Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: Big Hearts in the Big Apple: Finding Your Volunteer Match
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Description:
In this holiday-themed episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart engages with Supreet Soluja, the Executive Director of New York Cares, to explore the myriad ways New Yorkers can give back to their community. The conversation delves into various volunteer opportunities, personal stories from volunteers, and the profound impact of community service during the festive season.

Introduction to Volunteering During the Holidays

[00:18] Alison Stewart:
Alison opens the episode by highlighting the spirit of the holidays as an ideal time to give back. She emphasizes the diverse forms of volunteer work, from delivering meals to supporting local nonprofits, and introduces Supreet Soluja as the guest who mobilizes over 30,000 volunteers through New York Cares.

[00:59] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet expresses her delight in being on the show, setting the stage for a discussion on the importance of volunteerism during the holiday season.

The Importance of Volunteering, Especially During the Holidays

[01:34] Alison Stewart:
Alison invites listeners to share their volunteer experiences and questions Supreet on the significance of volunteering during the holidays.

[01:34] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet underscores the myriad challenges faced by individuals and society, advocating that many issues can be addressed locally through everyday acts of kindness. She states, "It feels great to be part of a solution. It feels great to help someone who may be on a hard time" ([01:34]).

[02:16] Alison Stewart:
Alison poses a fundamental question for potential volunteers: How can someone start volunteering if they're unsure where to begin?

[02:25] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet provides practical advice, directing listeners to the New York Cares website where they can find thousands of projects across 400+ nonprofits. She elaborates on the streamlined process to match volunteers with suitable opportunities, emphasizing the fulfillment volunteers derive from their contributions: "I'll hear from our volunteers over and over again is how good it feels, how it fulfills something in them that they felt like they were missing before" ([03:37]).

Ensuring Confidence and Preparedness for New Volunteers

[04:19] Alison Stewart:
Alison inquires about how newcomers to volunteerism can feel prepared and confident when they first engage.

[04:31] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet advises volunteers to approach their roles with an open mind, open heart, and a "can-do" attitude. She reassures them that any specific requirements, such as attire or tools, will be communicated beforehand, fostering a sense of preparedness and confidence: "If you have those three things, you're set" ([04:31]).

Real Stories from Volunteers

1. Ray from New Brunswick, New Jersey

[05:16] Supreet Soluja:
Alison shares a personal reflection from her own volunteering experience, segueing into listener stories.

[05:21] Ray:
Ray, an 88-year-old volunteer, discusses his involvement with Interfaith Rise, a program aiding over 800 immigrant families from countries like Afghanistan and Syria. He details his role in providing transportation, setting up homes, delivering Christmas presents, and offering ongoing support: "It's a very satisfying job" ([06:10]).

2. Carol from Lido Beach

[07:06] Miriam:
Miriam highlights her work with the Street Vendor Project, advocating for policies to support street vendors and organizing community events like scavenger hunts to bolster their businesses.

3. Ralph from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

[11:22] Ralph:
Ralph shares his decade-long experience leading seated Tai Chi classes for visually impaired citizens through the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association. He emphasizes the transformative impact of creative programs and the profound talent of the visually impaired community: "One of the most stunning things is I've seen their artwork, and it compares with anything I've seen at the Museum of Modern Art" ([12:14]).

Highlighting Diverse Volunteer Opportunities

1. Therapeutic Horse Lessons

[08:18] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet introduces a unique volunteer opportunity with Gallup NYC in Queens, where volunteers assist in preparing and assisting riders in therapeutic horse lessons for individuals with special needs: "It's just an all around great experience" ([08:21]).

2. Mission Vet Check

[09:01] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet explains Mission Vet Check, a collaboration with the City Department of Veterans Services, where volunteers perform wellness checks and provide emotional support to veterans. In the past year, volunteers made over 16,000 calls and referred over 2,000 veterans to additional services: "It's a real way to honor people who've served our country and support them" ([09:01]).

3. Volunteer Income Tax Preparation

[13:21] Supreet Soluja:
This program partners with the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistant to help low-income individuals prepare their taxes. Volunteers, regardless of their financial background, contribute to over $6 million in returns annually: "If I can help one person have more money in their pocket who really needs it, I can feel great" ([13:21]).

4. America Needs You

[14:47] Amy:
Amy discusses the America Needs You program, which mentors first-generation and low-income students by pairing them with industry professionals. This nationwide initiative helps students develop essential skills and secure internships: "It's looking for professionals to mentor in different industries" ([15:27]).

5. College Access Program

[16:36] Supreet Soluja:
Supreet elaborates on a program that pairs NYC public school students with volunteers for SAT prep, college applications, and financial aid assistance. She highlights the program's role in promoting upward mobility and fostering long-term volunteer relationships: "Kids come back and sometimes volunteer with us just like the Last Speaker" ([16:36]).

6. Senior Prom for Senior Citizens

[17:42] Supreet Soluja:
Volunteers help organize proms for senior citizens, including decorating, serving food, and chaperoning. This program aims to bring joy and foster connections among vulnerable populations: "Helping folks who are in vulnerable populations stay connected and have joy and live vibrant lives" ([17:48]).

7. Park Revitalization

[18:30] Supreet Soluja:
Volunteers engage in revitalizing community parks by planting, pruning, cleaning, and painting. This initiative focuses on under-resourced parks, enhancing green spaces that contribute to residents' well-being: "It's a great way to have physicality and see a transformation of a space that you literally had a hand in" ([18:39]).

Community Voices and Final Thoughts

Listener Testimonials:

• Texas:
  "Whenever we see a piece of litter on the ground, we notice how it takes away from the general beauty. I think volunteering is similar..." ([19:19])

[19:35] Listener:
Texas emphasizes the cumulative impact of individual volunteer efforts in enhancing community beauty and well-being.

Supreet Soluja's Closing Remarks:

[19:42] Supreet Soluja:
She encourages listeners to explore volunteering opportunities at newyorkcares.org, assuring that there's a suitable match for everyone: "Check us out newyorkcares.org I'm sure we have a match for you" ([19:42]).

[19:48] Listener:
Expresses gratitude towards Supreet and the listeners for their participation.

Conclusion

In this heartwarming episode of ALL OF IT, Alison Stewart and Supreet Soluja illuminate the diverse and impactful volunteer opportunities available in New York City. From supporting veterans and immigrants to revitalizing parks and mentoring students, the episode underscores the essence of community service, especially during the holiday season. Through personal stories and detailed program insights, listeners are inspired to find their volunteer match and contribute to making New York City an even greater place to live.

For More Information:
Visit newyorkcares.org to explore volunteer opportunities and make a meaningful impact in your community.