Volunteering

Date: June 26, 2008 4:41:33 PM EDT
To: inyc@timeoutny.com
Subject: Recommendations for volunteer work?

Hi guys:
I was wondering if you could recommend any recurring volunteer opportunities. I’m particularly looking to work on a weekly basis either helping kids in some fashion or assisting people who only speak Spanish in improving their English skills.

Thanks,
Jeffrey

If you feel like…

…conversing
Ever been in a new country and not spoken the language? Daunting, huh? Help others in that situation by becoming a conversation partner at the International Center in New York (50 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, seventh floor, intlcenter.org). Volunteers meet one-on-one with members to work on their conversational English and help with adjustment to the city.

…coordinating
If you’re one of those Type A folks who never loses socks or remote controls, try becoming a Youth Volunteer Coordinator for the New York Red Cross (520 W 49th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves; 877-733-0767, nyredcross.org). Coordinators organize activities and supervise youth volunteers, keeping chaos at bay.

…caring
Support bereaved children by volunteering at A Caring Hand (305 Seventh Ave, between 27th and 28th Sts, 16th floor; 212-229-CARE, ). Volunteer services are there for support, community building and other emotional succor, and both long- and short-term helpers are welcomed.

…dancing
Seen—and danced along to—Girls Just Want to Have Fun a thousand times? Channel that energy into teaching a class at Groove with Me, an organization offering free dance classes to more than 250 girls (186 E 123rd St, between Lexington and Third Aves, second floor; 212-987-5910, groovewithme.org). The organization provides a safe and stable place for young women to express themselves.

…mentoring
Let’s be honest, junior high is brutal for everyone. Help ease the path by mentoring seventh- and eighth-grade students in central and East Harlem through Project LIVE (105 E 22nd St at Park Ave; 212-901-1954, childrensaidsociety.org). Volunteers meet with their mentees weekly for two hours and participate in one-on-one and group activities on-site.

…running
Exercise and giving back both stimulate feel-good chemicals in the brain, so skip your solo trip to the gym and try volunteering at the Achilles Kids Program (42 W 38th St, between Fifth and Sixth Aves, fourth floor; 212-354-0300, achillestrackclub.org). Youngsters walk or run with an adult who provides training, friendship, support and the chance to burn off all that extra energy kids are wont to have.

…crafting
Have basic sewing skills or a magical knack for gluing sequins? Then volunteer at Only Make Believe, an organization that performs interactive theater for children in hospitals and other care facilities (1123 Broadway, between 25th and 26th Sts, suite 1003; 646-336-1500, onlymakebelieve.org). It needs help building backdrops, making costumes and collecting props—join its bimonthly circle, meeting the first Wednesday of every other month.

…protecting
You know those little yellow stickers that say SAFE HAVEN inside all the stores on the Upper West Side? Those merchants provide protection to children who feel like they’re being followed or harassed. Kids can pop into one of the more than 300 locations from West 59th to West 125th Streets for help. Volunteers recruit and check Safe Haven locations throughout the city (Westside Crime Prevention, 212-866-8603).

…nurturing
Girls Quest aims to help girls from low-income families by leading them through outdoor experiences and other activities (150 W 30th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, suite 901; 212-532-7050, girlsquest.org). Professional women show ’em how it’s done by serving as role models and guides.

…teaching
If you’re patient and independent, try teaching English to Spanish-speaking adults in the evenings at El Centro de Educación de Trabajadores (413 W 46th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves; 212-765-4634, centronyc.org). Volunteers commit to an entire semester at a time, and can also lead computer or Spanish classes if their range of skills matches their dedication.

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