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Opportunity Details

Volunteer English Class Facilitator for Asylum Seekers

About the Team:

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) is leading New York City (City)’s response to, and service provision for, the influx of asylum seekers. New York City’s response is unique throughout the nation and includes complex services for asylum seekers, including but not limited to legal support, advocacy, shelter, education, workforce training, clothing and food donations, and collaboration with faith-based and community-based organizations. OASO coordinates among agencies, makes sure that agencies have the resources they need, and manages the City’s advocacy to the state and federal governments. OASO also leads strategic planning for the City’s response, including long-term planning and policy drafting.

 

About the Volunteer Opportunity:

OASO seeks motivated volunteers to expand our ability to provide in-person English classes for asylum seekers in shelter. Volunteers will use the We Speak NYC curriculum– New York City’s free English language learning program that provides civic focused multimedia resources created to empower adult immigrants through learning and practicing everyday English. The curriculum includes an Emmy-Award winning educational drama series that informs learners about important New York City resources. The episodes address issues that most concern immigrants and asylum seekers such as health care, democracy, education, immigration legal help, elder care, and managing finances. Previous teaching experience is welcomed but not required!

 

The Problems You’ll Solve:

Learning English is crucial for asylum seekers to search for and maintain employment, advocate for themselves and their families daily, and navigate this bustling city. As a volunteer facilitator, you can help asylum seekers practice conversational English, learn about City services, and empower themselves.

 

Tasks:

  • Commit to co-teaching two 2-hour in-person classes per week for a 4-week session or one 2-hour class per week for an 8-week session 
    • Volunteers will be assigned 1-2 co-facilitator volunteer for an estimated 30 participants per session.
    • Volunteers will be assigned to a specific time slot for their 4-week or 8-week session. You will be asked for your availability in the volunteer interest form.
  • Represent The Mayor’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations as a volunteer and showcase city services to help empower our newest New Yorkers.

 

Requirements:

  • Complete 3 hours of virtual training, including:
    • 2-hour live virtual instructional training session covering program overview, curriculum pedagogy and sample curriculum activities, and review logisitcs of volunteering in shelter sites – The next training date will be held in on Wednesday, May 21st from 12pm-2pm. You will receive information on how to join the training once you fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.
    • One-hour sexual harassment training (asynchronous, completed on your own time)
  • Provide proof of an active criminal background check within the past year (fee of $135 will apply if a new background check is needed).  Not required for current City employees. 
  • Undergo standard Mayor’s Office human resources vetting for volunteers (no fee).
  • Be 18 years old or over at the time of submitting this application.
  • Proficiency in English at a level that you are able to use the WeSpeakNYC English language Lesson Plans (knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic, Wolof, or other languages is a plus but not required).
  • Comfort using a computer with Google Slides or PowerPoint during classes.
  • Sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of asylum seekers.

 

Imporant Dates for the Upcoming Cycle:

  • Wednesday, May 21st from 12pm-1pm: Virtual live training held, placement form released shortly thereafter for volunteers to select the class that best fits their schedule
  • Friday, May 23rd: Placement decisions made and released, volunteers are asked to complete requirements
  • Monday, May 26th – Friday, May 30th: Volunteers meet with their co-facilitators to plan for the first class
  • Monday, June 2nd – Sunday, June 8th: First week of classes

 

Volunteer Support:

  • We Speak NYC provides a comprehensive curriculum, including PowerPoint presentations with facilitator notes, embedded videos, and handouts.
  • Access to a shared Drive with additional facilitator resources.
  • The site will supply physical worksheets and necessary equipment.
  • Volunteers will work closely with the shelter site coordinator, OASO administrative coordinator, and the We Speak NYC team for individualized support.
  • The site is American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Please reach out to Stefan Ringel, Deputy Director for Workforce, Resettlement & Exit Strategy, sringel@oaso.nyc.gov if you have questions or any needs that may require accommodation.

 

How to Apply:

Complete the volunteer interest form, linked here.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Stefan Ringel, Deputy Director for Workforce, Resettlement & Exit Strategy

sringel@oaso.nyc.gov

Elliott Yancy, Policy Advisor, Resettlement & Exit Strategy

eyancy@oaso.nyc.gov

Immigrant & Refugee Services
Homeless, Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups

Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+

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Express Interest

Volunteers needed through 12/31/2025
Andrea Sanchez

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Contact

253 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7550

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