Volunteer with Free Arts NYC’s Parents and Children Together with Art Program

Free Arts NYC is a non-profit organization that provides under-served children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential.

We are currently seeking committed volunteers to serve as mentors in the Fall 2012-2013 session of our Parents and Children Together With Art Program (PACT).

Through PACT, an eight-week art experience for families, we partner with group homes, shelters, schools and community centers to bring creative arts programs directly to under-served families. Working as a design team, families use art as a vehicle to express themselves in a supportive environment, to develop communication and trust, and to experience new levels of hope and creativity. PACT activities are designed to increase parental involvement, and graduate in complexity to encourage positive family communication and sustained teamwork.

Led by a professional facilitator, small teams of volunteers implement a theme-based creative arts curriculum. The volunteer to family ratio is typically 1:2, allowing volunteers to coach families as they work on increasingly collaborative projects together. Each session begins with discussion of an inspiration image drawn from the work of a professional artist, followed by an art experience, and concludes with a sharing circle.

Volunteers make a weekly commitment of 2.5 hours during a weekday afternoon or evening for the Fall Semester (8 weeks). Fall volunteers will also have priority for placements in the Spring Semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning July 1 until all teams are filled – so inquire today! Training will be offered in September and programs will launch in early October.

Placements are available in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan.

No prior mentoring, youth or arts experience required - Free Arts provides extensive training and support for all volunteers. All PACT Program volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to commit to the full program schedule. Bilingual English-Spanish volunteers are especially encouraged to apply!

How to Apply

All volunteers are required to complete an online Basic Application, including a background check, available on our websiteafter July 1. Volunteers must also attend a New Volunteer Orientation. To view all the dates and RSVP, please visit our online RSVP form. At the Orientation, you will receive information about the additional required application steps, including a supplemental application, references, interview, and training. Please contact volunteer@freeartsnyc.orgwith any questions!