Thank you for signing up to learn more about volunteering opportunities and community engagement across Manhattan. We’re excited to share a range of opportunities for Manhattanites of all ages to get involved in volunteering around the borough. Please sign up to learn more about the following opportunities here: https://form.jotform.com/261626553053051
Love New York City? Become a Big Apple Greeter!
Big Apple Greeter is a welcome program that pairs volunteers, or Greeters, with visitors to NYC for a 2-to-4 hour informal, unscripted walk through neighborhoods the Greeter knows and loves. Greeters are “new friends”—not professional guides—sharing New York through the eyes of a local, including off-the beaten-path treasures and hidden gems. This flexible opportunity is a rewarding way to share your civic pride and give back to the city you call home. Visit bigapplegreeter.org to learn more, or see a Greeter in action in this 90-second clip: bit.ly/3Q206dJ.
Trees Count with NYC Parks
Our urban forest is alive — and growing. Trees Count equips us with information vital for its well-being and care.
Every ten years, we take stock of every public tree across the five boroughs. Our current Trees Count is our most ambitious tree census yet. Just like the U.S. Census helps us understand people, this count helps us understand and care for the trees that make our city livable, resilient, and beautiful.
In our first year, more than 2,500 volunteers joined us to count trees in hundreds of parks across the city. Now, in our second year, we’re looking for even more people to come out. Join us and start counting!
Learn more here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/trees-count
New Sanctuary Coalition and Sacred Court Support Accompaniments
26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan is home to both the NYC immigration courts and the local ICE office, making it the hub of the deportation pipeline for our region. Every week, thousands of immigrants must report there alone for court hearings and ICE check-ins. Court dates are being pulled forward with little or no notice, hallways are overcrowded and chaotic, and missing a hearing means an automatic deportation order.
One way you can support this community is by accompanying them to court. This means going with someone to their hearing or check-in as an ally, witness, and friend. Volunteers don’t provide legal advice. But they show up, help navigate a disorienting process, and make sure no one has to face it alone. A trained volunteer presence can make a real difference in one of the most isolating and high-stakes moments a person can face.
Here are two ways to get involved:
1. Volunteer with New Sanctuary Coalition.
New Sanctuary Coalition runs daily on-the-ground accompaniment programs at Federal Plaza.
2. Volunteer with Sacred Court Support.
Register for a virtual training on Thursday, June 25, 5:30–7:00 PM with Sacred Court Support, an interfaith accompaniment initiative led by B’nai Jeshurun, Co-Counsel NYC, HIAS, and St. Paul & St. Andrew.
26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan is home to both the NYC immigration courts and the local ICE office, making it the hub of the deportation pipeline for our region. Every week, thousands of immigrants must report there alone for court hearings and ICE check-ins. Court dates are being pulled forward with little or no notice, hallways are overcrowded and chaotic, and missing a hearing means an automatic deportation order.
One way you can support this community is by accompanying them to court. This means going with someone to their hearing or check-in as an ally, witness, and friend. Volunteers don’t provide legal advice. But they show up, help navigate a disorienting process, and make sure no one has to face it alone. A trained volunteer presence can make a real difference in one of the most isolating and high-stakes moments a person can face.
Here are two ways to get involved:
1. Volunteer with New Sanctuary Coalition.
New Sanctuary Coalition runs daily on-the-ground accompaniment programs at Federal Plaza.
2. Volunteer with Sacred Court Support.
Register for a virtual training on Thursday, June 25, 5:30–7:00 PM with Sacred Court Support, an interfaith accompaniment initiative led by B’nai Jeshurun, Co-Counsel NYC, HIAS, and St. Paul & St. Andrew.
Current greatest need: volunteers proficient in Spanish, Arabic, or French with weekday daytime availability.
Manhattan Borough President’s Office
Volunteers will have the opportunity to attend public-facing community events alongside MBPO staff, where we will chat with neighbors and connect with constituents throughout the borough.
I look forward to seeing Manhattanites out and about!
Brad
