NYC Campaign for Financial Literacy

Here's an interesting snippet from a press release issued by New York mayor Mike Bloomberg on October 30 to announce a variety of initiatives. It reads:

Debt Management Awareness Campaign: The Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment will launch a year-long public awareness campaign to inform New Yorkers about how the City can help them take control of their finances. The first phase of the campaign will focus on helping New Yorkers deal with debt. The advertisements encourage New Yorkers to call 311 or visit NYC.gov to find free or low-cost financial education classes, counseling and workshops available through the City’s Financial Education Network directory.

For the benefit of out-of-towners, 311 is accessible only in NYC, a non-emergency analogue to 911 that was a Bloomberg initiative. It offers a single point of telephone access to all city departments and services. From my one experience using it (to report an open fire hydrant several years back), I found it remarkably efficient.

If you want to become a financial planner or a financial advisor, if you are an unemployed practitioner, or if you are employed but want to do some worthwhile pro bono work, look into this opportunity to hone or contribute your talents.