Ways to Volunteer
ICNY depends on a volunteer corps of nearly 1,000 to keep its programs running. We have many different opportunities available from one-to-one partnerships to classroom teaching, as well as other administrative needs. We encourage you to find the opportunity that works the best for you.
Please note that all volunteers must demonstrate native English fluency to participate in our partnership program.
One-to-One Partnerships
Classroom & Other Opportunities
Community Outreach Programs
One-to-One Partnerships
ICNY has the largest one-to-one ESOL partnership program in the region. These partnerships allow our members to practice their English in a real-life way and gain confidence in the conversation skills they will need to succeed in New York. Volunteers are paired with members based on time availability. Partnerships can take place at any time during ICNY operating hours. However, certain times may be in more demand then others. Currently our demand for volunteers is highest between the hours of 3PM and 6PM Monday – Thursday.
Conversation Partnership*
This is the International Center's most popular partnership program and the basis of our other opportunities. Volunteers meet one-to-one with our members to help them build confidence in conversational English and to support their adjustment to life in New York.
Pronunciation Partnership
This partnership helps members improve their speech clarity and listening comprehension in English. With the aid of a textbook, volunteers work with members on the specific pronunciation features of sound, stress, rhythm and intonation.
Writing Partnership
This program offers members one-to-one assistance with college term papers, business letters, resumes, and personal essays. Volunteers who enjoy writing and editing will find this opportunity a perfect fit.
Career Skills Partnership
Volunteers work with members to improve their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. Volunteers are expected to share their experiences and offer professional advice to their partners.
*Partnerships currently in high demand.
Classroom & Other Opportunities
Discussion Classes
Volunteers can lead discussion classes that cover various English skills, including pronunciation, grammar, idioms, and vocabulary. Other classes address topical subjects such as U.S. history and politics, American culture, music, literature or food and cooking.
Practical and Training Workshops
Volunteers can also lead 1-3 session Workshops focusing on the skills members need to succeed in the United States. Career skills workshops offer resume and cover letter writing, interviewing and networking. Practical workshops include computer and Internet training, math, art, and education. The How to Survive in New York series offers such information as getting a driver's license, banking and budgeting, applying for college, and health care.
Volunteer Registrars
The International Center needs volunteers to help us introduce new members to the Center. Volunteer Registrars must be enthusiastic and outgoing and will describe the Center’s programs to new members, give tours and help with the registration process.
Administrative and Library Volunteers
These volunteers help out running the administrative tasks of the International Center. They will answer phones, check out library books and tapes, answer questions about programming, and other general office tasks.
Volunteer Outreach and Recruitment
Volunteers are needed to help recruit members to the International Center. Volunteers in outreach and recruitment will help to distribute flyers in the community, research new outreach contacts, help organize recruitment data, and help design outreach materials.
Community Outreach Program Volunteer Opportunities
ICNY’s Community Outreach Programs take place in community-based organizations and public schools throughout NYC. Twice a year for 10 – 18 weeks, we send a group of volunteers to each partnering organization to work with their ESOL learners in small conversational groups for an hour to an hour and a half.
If you would like to participate in the Community Outreach Programs, and are not yet a volunteer please fill out an online application. If you are already a volunteer and would like to participate in these programs, please contact our Community Programs Manager, Shawn Mullin, at smullin@intlcenter.org.
