CANY’s Monitoring Volunteer Program
DEADLINE: September 30, 2026Duration
2 Year Cohort
Start date
January 2027
What is the CANY Monitoring Volunteer Program?
A cohort-based volunteer program that trains local community members to join CANY staff on prison monitoring visits. The program is designed to build a network of trained community members who support independent prison oversight statewide. Volunteers help strengthen independent oversight of New York State prisons by participating in these visits.
What do Volunteers do, and what is the time commitment?
The cohort lasts two years, beginning in January. Volunteers are expected to:
Participate in three two-day prison monitoring visits each year
Complete post-visit documentation and notes
Attend preparation and debrief sessions before and after monitoring visits
Attend virtual trainings and program convenings
Frequently Asked Questions
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The program is open to adults across New York State who are committed to independent prison oversight. Applicants must be:
21+ years old
New York State resident
Proficient in English
Able and available to take part in three, two-day prison monitoring visits per year—including overnight travel within NYS—which may involve extended periods of standing, walking, climbing stairs, navigating secure facilities, and taking handwritten notes for extended periods of time.
Be able to receive clearance to enter a correctional facility following a background check by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Those who are currently under DOCCS supervision (e.g., parole, probation) may need to undergo an additional process before clearance is approved.
Able to observe, listen to, and document difficult or distressing conditions and/or engage in perspectives that may be personally challenging in a professional and impartial manner
Able to travel to correctional facilities, including those outside their immediate community and overnight travel
Available to participate in quarterly virtual training or program convenings
Participate in up to 2-hours of virtual meetings associated with each monitoring visit
Complete thorough post-visit documentation (e.g., transcribing interviews, typing notes)
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No. CANY is seeking applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. CANY values applicants who are deeply tied to their communities and networks and have shown a proven commitment to public service.
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Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
Integrity, reliability, and professionalism
Commitment for confidentiality
Interest in independent oversight
Strong listening and observation skills
Ability to work thoughtfully in sensitive situations
Interest in learning and contributing to public service
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All selected volunteers receive structured training and support throughout their participation. Training and ongoing learnings include:
Monitoring trainings where Volunteers will learn about CANY's mission and values, the New York State prison system, interviewing techniques, observation and documentation practices, professional conduct, and emotional preparedness
Site-specific preparation and follow-up to prepare Volunteers before each visit on the facility and reflect on the experience following the visit
Cohort convenings where volunteers will reflect with the full cohort
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Yes. Volunteers must be willing and able to travel to correctional facilities, including facilities outside their immediate region of New York State. This may include overnight travel. CANY will coordinate all travel logistics, including lodging and transportation as needed.
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This year, we are seeking 4-6 people to join MVP.
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After you apply, CANY will review applications. Select applicants will be invited to an interview.
How to Apply
You can apply here. Applications are due September 30th, 2026.
What does the application ask?
The application includes:
Basic contact information
Region and community information
Volunteer and organizational affiliations
Eligibility confirmations
Short-answer questions about:
Why the role appeals to you and your interest in the program
The impact you hope the program will have on you or your community
Who can I contact to learn more?
If you have any questions, please reach out to volunteers@correctionalassocation.org.
About the Correctional Association of New York (CANY)
Mission
CANY provides independent oversight of prisons in New York State in order to promote greater transparency and accountability; to safeguard the human and civil rights of incarcerated people; to eliminate harmful practices and policies; and to decrease the use of incarceration in New York.
Vision
CANY envisions a future in which our criminal justice system uses an entirely different approach to responding to violence and social concerns. In this vision, prisons look nothing like they do today: far fewer people are held for much shorter sentences in transformed conditions that promote health, safety, and justice for incarcerated individuals, communities, and society at large.
CANY values a diverse and equitable workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, veterans and people who have been incarcerated or impacted by the criminal justice system to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. 