Washington Square Park Greeter-Guide

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Love Washington Square Park? Looking for a unique volunteer opportunity?

The Washington Square Park Conservancy (WSPC) is accepting new volunteers into its Greeter-Guide Program, a program in which volunteers interact with Park users, helping them learn about the exciting horticulture, history, events, and culture that the Park has to offer. From our resident hawks to the coveted Arch, the Park has many stories to be told!

WSPC is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization working with the New York City Parks Department and neighborhood groups to ensure that Washington Square Park continues as a diverse and historical urban green space through engaging volunteers and raising funds to help keep the park clean, safe and beautiful.

The Greeter-Guide Program runs from April to October on weekends. Volunteer are expected to serve two three-hour shifts each month (for a total of 6 hours/month). Docents work in pairs during their shift.

Volunteers must complete a short application to be accepted into the program. Volunteers must attend and participate in the program's orientation, as well as complete required reading on the history of the Park. Orientation sessions include lectures, workshops, and on-site tours. Training takes place on Saturdays, March 11, 18, 25. By the end of orientation, each docent will be prepared to answer all matter of questions from park visitors. Once docents have completed the greeter orientation program, they can continue their training to become a WSP tour guide.

Requirements

Applicants should be:

• Comfortable speaking in groups / with the public
• Able to attend and participate in orientation sessions
• Willing and able to work two weekend shifts (three hours each) per month and meet the time commitment
• Able to help the team set up (able to push at least 10 lbs)
• A positive representative of the Park and the Conservancy
• 18 years or older

No prior greeting-guide experience is necessary.

No fees or payments will be made, this is a volunteer role.

Prospective volunteers must complete a short application no later than March 1, 2017. More information and the application can be found at: http://washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org/volunteer/.

Interested volunteers looking for more information can attend an information session on Monday, February 13. Email volunteer@washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org for questions or to RSVP.