By Ashley Ye | March 31, 2025
Explore meaningful ways to give back through volunteer events near you! Support your community with local NYC volunteer opportunities to help and make an impact.
Giving back to your community is one of the most fulfilling ways to make a difference. Whether you’re passionate about mentoring youth, protecting the environment, or supporting families in need, there are countless ways to get involved. Organizations like Apex for Youth provide opportunities to volunteer and uplift underserved communities, particularly Asian American youth from immigrant backgrounds. If you’re looking for meaningful ways to contribute, here are five impactful volunteer opportunities near you.
One of the most powerful ways to give back is by mentoring young people. Apex for Youth connects volunteers with Asian American youth to provide mentorship, academic support, and enrichment programs. As a mentor, you can help students navigate school, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of identity through culturally responsive programming. Our dedicated mentors play a crucial role in helping young people unlock their potential today and a world of possibility tomorrow.
How to Get Involved:
Whether you have years of experience or are just starting your volunteer journey, Apex for Youth offers multiple pathways to create impact:
Apex Comprehensive Youth Programs Across NYC:
We believe in setting both our mentors and students up for success:
“Experiencing growth in real time. Looking back, I can tell there is a big difference then and now which feels rewarding. I could see that some students got more comfortable around the volunteers and with each other.”
– Michelle Shin, Apex for Youth Volunteer
“I loved that it was a small group and therefore relatively tight-knit. I really enjoyed the activities we did during the workshop and felt that they were a good mix of fun and educational/constructive activities for the group. The Apex staff were so dynamic, kind, and dedicated. I also loved that Sunset Park was not just a location for the workshops, but a community which we had the opportunity to learn about and be a part of – it was special getting to learn about and better understand the community that our mentees grew up in/spent a lot of time in.”
– Maya Vishwanath, Apex for Youth Mentor
Apex for Youth has some exciting upcoming volunteer social events that you can hangout with your peers while learning about the volunteer opportunities available.
Stay connected with the Apex for Youth community! Follow us at @apexforyouth for event updates and RSVP details.
Queens Volunteer Social
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, April 19 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: ELM Roastery (8330a Broadway, Queens, NY 11373)
RSVP Here
Brooklyn Volunteer Socials:
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, April 19 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: Movement Gowanus (242 Butler St, Brooklyn, NY 11217)
RSVP Here
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, May 17 | 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Five Boroughs Brewing (215 47th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220)
📅 Date & Time: Sunday, May 4 | 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Run through Sunset Park
Learn more about our volunteer requirements and opportunities
Explore our youth mentorship programs
View upcoming volunteer events
Food insecurity affects many families, and volunteering at a food bank is a great way to provide immediate relief. Many New York non profit organizations need help sorting donations, preparing meals, or distributing groceries. By participating in food drives, you ensure that families in your community have access to nutritious meals.
How to Get Involved:
If you’re passionate about sustainability, consider volunteering for a local environmental cleanup. Parks, beaches, and community spaces often need volunteers to remove litter, plant trees, and maintain green spaces. These efforts help create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.
LocalOrganizations:
How to Get Involved:
Homelessness is a major issue in many cities, and volunteering at a local shelter can make a direct impact. Shelters often need help with everything from serving meals and sorting donations to providing emotional support. By lending a hand, you can help individuals and families who are going through difficult times regain stability and hope.
NYC Organizations to Volunteer:
How to Get Involved:
Animal shelters always need extra hands to care for pets awaiting adoption. Whether you’re walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, or assisting with adoption events, your time and care make a difference in an animal’s life.
VolunteerOrganizations:
How to Get Involved:
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, connect with your community, and create a lasting impact. Whether you’re mentoring youth, supporting local food banks, helping the environment, assisting at homeless shelters, or caring for animals, every act of service contributes to a stronger, more compassionate city.
No matter your interests or availability, there’s a volunteer opportunity that fits your passion. Organizations like Apex for Youth and others across NYC provide meaningful ways to get involved, whether through hands-on support, community events, or mentorship programs. By dedicating your time, skills, and energy, you’re not just helping others—you’re also enriching your own life with purpose and connection.
Looking for places to volunteer near you? Discover meaningful opportunities to mentor youth, support education, and give back to your community. Sign up today and make a lasting impact!
On February 5, 2025, Tatcha Global Director of Artistry Daniel Martin and ELLE Beauty Director Kathleen Hou hosted a private dinner to celebrate Lunar New Year at Phoenix Palace in Chinatown, NYC. AAPI founders, executives and allies from the beauty, fashion, media and entertainment industries welcomed the Year of the Snake with family-style Cantonese cuisine in a moody, cinematographic setting.
