Washington Square Park Conservancy Greeter-Guide

Save to Favorites

About the Program

The Washington Square Park Conservancy (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.

WSPC is accepting new volunteers into its Greeter-Tour Program, a program that interacts 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!

Volunteer Greeter-Guide Description

WSPC is seeking committed volunteers to donate their time and expertise for this free Park program. The WSPC Greeter-Tour Program provides an opportunity for interested volunteers to become an official Washington Square Park Docent.

This program runs during the warmer months. Docents will be expected to work a minimum of 2 shifts per month, and each shift will last 3 hours (totaling 6 hours per month). Shifts will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm. Greeters will provide information about the Park and the Conservancy to visitors during their shift. Volunteers will work in a team of their fellow volunteers. Once docents have completed the greeter orientation program, they can continue their training to become a WSP tour guide.

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. Orientation takes place on Saturdays, April 6 and 13 (attendance required at one orientation session only). By the end of orientation, each docent will be prepared to answer all matter of questions from park visitors.

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.

Important Dates

March 25 - Application Due
First Orientation Session: April 6
Second Orientation Session: April 13
(Volunteers only need to attend one orientation session)

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed following March 25th. Applicants selected to participate in the orientation program will be asked to re-commit to the program prior to orientation completion.

Please reach out to volunteer@washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org with your questions.

This application is due on or before 11:59 PM April 25th .

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0A9i_WaYRD1GtrF9rpu2ddcYEgoC2KZ9a-4TPqr-HVt0dzQ/viewform