April is National Volunteer Month, a great reminder to get out and do your part to help our New York City community. Volunteering can add meaning and fulfillment to your life, and even improve your overall health and career growth. While supporting organizations financially that you care about is essential, giving your time and showing up through volunteering are important ways to build community through engagement. Read on for new opportunities and learn about the activities of organizations seeking volunteers this spring!
Related: Volunteer in Manhattan: 4 Benefits of Getting Involved
LGBT Center
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The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center offers a host of services, including health and wellness programs, arts programs, entertainment and cultural events, parenthood and family support services, for members of its community. There are many ways to get involved with the LGBT Center, including group facilitation, programming, and supporting events, so be sure to check out their volunteer page. You might also want to mark your calendar for the Center Dinner on Thursday, April 19 to celebrate the LGBTQ community and its advocates in New York and raise critical funds to support life-saving programs.
American Institute of Graphic Arts
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) advances design as a professional skill and cultural force. AIGA relies on volunteers for help with local events, conferences, and providing design services. The Institute offers fantastic opportunities to provide service and accessibility through design, including at its April 14 event, Designing for and Teaching Accessibility, which invites leaders to discuss the accessible digital design and provides New York area designers with workshop opportunities to practice accessibility concepts.
New York Civil Liberties Union
The New York Civil Liberties Union is working to enact reforms that will make fair treatment and accountability a reality in the American legal and criminal justice system. Learn more about taking action with the NYCLU on their website and apply to be a volunteer. Volunteers help to coordinate action and support outreach and events. This month the NYCLU hosts a screening of Dolores, celebrating the life and achievements of activist Dolores Huerta on Tuesday, April 10, and a discussion on immigration “Navigating the River of Dreams” on Saturday, April 21.
Girls Write Now
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Become a mentor for a young girl and help her find her voice and strengthen her skills as a writer. With your focus on volunteering this month, start preparing your application for Girls Write Now’s priority deadline (June 1) for 2018-9 mentors. Writing and digital media mentors empower girls and support their academic and creative growth.
Related: What are the Benefits of Being a Mentor?
The Rubin Museum
The Rubin Museum, which celebrates Himalayan art at its location in downtown Manhattan, seeks volunteers to help with its Family Sundays and Theater programming.
The Rubin is committed to providing a venue for celebrating diversity and opportunities for everyone to experience art. This month they are providing the opportunity for students interested in museum work to learn more about preparing for a career in the arts at their Museum College Career Workshop on Friday, April 6, and a descriptive and sensory tour for the blind and partially sighted on Saturday, April 7, among many other events.
Wildlife Conservation Society
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Come run for a cause at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Run for the Wild 5k and Family Fun Run at the Bronx Zoo! The run will take place on Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 am, with a second start for the Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m. WCS also provides opportunities for teens and adults to volunteer as educators and docents throughout our city’s zoos. Visit WCS.org for more details on volunteer opportunities and to apply!
Just as there are innumerable reasons to volunteer, there are opportunities all over New York to serve your community. Whether you are passionate about education, health, criminal justice or the arts, you’re sure to find a way to give back and connect in a way that feels meaningful to you. And be sure to visit the NYXT Community Events Calendar for more opportunities and events around town.
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