The We Are New York Project is seeking Volunteer Facilitators.

There are 1.8 million adult immigrant New Yorkers who need help with English. English language proficiency is an important factor in determining accessibility to health, social, educational, and employment services. With this in mind, the Emmy Award-winning television series, We Are New York (WANY), was created to help adult immigrants to learn English. The WANY Project brings together community organizations and volunteers to offer free English conversation groups in neighborhoods around New York City. Using We Are New York, the groups discuss issues that most concern immigrants. The project empowers adult immigrants by informing them about city resources while helping them learn English.

We Are New York facilitators are students, seniors, and working professionals who commit their time to helping adult immigrants practice English. Scheduling is flexible with evening and weekend placement options in all five boroughs. The only requirements are that the volunteer knows English, is outgoing, and is interested in New York’s diverse immigrant population.

Facilitators: 

-will commit to leading ten two-hour classes. Classes may occur once weekly for ten weeks, or twice weekly for five weeks.
-will attend six hours of training, split into two sessions before placement leading a group; there is also a three-hour refresher training held after the third session.
-will comply with weekly reporting requirements.
-may use this service opportunity for any community service requirements at their respective colleges or program (29 community service hours will have been accrued by the facilitator after completing three required trainings and leading one group). The We Are New York staff will sign and complete all documents needed after the volunteer completes his/her language group.
Upcoming Training Sessions include:

-Part I: Monday Oct. 17 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at 100 Gold Street (2nd Floor) New York, NY

-Part II: Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at 100 Gold Street (2nd Floor) New York, NY

-Parts I and II: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Macaulay Honors College, 35 W. 67th Street, New York, NY

-Part I: Monday, Nov. 7. from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at 100 Gold Street (2nd Floor) New York, NY 10007

-Part II: Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at 100 Gold Street (2nd Floor), New York, NY 10007

Please note that volunteers must attend Part I and Part II before leading a conversation group. You may register to attend a training under the volunteer tab at New York City Learn English Website. More information on the program is also available at the Website or by emailing Isabella Cardona, WANY’s volunteer coordinator, at icardona@wany.nyc.gov.