Opportunities to Volunteer in Harlem - May 2021

Arts & Minds provides art programming for people with dementia and their care partners. Learn more at www.artsandminds.org. This is an excellent position for anyone interested in community organizing, public health, social work, medicine, arts in health and anyone interested in making the world a better place.

Role: Promoting the work of Arts & Minds

Responsibilities: Arts & Minds has recently increased the number of programs being offered. They are reaching out to expand their Harlem audience and need help researching Senior Centers, Churches and other houses of worship, and Housing development contacts across Harlem.  The volunteer will promote the work of Arts & Minds to community leaders and potential participants. This work can be done remotely at least initially, and later, when it is safe, in person.  Tasks may involve crafting effective emails, placing announcements in community outlets, developing social media networks, telephone outreach, etc.  Creative ideas are welcome!

Days and Times: Flexible schedule

Special skills or requirements: The successful candidate should have a warm, friendly demeanor that comes across in person and via telephone and email.  Excellent general communication skills and a passion for the well-being of older adults are required. 

Contact: Email Carolyn Halpin-Healy or call 646-873-0712

The mission of the Bloomingdale School of Music is to provide open and continuous access to high-quality music education, regardless of economic status, ability level, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.

Role: Communications and Outreach for Bloomingdale School of Music Fall Semester 

Responsibilities: Provide support with promoting a remote Fall semester (classes and lessons) to current and new audiences. Tasks will include press release writing, contacting media outlets and local businesses; research and outreach to potential partner organizations and audiences (i.e. local assisted living facilities, senior centers, youth organizations, etc.); distribution of flyers in the community. Additional tasks may include production of short videos on Fall activities, as needed.  

Days and Times: Open days and hours during the first three weeks of September 

Special skills or requirements: Good written and oral communication skills 

Contact: Email Senami Atinkpahoun, Marketing and Communications Manager

Role: Translation of Bloomingdale School of Music Enrollment Materials

Responsibilities: Translation in Spanish and possibly Chinese of BSM Fall Enrollment materials, including course descriptions and enrollment forms.

Days and Times: Open schedule; work is needed ASAP.

Special skills or requirements: Facility with conversational translations

Contact: Email Lohengrin Velasquez, Director of Student Services 

Role: On-site instrument cataloguing and storage clean-up for Bloomingdale School of Music

Responsibilities: Work with Events Manager to complete instrument cataloging of Violin and Guitar closets; rearrange the 3rd and 4th floor closets to free up space for increased cleaning/sanitation for reopening later in the calendar year.

Days and Times: To be coordinated with Events Manager; work will take place in mid-Fall.

Special skills or requirements: Good organizational skills.

Contact: Email Ling Lopez, Events Manager 

Broadway Community gathers around an open table, believing that the feast of justice, dignity, health and wholeness is for all people, especially in Morningside Heights​.

Role: Volunteer for Preparing the To-Go Soup Kitchen Meal

Responsibilities: Five (5) to Ten (10) volunteers are needed to help with basic culinary tasks and packing the to-go lunches that will be handed out, as well as clean up afterwards. 

Days and Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 10:00am until 2:00pm

Special skills or requirements: No special skills but volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Face masks are required.

Contact: Email Timothy Wotring, Volunteer Coordinator

The mission of Common Denominator (C/D) is to help in-need middle school students love math and build confidence through tutoring and mentorship.

Role: Volunteer Tutor

Responsibilities: 

1. Use teamwork, games, fast-paced exercises, and real-life examples to help students rapidly improve their math abilities. Volunteers work in both group settings and one-on-one with the same students each week, helping them assess their skills and improve in key areas.
   1. The Common Denominator curriculum focuses on fundamentals. Volunteers do not need extensive math experience. They will be trained and provided with a detailed math curriculum so that they are confident in their abilities.
2. Volunteers are required to attend a two-hour orientation and training session to learn about the C/D curriculum, operational processes, and teaching methods. In addition, C/D hosts periodic tutor development sessions throughout the year.
3. C/D tutors attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled weekly sessions. With scheduled holidays, that turns out to be 2-3 sessions a month during our tutoring year.

Days and Times: Sessions are held on Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm, Saturdays from 10:00-11:30am, and Saturdays from 1:00-2:30pm. More session times may be added.

Special skills and requirements: Programming is currently conducted over Zoom. Volunteer tutors must have reliable WiFi connection; their own laptop, desktop, or tablet; a working microphone and camera on their device; and, a quiet space without distraction during tutoring sessions.

Contact: Apply to volunteer through Common Denominator’s website. Email [email protected] with questions.

Harlem Stage celebrates and perpetuates the unique and diverse artistic legacy of Harlem and the indelible impression it has made on American performing arts.  They provide opportunity and support for artists of color, and make performances easily accessible to all audiences.  They introduce children to the rich diversity, excitement and inspiration of the performing arts. 

Role: Programming Volunteer

Responsibilities: The Programming Volunteer is responsible for assisting the Director of Programming in all areas of programmatic activity at Harlem Stage. Conduct programmatic research for humanities events and community engagement initiatives; serve as programmatic administrative support; create, receive and process materials and information for internal and external presentations; maintain programming files, department calendars, logs, and contact sheets; provide logistical support for performances and audience engagement activities; (e.g. artist’s talks, humanities events, pre/post discussions); assist with activities as needed and devised according to schedule and goals.

The Volunteer will also assist with correspondence and serve as administrative coordinator to schools and artists; maintain reservation log for The Frances Davis/Harlem Stage Arts Education Program; provide logistical support for Education Programs in-school and in the Gatehouse.

Days and Times: Will be determined with volunteer.

Special skills or requirements: Bachelor’s Degree desired and knowledge of the nonprofit performing arts sector; strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and Database Management; excellent customer service, time management, research, organizational, and creative problem solving skills; interest in arts administration and events management; self-starter with the ability to work creatively and independently; have a passion for the performing arts and work created by artists of color; ability to work in a fast paced environment; solution oriented, imaginative and progressive.

Contact: Please send a cover letter and resume to Monique Martin, Director of Programming.  No phone calls please.

Lifeforce In Later Years (LiLY) is helping to change the tide for frail elders, many living alone, who often face dire challenges when families aren’t available. 

Role: Virtual Friendly Visitor

Responsibilities: Help is needed to call home-bound seniors.

Days and Times: Flexible schedule

Special skills or requirements: Technology skills are helpful as many seniors are struggling to use a smartphone, Zoom, Face Time, etc. Seniors can benefit from technical support over the phone. Spanish speaking is also helpful as some seniors are monolingual.

Contact: Email Paula Seefeldt, Program Director or call 646-734-0182

NYC Kidsfest is a performing arts festival that is free to the public. Its mission is to enhance the lives of Morningside Heights and Harlem school children by exposing them to an eclectic line up of performing artists from The Studio Museum and Classical Theater of Harlem, among others.

Role: Producer’s Assistant

Responsibilities: The volunteer will have a variety of diverse tasks which will include:

1. Research sponsors and funder
2. Manage Social Media 
3. Liaise with local community boards and schools 
4. Extend virtual community 
5. Event Production

Days and Times: Days and hours are flexible. Director will coordinate with volunteer via zoom. 

Special skills or requirements: Volunteers should enjoy working with people and have good communication and writing skills.

Contact: Email Jessica Chornesky

Purple Circle is an early childhood program that provides a quality educational experience within a nurturing environment that links families and educators in a community of natural learning and care.

Role: Grant Writer

Responsibilities: Volunteer needed as soon as possible to prepare grant proposals and support director in letter of inquiry.

Days and Times: Flexible schedule

Special skills or requirements: Experience with writing grant applications and proposals for not-for profits.

Contact: Email Elaine Karas, Executive Director or Laurie Kalinowski, Business Manager

Riverside Language Program offers free English classes to documented, recently-arrived immigrants, asylees and refugee adults currently living in New York City.

Role: Language Lab Volunteer

Responsibilities: Language Lab Volunteers are conversation partners for the ESL students. They help facilitate conversations with English Language learners in small, informal groups.  This helps students gain confidence and fluency as they learn English.  The conversation topics are about every day topics. 

Days and Times: Labs take place Monday through Friday for one and half hours.

Special skills or requirements: No special skills are needed. However, all volunteers must attend an orientation session.

Contact: Email Lynda Metmer

The mission of SNACK* (Special Needs Activity Center for Kids and Adults) is to fill a void for those affected with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and similar disabilities, ages 3-21, by providing unique after- school and weekend programs designed and staffed to address their needs. 

Role: Marketing Volunteer

Responsibilities:  

1. Develop survey questions by creating specific/strategic answer choices for effective analysis; compile and analyze responses; create overview of results; offer recommendations from survey feedback
2. Blogs: Write blogs (guidance provided); post on website and social media platforms
3. Virtual Classes: Create marketing ads to promote virtual classes that can be shared when doing outreach to schools, families and supporters.

Days and Times: Flexible schedule based upon availability

Special skills and requirements: Marketing experience a plus

Contact: Email  Gray Delmar, Program Director or call 212-439-9996

Role: Virtual Peer Mentor for Young Adults with Special Needs

Responsibilities:  Young adults are needed to help facilitate social interactions and build friendships with our population of teens and adults with developmental delays. Must participate as a positive peer role model in virtual art, music, yoga, dance, and exercise classes. 

Days and Times: Classes are currently held each hour on weekdays from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, and run for approximately 45 minutes each. Applicants must be available to participate in at least 2 classes per week.

Special skills or requirements: Basic knowledge of Zoom video conferencing and access to a computer, phone, or tablet is required.

Contact: Email Gray Delmar, Program Director or call 212-439-9996

SoHarlem's mission is to support racial equity and the economic development of the Harlem community. They do this by creating economic opportunities through the Designer’s Studio, which supports community designers by providing workspace and services. 

Role: Cost Efficiency Expert

Responsibilities: The individual is needed to design systems, train people how to use them, and provide the necessary analysis and solutions. Analyze SoHarlem's operating systems such as payroll, time keeping, funder and donor data base. Design better accountability systems that are easy to use, and provide the applicable data. 

Days and Times:  Hours vary between 7-14 per week, depending on the availability of the volunteer. Flexible schedule.  

Special skills or requirements: An aptitude for training others on technology; ability to interpret how information and work is captured; and, an ability to design or recommend software or app to enter, maintain and report on data.

Contact: Email Janet Rodriguez

The Reading Team helps young children at high risk of reading failure to become strong and enthusiastic readers, writers, listeners, and speakers and to develop the skills, habits, and enjoyment of reading that will support their success in school and in life. Since opening its doors in 2001, they have helped more than 13,000 children achieve substantial and lasting academic progress.

Role: Fundraising Researcher

Responsibilities: The Reading Team seeks a volunteer with an interest in nonprofit fundraising and strategy to prepare brief research reports on potential foundation funders, as well as to undertake research on individuals who may be interested in supporting our work as donors and/or board members.

Days/times: This work can be done remotely and according to the volunteer's schedule.

Special skills:  This would be a suitable volunteer role for someone with previous experience doing research online. We seek a volunteer with clear and accurate writing who knows how to work in a spreadsheet such as Excel or Google Sheets.

Contact: Email Dana Points, Executive Director

Triple F Empowerment’s mission is to inspire, empower and encourage the young people of Harlem to pursue education and careers in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) fields.

Role: Remote Instruction Support Volunteer(s)

Responsibilities: The individual(s) will provide support during remote instruction sessions by joining video conferences and participating in the science activity.

Days and Times:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and/or Saturday afternoons from 2:30-5:00pm. One person can commit to all four days or multiple volunteers can work together to fill the position. 

Special skills or requirements: Volunteer (s) must be fluent in remote learning tools; Zoom and Google Meet. This position is ideal for someone interested in learning how youth programs are operated during this time of social distancing.

Contact: Email Stephanie E. Farmer

WANA Community Center provides support, advocacy and resources to: (1) people seeking safety from oppression and/or bigotry, (2) people facing the debilitating consequences of poverty, including food insecurity, and (3) people facing economic hardship, including housing insecurity.

Role: The WANA Food Programs offer space for volunteers to attend their weekly food pantry and mobile soup kitchen. The shelter for asylum seekers relies on volunteers to support the shelter overnight and help their case management team show clients how to get to appointments and translate whenever needed.

Responsibilities: The WANA community depends on its vibrant, diverse volunteers. From celebrating personal milestones, to making meals together, to tutoring guests in English, and building friendships, not just service opportunities. All of the programs offer space for volunteers with varying responsibilities. If you have a talent, passion, or skill to share, they would love to engage with you! 

Days/times: 

In-person and remote volunteer responsibilities are available during the following days and times

• Everyday Overnight Shelter Volunteer, Monday through Friday, 8:00p.m.-7:00a.m.
• Mondays Client Choice Food Pantry Volunteer, Mondays, 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m.
• Friday Movie Night and Hot Meal Soup Kitchen Volunteer, Saturdays, 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m.
• Saturday Homeless Outreach and Mobile Soup Kitchen Volunteer, Saturdays, 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m
• Saturday Homeless Outreach and Mobile Soup Kitchen Driver, Saturdays, 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m
• On Call Translator Available via Appointment
• On Call NYC Guide (Support clients by traveling with them to and from essential appointments) Available via Appointment

Contact: Please fill out this form: https://www.wanacommunitycenter.org/volunteer 

The Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation (WHGF) has provided gymnastics programs for youth ages 3-17 for more than 17,000 children through community gymnastics classes, summer camp, competitive teams and sports clinics.

Role: Archive Specialist

Responsibilities: Specialist will build and manage an archival repository of WHGF hard copy and digital records; provide administrative archive support; oversee records management; contribute to the development, implementation, update, and documentation of policies and workflows related to digital archives and preservation.

Days and Times: Monday through Friday from 10:00am until 6:00pm

Special skills or requirements: Proficiency in Google Suite, Mac, Microsoft

Contact: Email Demarttice Tunstall or call 212-316-0315