IN THE SPIRIT OF MLK
As we remember MLK and everything he stood for and continues to stand for, we wanted to embody his spirit of community and service and give you a reason (and a list!) of organizations you can volunteer with this year. You don’t need to wait until a day of remembrance to do something for others, volunteering can be executed in different ways (time, money, skills) and it can become a part of your lifestyle. Check out a few of our favorites below and let us know of your favorite volunteering opportunities in the comments!
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The NYPL is always seeking language tutors, workshop leads (to teach enrichment classes like chess or crafting), and event volunteers. If you got the time, the skillset and remember reading rainbow, click here!
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
As someone who was a Big Sis, I know how impactful doing this program can be. You’ll meet your mentee twice a month on your own schedule. Volunteers over the age of 21 will be matched with children between the ages of 7-17 living in all five boroughs. Ready, set click here!
ACHILLES INTERNATIONAL
Achilles International helps folx with disabilities get active. While volunteers general role is to accompany disabled runners during the course of a workout or race, on any given day an Achilles volunteer will function as a member’s eyes, ears, guide, and motivator. But ask any Achilles volunteer why they do it, and you’ll hear the same answer, over and over: they get back as much as they give, and more. Interested? Click here!
RESCUING LEFTOVER CUISINE
RLC uses leftovers as a way to feed the homeless! Volunteers pick up unwanted meals and deliver them to homeless shelters. Shifts take less than an hour, and you can choose when you want to help out. Can’t volunteer your time? What about your food? You can enroll in their program to have leftovers donated after and event or hosting amigos. Click here!
HOUSING WORKS
For over 25 years Housing Works has been providing lifesaving services to New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. HW services include housing, mental and physical healthcare, job training, legal counseling, and advocacy - nearly 6,000 clients are served annually by HW. To help fund these efforts, Housing Works operates a variety of entrepreneurial business including; eleven Thrift Shops, a Bookstore Cafe, and several major fundraising events. Click here to learn more!
THE CENTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE IN EDUCATION
The Center for Racial Justice in Education’s’ mission is to train and empower educators to dismantle patterns of racism and injustice in our schools and communities. At the Center for Racial Justice in Education, we envision a world where all young people learn and thrive in racially equitable, liberating, and empowering educational spaces. Want to work with them? Click here.
MOUNT SINAI QUEENS
Mount Sinai Queens has volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in helping make the hospital experience more joyful for patients and their families. While some volunteers work directly with patients on clinical or special care units, others do so indirectly through administrative duties and at special events. If you want to join in and are 15 years of age,you can learn more on the Mount Sinai Queens website or contact the director of volunteer services at ana_m.rodriguez@mountsinai.org.
RESCUE FROM THE HART (LA)
Rescue from the Hart makes pet fostering accessible for abandoned or abused animals to help reintegrate them into society before they find a permanent situation. Rescue covers all the expenses involved. You just provide the home and the companionship. Click here!
826 LA
826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. As a volunteer, you will be given an awesome title like “brainstormer,” to help them come up with ideas; “storyteller,” masterminding the whole enterprise; or a not-as-awesome title like “typist,” which is pretty self-explanatory. 826LA has locations in Echo Park and Mar Vista. Ready to inspire the next Issa Rae? Click here.