Job Openings
Internship Opportunities
Read our Monthly Newsletter: March Center News 
Read our 2007 Annual Report
Two Letters-to-the-Editor from ICNY Executive Director Published
See event photos from 2008 ICNY Immigrant Heritage Week Celebrations
ICNY staff member Anna Petelka honored by city
Two Letters-to-the-Editor from ICNY Executive Director Joanne Heyman Published
The Wall Street Journal
Learning English a Key To the American Dream
June 16, 2007; Page A7
Your article "Huddled Classes, Yearning to Learn Free" (Marketplace, June 12) does an admirable job of highlighting the recognition among immigrants that command of the English language is critical to success in the U.S. Let's put the rancor of the current political debate over immigration aside and focus on programs large and small that work effectively with individuals, families and communities to build skills, opportunity and common purpose. Isn't that the foundation of our collective American dream?
Joanne Heyman
Executive Director
The International Center in New York
New York
Crain's New York Business
Multigeneration Language Barrier
June 18, 2007; Page 12
Crain’s raises a critically important issue in the June 11 article “Speaking for the parents.” New York’s numerous immigrant communities are so well established, and in some cases so large, that the need to learn English goes unattended. This in turn creates significant stress on the children of immigrants. Indeed, the burden is just as great for school-aged children as it is for the adult children quoted in the article. Imagine coming home from school and having to be your parents’ translator, all while trying to keep up with your homework and engage in after-school activities. In the overcharged political environment around immigration issues, it is refreshing to read an article that highlights families who are working hard to succeed in the United States while tending to the needs multiple generations.
Joanne Heyman
Executive Director
The International Center in New York
New York
ICNY staff member Anna Petelka honored by city
On April 18, the International Center’s Conversation Partner Coordinator, Anna Petelka, was honored by the Department of Youth and Community Development and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs as part of Immigrant History Week celebrations. The ceremony, held at the Federal Hall Rotunda, honored thirty-seven immigrants from throughout New York City for outstanding achievements.
An immigrant herself, Anna joined the International Center to learn English when she arrived in the City from Poland in 1984. Shortly thereafter, Anna became an employee at the Center and has been matching members with volunteer partners ever since. At an average of 2,000 partnerships each year, Anna has connected partners to form more than 40,000 partnerships!
The manner in which she conducts her work — with a smile, ease, and creativity — deserves recognition, as does her enormous contribution to improving the lives of New York’s immigrants by partnering them with committed volunteers.
Of Anna’s recognition, Mira Erickson, Director of Programs, said, “I cannot think of anyone more deserving. Anna’s work ethic is exemplary. She is well known for her commitment, extraordinary resourcefulness, and unique efficiency. Her good counsel and her compassionate and affectionate nature are a gift to all of us who work with her at the Center. But beyond that, it is her generosity of spirit that touches and enriches the lives of the thousands of newcomers and volunteers whom she brings together every day of the year in a joyful and seemingly effortless manner.”
Anna said that receiving the award was especially moving because of the love she received from the International Center staff, many of whom attended the ceremony. Although Anna has always been good at matching people, she believes that the key to her success is the attitude she brings to the job. “I like people in a genuine way and no matter my mood, I always treat people the way I want to be treated. I like to be helpful. I believe that no matter how small the help you give someone, it has the potential to make a permanent uplifting impact on their lives.”
We at the International Center know that Anna uplifts our spirits and makes us smile everyday! Congratulations Anna!
Part-time Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Responsibilities:
- Greet and assist volunteers, members and guests in a friendly and helpful manner
- Provide information about the Center to the public
- Answer and direct incoming telephone calls
- Schedule and confirm appointments for member registration
- Register and process new members and renewals
- Supervise volunteer receptionists with whom you work
- Secure all fees received according to cash control procedures
- Prepare front desk materials and supplies
- Assist staff with preparations for meetings and special events
- Assist staff with administrative and clerical work, including data entry and mailings
- Receive and organize storage of deliveries
- Alert cleaning staff and/or the operations staff to maintenance issues
Qualifications:
Strong communications skills; computer literacy – must be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications; must be able to come to work everyday on time; ability to work with public in a busy environment and handle multiple tasks; patience a must; ability to work with a diverse international student body and American volunteer force is essential; Foreign language skills beneficial. Strong fluent English a must.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 3 PM - 8 PM
How to apply:
Position available immediately. EOE.
Send cover letter and resume to:
Beverly Brown Ruggia
The International Center in New York, Inc.
50 West 23rd Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10010-5205; or email: humanresources@intlcenter.org
ICNY Collaborative Programs Department Intern
ICNY’s Collaborative Programs department is in charge of bringing our Conversation Partner Program to community-based organizations throughout New York City. Through one-to-one or small group weekly conversations, volunteers provide individual attention and promote the confidence adult English language learners need to progress in English. Since 1999, these collaborations have helped spread the spirit of volunteerism and facilitate deeper connections between immigrants and Americans, resulting in stronger and more integrated communities.
Responsibilities:
• Represent ICNY at program sites to support volunteers and on-site program coordinators;
• Assist with volunteer recruitment and outreach:
- Travel to different neighborhoods throughout the city in order to recruit volunteers from specific neighborhoods where ICNY has off-site programs.
- Represent ICNY at volunteer recruitment fairs and other offsite events to disseminate information and promote ICNY’s volunteer program;
• Provide general administrative support to the department as needed including:
- Data entry and analysis
- Making copies
- Collating materials
- Coordinating mailings;
• Work with English language learners as need arises;
• Support Collaborative Programs Manager as needed; and
• Assist with other projects as they arise.
Qualifications:
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with an acute eye for detail;
• Ability to manage many projects simultaneously;
• Willingness to travel throughout the city;
• Strong customer service skills including phone manner and clear writing ability; and
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, and database experience a plus).
We are looking for someone who can commit 10-15 hours a week, mostly in the late afternoons and early evenings from February through May. This is an unpaid position, but may include a Metrocard.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should send resume and cover letter to Rachel Brown, Collaborative Programs Manager, via email (rbrown@intlcenter.org) or fax 212-255-0177.
General Inquiries:
Send cover letter and resume to:
Beverly Brown Ruggia
The International Center in New York, Inc.
50 West 23rd Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10010-5205;
or email: hricny@intlcenter.org