A role with purpose — not just a name on a list.
Ambassadors choose how they show up. Every level of involvement delivers results for workers and communities.
Albany advocacy days
Travel with fellow Ambassadors to meet lawmakers where decisions are made.
Meetings with elected officials
Sit across the table from the people who represent your district.
Local district meetings
Connect with Ambassadors in your neighborhood and organize close to home.
Training & education
Learn how government works, how to advocate effectively, and how policy affects your building and livelihood.
Community events
Block parties, candidate forums, and service initiatives that bring people together.
Civic updates
Stay informed with civic updates — and meaningful opportunities to act when issues that matter to working families come up.
The Ambassador Program
Be part of something larger than yourself.
The Ambassador Program is open to building-service workers across New York, including superintendents, porters, handymen, maintenance workers, custodial staff and other building staff.
Become an Ambassador