Voting and Civic Participation

For more information about voting and volunteer opportunities related to elections, visit the John Jay College Rock the Vote Website: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/about/governance-senior-leadership/office-external-affairs/rock-vote

Please note: The lists of organizations on this webpage are not exhaustive and do not reflect an endorsement of an organization or its views by John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Civic Engagement Volunteer Opportunities & Events (Public and Private Sector)

John Jay students and community members are dedicated to the mission of service. For nearly 60 years, our students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked in various settings and roles, making a difference in their communities through volunteer service and unpaid internships.  Our partnerships are valued and run deep.

Non-citizens and others ineligible to vote can still be involved and play a role in their communities and participate in public advocacy for issues of concern. Further, these members of our community can encourage those who have the right to vote to exercise it in all elections.

Beyond election day, there are ways to stay informed and active on campus and in your community.

Below is a list of organizations that advance volunteer service through numerous activities. The non-exhaustive list is intended to be a guide and is provided to encourage the continuation of our legacy of service.

New York City Based:

City Harvest

Commonpoint Queens

Court Appointed Special Advocate NYC

Manhattan Volunteer Corps

New York Cares

New York-Presbyterian

New York Public Library

NYC Civic Engagement Commission

NYC Council Participatory Budgeting

NYC Community Boards

NYC Department of Youth & Community Development

NYC Health and Hospitals

NYC Parks Volunteer Opportunities

NYC Public Service Internships

NYC Service

Queens Community House

Queens County Farm Museum

Queens Public Library

The High Line

New York State Focus:

Make the Road NY

NYS Americorps

NYS Community Engagement

New York Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster

National Focus:

Civic Genius

Dosomething.org

National Park Service

Peace Corps

Volunteer.gov

Non-Partisan Voting/Election Volunteer Opportunities

John Jay College educates students to be fierce advocates for justice and to be engaged members of society. Our strategic plan demonstrates the College’s commitment to foster civic engagement in various dimensions, including voter participation.  The College, through the Office of External Affairs, arranges for elected officials, thought leaders, and partner organizations to interact with students and other community members to inform and educate about current issues and leadership, encourage public service opportunities and community involvement, and advance professional outcomes. These experiences also highlight the importance of participating in our Democracy as informed voters and advocates to help shape policies that affect their daily lives and futures.

For those ineligible to vote, you can still play an important role by encouraging a voting culture around campus and elsewhere and urging those who are able to vote to exercise that privilege. Further, you can help educate friends and others about policy decisions that affect you and why it is important to be involved. Additionally, you can attend public meetings, become active in civic organizations and voice your opinions and advocate for policy initiatives.

Below is a listing of popular non-partisan organizations, but it is not an exhaustive guide. These groups, that focus on Participatory Democracy and increasing access to the democratic process for students and young people, the power of voting for communities of color and others, and more, have engaged with our students. The organizations offer a wide variety of resources and educational opportunities.

866 Our Vote

Black Voters Matter

Headcount

League of Women Voters NYC

NAACP

Protect the Vote

NYC Poll Worker

NYC Votes

NYS Poll Worker

Rock The Vote

VoteRiders

Vote Forward

Voto Latino

We The Veterans

When We All Vote