The Big Apple Greeter Program of New York City

The Big Apple Greeter program was founded by Lynn Brooks, a New Yorker herself who, upon travelling abroad came in contact with other people who wanted to visit New York but were intimidated by its size, it's structure and it's notoriety. Armed with this information, and determined to improve the city's reputation, she came up with the idea of promoting her city and it's image to the world. She thought to herself " What better way to see New York then through the eyes of a New Yorker"? And hence was born the Big Apple Greeter Program in 1992.

Upon my last visit to New York City, I stopped by the Big Apple Greeter office and met some of the people that work behind the scenes.
I was warmly "greeted" by Gail Morse, director of marketing and public relations, who filled me in on some of the interesting aspects of the program. Here is what I learned:
1) The organization has over 340 greeter volunteers, approximately 15 telephone operators, volunteers as well, who match greeters with visitors based on their interests, and 6 full time employees who are in charge of fundraising, marketing and special events.
2) Tours can be given in 22 different languages. Wow! Impressive.
3) Their office space is donated by the City of New York, who have realized the many benefits of having a greeter program that promotes their town.

The Big Apple Greeter program relies totally on donations from corporations as well as the general public. The organization also applies and receives several grants from the municipal government because of the volunteering opportunities it creates. Another one of their major sponsors is the New York Real Estate Board. The idea behind that is, by promoting their city to the world, they hope to attract investment to the Big Apple.

Since the inception of the Big Apple Greeter Program in 1992, the first of its kind, other greeter programs have followed suit. Today there are greeter programs in other U.S cities such as Chicago and Houston. There are also greeter programs in international cities such as Toronto Canada, Paris France, Adelaide Australia , Buenos Aires Argentina , and several others around the world all of which form the Global Greeter Network.

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O ut of 47 million visitors to New York every year, The Big Apple Greeter organization can only handle a small percentage of requests, approximately 7500. If you are considering a trip to New York and would like to reserve time with a greeter, because of the high demand, bookings must be made at least a month in advance, especially in high season. You must be staying at least 3 days. The greeter will meet with you, usually on the first or second day of your stay, and will spend a couple of hours showing you the best that New York has to offer. It's a great way to make a new friend!

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