WANY conversation groups are led by caring volunteers from all walks of life.  They understand the importance of public service and enjoy helping people in their community practice English.  Current volunteers include students, seniors and working professionals who dedicate their own time to the project.  The only requirements are that the volunteer is proficient in English, outgoing, and is interested in New York’s diverse immigrant population.

What volunteers do:

Why volunteer?

 We Are New York provides a social, dynamic, and community-oriented experience that offers volunteers a meaningful, productive use of their time and the following benefits:

• Flexible scheduling with morning, evening and weekend placements in all five boroughs
• Volunteers develop classroom facilitation and management skills

Volunteers may use this service opportunity for any community service requirements at their respective colleges or program. The WANY staff will sign and fill all documents needed after the volunteer completes his/her conversation group. Volunteers may exchange their WANY volunteer time with TimeBanksNYC for free services including education workshops, health/fitness classes, transportation and maintenance.

• Opportunity to fully integrate in immigrant communities around New York and to enrich the lives of adult immigrants around the City.
  • By leading conversation groups, volunteers provide adult immigrants with the tools and language needed to navigate real-life situations and gain access to community resources
  • WANY utilizes a CUNY developed curriculum in its conversation groups and offers a great opportunity for community leaders, aspiring teachers and professionals from every field to make a practical application of their skills.
• A platform to network and to forge relationships with other civic minded volunteers, community organizations, and to gain an affiliation with the Mayor’s Office.
• It’s fun!

What volunteers are saying about WANY:

Whether you’re an everyday New Yorker, retired teacher, student or working professional, volunteering with the We Are New York (WANY) Project promises to be an enriching experience.  At the end of WANY conversation groups, volunteers walk away with a deeper sense of the City’s immigrant communities and gain an invaluable skill set they can apply in their own lives.  Learn how WANY is changing lives.

“You have to join this program. It is quick, efficient and fun, you will meet nice people, share experiences, learn a lot about our city and be able to BE New York.”
– Volunteer at the Mid-Manhattan Library

“Professionally, I became even more aware of the personal nature, power and art of effective communication, and took away from the experience lessons in engagement and intellectual exchange.”    
- Volunteers at Emerald Isle Immigration Center

“WANY means being able to make a difference in people's lives one day at a time. The change does not come fast, but with practice and encouragement, they will improve over time.”
– Volunteer at the YMCA in Chelsea

“My students' dedication and bravery humbled me time and time again. At the end of each class they would thank me, shake my hand, or kiss my cheek. I thanked them back, and I really meant it.” 
- Volunteer at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center

Resources for Volunteers

If you are leading a conversation group, you can download helpful resources from our website. The voluntee facilitator and conversation group guides offer suggestions to help plan your conversation group activities, including discussion topics and activities for civic engagement. The We Are New York images and important words from each episode are great for pre-viewing and post-viewing excercises.