What does a volunteer Greeter actually do?

Stroll and enjoy time with visitors for about four (4) hours. Introduce them to less-visited neighborhoods or hidden places in various neighborhoods. Highlight the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city. Show them your favorite parks, historic sites, architecture, street fairs, markets, little shops, and restaurants that make the area you are visiting unique.

And tell stories. Reminisce. Talk about the people who used to live in the neighborhood and the ones around you there today. Let them know what it is like to actually live here. Breathe life into the buildings around you.

Teach things. Like how to use our public transportation system. And learn from them how their lives compare to your own.

You will make visitors feel at home that day and for the rest of their time New York City. And by the end of your time together, both you and your visitors will also realize that you've got a new friend.

How are Greeters and visitors paired?

Every week, Greeters receive a list of potential visitors by email. Greeters review the information provided and request to be assigned to the groups with which they would have the greatest simpatico.

Once the Greeter is confirmed, the Big Apple Greeter office provides the visitor with the Greeter’s name and contact information. The Greeter follows up with an introductory email. By the time Greeter and visitor meet, they have gotten to know each other and agree on the details of their time together.

Greeters meet only the visitors in one party. Parties are not combined and assigned to one Greeter.

Who administers the program?

Big Apple Greeter has been an independent not-for-profit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors since launching in 1992. It is not a part of the New York City government. Adherence to its mission is overseen by two paid staff members and approximately 30 volunteers who work in our Manhattan office.