Our Mission
Big Apple Greeter’s mission is to enhance New York City’s worldwide image and enrich the New York experience by connecting visitors with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. The mission was created to accomplish the following goals:
Promote a friendly, inviting, manageable image of New York City.
Bolster tourism and foster economic development.
Create opportunities for New Yorkers to show pride in their city and give back to their city through volunteering.
Our Passion
Big Apple Greeter builds bridges between people and cultures, and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Greeters welcome visitors from all over the world, and visitors go home with a better appreciation of the diversity of New Yorkers and all Americans.
Our History
Founded in 1992 by Lynn Brooks, Big Apple Greeter was the world's first free “Welcome Visitor” program.
Lynn Brooks’ idea:
“Unite the world in friendship.
One person at a time.”
In her travels, Lynn met many who yearned to visit New York City, but were fearful and overwhelmed by its scale. She wanted the world to know the city as she did—a series of delightful little towns, diverse neighborhoods of mom-and-pop stores, and fun places to dine. Above all, a place with friendly people who would go out of their way to say “welcome.”
Big Apple Greeter’s volunteers now accompany about 3,000 visitors a year to more than 100 neighborhoods in all five boroughs. Over the years, these new friends have come from all 50 states, more than 100 countries, and have been greeted in more than 15 languages.
And Lynn Brooks’ idea has spread throughout the world. Today, 181 cities in 47 countries boast free Greeter programs. We Greet on nearly every continent—from Europe to South America, Africa to Asia—spanning cities from Buenos Aires to Cairo, and Tokyo to Almaty. Together we form the International Greeter Association and continue to honor our founder, Lynn Brooks.
Big Apple Greeter is a proud partner of NYC Tourism + Conventions.
Yankee Stadium celebration honoring Big Apple Greeter staff, volunteers, and board members
Photo by Rob Ruotolo