
Change the world with us!
Volunteer Opportunities
CIANA's programs and services are powered by dedicated volunteers of all ages- students, retirees, community members, and more- who are all dedicated to making a difference in the lives of immigrants.
For general inquiries about volunteering at CIANA, please email recruitment@cianainc.org.
Explore current volunteer opportunities below:
Volunteer ESOL Teacher (VIRTUAL)
Description
CIANA is looking for a volunteer ESOL Teacher to teach our VIRTUAL Beginner English as a Second Language (ESOL) class for adults in the mornings, 2 days per week. Our classes are typically attended by 10-15 students whose English proficiency ranges from none to basic. You must be comfortable managing a diverse group of students remotely on Zoom and facilitating fun and interactive activities that help students build conversational skills and help them navigate daily life. Some materials can be provided, and you are also welcome to use your own instructional materials.
About CIANA
The Center for the Integration & Advancement of New Americans, Inc. (CIANA) is a social services organization that works to integrate new immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Latin America into the socioeconomic and civic life of American society while maintaining pride in their cultural heritage.
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Responsibilities
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Write and deliver English lessons that incorporate speaking, listening, reading, and writing components based on a curriculum such as: Ventures, American English File, Side by Side, or English in Action as options for curriculum
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Collaborate with Director of Education and/or other ESL teachers on lesson development and execution
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Assist in tracking attendance, student needs and progress as needed
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Qualifications
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Teaching experience is not required but is highly preferred; students pursuing a TESOL certification or similar are most welcome
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Consistent availability on teaching days is a must
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Strong Internet Connection
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Quiet space to work
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Device capable of running Zoom; working camera and microphone
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Proficiency in Google Suite and/or Microsoft Apps to help facilitate lessons and fill out time sheets (Gmail, Google Docs/Microsoft Word, PowerPoint/Google Slides, Google Sheets)
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Proficiency using Zoom
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Charismatic, dynamic, and interactive instruction methods
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Motivated to help students achieve their goals
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Competent in and respectful of cultural differences
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Passionate about advancing immigrant rights
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Open communication with the Director of Education Programs
Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
Virtual; this position is open to U.S./Canada residents only.
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CIANA Address
36-12 34th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Astoria, New York 11106
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Time Commitment
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
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1.5-hour virtual class sessions between the hours of 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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Start Day
We prefer you start by April; we are happy if you can start earlier.
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Click here to apply on Idealist.
Volunteer Tutor (in-person)
Position Overview
The CIANA Education Team is seeking volunteers for our in-person after school Homework Help/ Tutoring Program for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 school year. Volunteer Tutors will help our students by supporting them in completing their homework and strengthening their academic skills.
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Volunteer Tutors will support the After School program by offering one-on-one virtual homework help and tutoring to students in grades 1-8. Homework help sessions are conducted at our office located in Astoria. Volunteer tutors might also be used as substitutes for other volunteers at times. Volunteers are required to attend an Orientation and Meet-and-Greet.​
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Qualifications
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Passionate, committed, and engaging!
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Experience in working with children is preferred, but not required
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Gmail account
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Volunteers available on both Mondays and Wednesdays are preferred, but not required
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Volunteers must be 15+ years of age at the time of application
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Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
36-12 34th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106
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Time Commitment
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Mondays and Wednesdays
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1.5-hour tutoring sessions between the hours of 4:00 PM- 5:30 PM (flexible)
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Training/Support Provided
Volunteers are required to attend an Orientation and Meet-and-Greet.
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To Apply
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form.
Volunteer Tutor (virtual)
Position Overview
The CIANA Education Team is seeking volunteers for our virtual after school Homework Help/ Tutoring Program for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 school year. Volunteer Tutors will help our students by supporting them in completing their homework and strengthening their academic skills.
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Volunteer Tutors will support the After School program by offering one-on-one virtual homework help and tutoring to students in grades 1-8. Homework help sessions are conducted via Google Meet. Volunteer tutors might also be used as substitutes for other volunteers at times. Volunteers are required to attend an Orientation and Meet-and-Greet.
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Qualifications
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Passionate, committed, and engaging!
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Experience in working with children is preferred, but not required
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Stable internet connection and computer or tablet
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Gmail account
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Volunteers available on both Tuesday and Thursday are preferred, but not required
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Volunteers must be 15+ years of age at the time of application
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Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
Virtual
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CIANA Address
36-12 34th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106
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Time Commitment
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
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1.5-hour tutoring sessions between the hours of 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (flexible)​
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Training/Support Provided
Volunteers are required to attend an Orientation and Meet-and-Greet.
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To Apply
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form.
Community Closet Organizer
Overview
CIANA is looking for a volunteer to assist us in managing and cataloging the Community Supply Closet in our office. The Community Supply Closet includes clothes, shoes, houseware, school supplies, and other items. It is a crucial aspect of our push to deliver basic services to vulnerable New Yorkers.
This is a great opportunity to receive volunteer/community service hours!​
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Key Responsibilities
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Organize and make inventory of community clothing closet
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Receive clothing donations and log donor information
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Fold and store donated clothing
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Prepare donated items for clients and other community members
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Perform general upkeep of office facilities
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Qualifications
No prior experience needed!
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Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
36-12 34th Avenue, 3rd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106
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Time Commitment
1-2 hours per week​​
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Training/Support Provided
Volunteers will undergo a brief and mandatory training with CIANA staff.
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To Apply
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form.
Front Desk/Receptionist Volunteer
Overview
CIANA is looking for a Front Desk/Receptionist Volunteer to welcome individuals to our office. Reception desk team members greet visitors in a courteous manner and answer the telephone, determine caller needs, and direct calls to the appropriate staff member or department. They will assist with other office duties as needed. We are primarily looking for a volunteer to assist 1-5 days a week from 11AM-2PM or 3PM-6PM, but can be flexible.
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This is a great opportunity to receive volunteer/community service hours!
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Key Responsibilities​
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Answer intercom and buzz people into the building
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Sign clients and other visitors into the CIANA office
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Answer the phone and take down caller information
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Direct callers and visitors to the appropriate department or staff member
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Staff reception desk and perform miscellaneous office tasks as requested by office staff
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Qualifications
​No prior experience needed!
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Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
36-12 34th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106
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Time Commitment
Minimum 3-6 hours per week​​
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Training/Support Provided
Volunteers will undergo a brief and mandatory training with CIANA staff.
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To Apply
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form.
Fundraising & Donor Relations Volunteer
Overview
CIANA is looking for a Fundraising & Donor Relations Volunteer to raise funds and solicit donations for CIANA. The Volunteer will lead efforts towards maintaining and building upon existing relationships with our partners, as well as individual donors. They will be responsible for creating and following a consistent and organized process of thanking our donors.
This is an excellent opportunity for a retired fundraising or development professional to assist a small, community-based nonprofit organization.
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Key Responsibilities​
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Work with CIANA staff to devise organizational fundraising strategies
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Research and contact prospective donors and institutional funders, such as family foundations and private corporations
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Create a strong fundraising message that appeals to potential donors
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Communicate regularly via multiple channels with existing and potential supporters about CIANA’s current events and programs
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Evaluate the success of previous fundraising events
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Collaborate with outreach team to advertise and coordinate fundraising events
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Qualifications
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Extensive experience with fundraising campaigns or working in development
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Must be outgoing and personable as a representative of CIANA
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Strong communication skills in order to effectively deliver the CIANA’s message
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Must be detail-oriented and highly organized to manage large amounts of data
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Must comply with state and federal regulations.
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A self-starter who can follow directions with minimal supervision
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Working knowledge of outreach and crowdfunding platforms (i.e., MailChimp, PayPal, Patreon, etc.)
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Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, Publisher) and Google Workspace
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Compensation
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
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Location
36-12 34th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106
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Time Commitment
Minimum 10-20 hours per week​​
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Training/Support Provided
Volunteers will undergo a brief and mandatory training with CIANA staff.
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To Apply
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form.
