Longer days, beautiful weather – the summer is a great time for New Yorkers to get out and get involved in their community. City volunteers make a tangible difference in their communities: mentoring students, advocating for the arts, protecting the environment, and helping their neighbors live healthier lives.

With thousands of volunteer opportunities to choose from, finding an organization to get involved with can be overwhelming. Here are six summer volunteer programs in New York City that span from the arts, to health, to social justice organizations.

6 Summer Volunteer Programs in NYC to Get Involved With

El Taller Latino Americano

El Taller Latino provides arts education to bridge the growing gap between Latin Americans and North Americans through art, dance, and music. Every month, over 500 diverse New Yorkers gather to explore creative programming.

The Conceptual Motion Orchestra will perform a living poem on July 31. This event will juxtapose images of the American Constitution with America's current human rights abuses.

To support El Taller Latino events, volunteers can work live events, help with web design and development, provide office and assistance, and more.

Help Bridge the Gap Between Latin America and North America Through Art

Louis Armstrong House Museum

The Louis Armstrong House Museum, located in the former home of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, promotes the cultural and humanitarian legacy of the acclaimed trumpeter. The cultural center offers guided tours and regular events, including outdoor concerts.

Jazz lovers can become official volunteer tour guides. Volunteers will be trained to give 40-minute guided tours to museum visitors. Perks include a flexible schedule, discounts at the Museum Shop, and event tickets.

Become a Tour Guide at the Louis Armstrong House Museum

National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation, a non-profit health organization, has dedicated the last six decades to kidney disease research, prevention, and treatment. They ensured the Affordable Care Act met the needs of people with kidney disease and provided over $4-million in assistance to kidney patients who were financially strained during The Great Recession.

Volunteers can participate in a kidney walk fundraiser, assist with special events, provide advocacy support, and work in the National Kidney Foundation office.

Volunteer and Help Treat, Research, and Prevent Kidney Disease

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) forwards 91-cents of every dollar donated directly to breast cancer research. Their contributions fund the study and treatment of breast cancer throughout the world, and they are the highest rated breast cancer organization in America.

To support the BCRF, attend the 2019 Hamptons Paddle for Pink, an annual race that consists of a full day of food and special events.

Volunteer and Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer 

NYCLU

The New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union defends civil liberties, equality, and due process for all New Yorkers. The organization's current initiatives include fighting for voting rights, immigrant rights, reproductive rights, racial justice, and LGBT rights.

To help the NYCLU in their battle for equal rights, New Yorkers can join petitions, become an NYCLU member, or volunteer their graphic design, photography, fundraising, and legal expertise to help the organization.

Fight for a Fair New York with the NYCLU

New York Restoration Project

The New York Restoration Project (NYRP) transforms public spaces and parks throughout all five boroughs, by planting trees, hosting events, and maintaining beautiful natural spaces for all New Yorkers. In addition to opening up community green spaces, the organization has partnered with the city to work towards a sustainable future. 

This summer, work on the Forest Crew at Highbridge Park on Sundays, attend a Saturday Twigs and Swigs, or another outdoor event in The Five Boroughs.

Help Create More Sustainable Green Spaces in Under-Resourced Communities

Get involved with El Taller Latino, the Louis Armstrong Museum, National Kidney Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, NYCLU, and the New York Restoration project and make a positive impact within The Five Boroughs. Explore additional volunteer opportunities in New York City this summer and get involved with an organization in the community.