Volunteer Opportunities
This is the list of currently available volunteer opportunities at the Alliance for African Assistance. Please review the list below to better make a informed decision.
| Opportunity | Contact | Location | Posted | |
| Administrative Volunteer | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:Key Responsibilities: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: By volunteering his or her time to this organization, the Administrative Volunteer will enable the Alliance to reach a higher capacity for effective service. This will not only impact the office, but also the lives of many San Diego residents who are in need of assistance. Training and Support: The Administrative Volunteer will be supervised by the Volunteer Department and will work with every department of the Alliance. The intern/volunteer will be given thorough training for every task she or he is asked to perform and will receive subsequent daily written instructions every time he or she is in the office. In addition the volunteer/intern will receive a general orientation to the Alliance for African Assistance from the Volunteer Coordinators. Requirements:Commitment: This position requires a minimum time commitment of 2-5 hours/week for three months. These hours must be completed Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm. Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this position the volunteer/intern will gain insight into the operations of a non-profit organization. This will be excellent resume building experience. He or she will also have the benefit of meeting and interacting with clients from all over the world. |
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| Child Sponsorship Program: Promotional Outreach Intern/Volunteer | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:The AAA Child Sponsorship Program raises money for children in Northern Uganda to pay tuition for them to attend school. The program is looking for a volunteer/intern who will build connections in the community and find events and locations to promote the Child Sponsorship Program. In addition the intern/volunteer will investigate and pursue other avenues for outreach and fundraising. Key Responsibilities: Impact and Sustainable Outcomes: This position will greatly increase the reach of the child sponsorship program. With increased out-reach and fundraising efforts, more children will be given the gift of education than would be otherwise possible. Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of four to eight hours a week. The volunteer should be willing to work some evenings and weekends. Requirements:Desired skills: Supervision and Training: The Promotional Outreach Volunteer will work under the direction of Pius Ngiela. They will receive a generalized training relating to refugees world-wide and Alliance for African Assistance in particular, along with additional training and/or assistance related to their position. Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the lives of both American sponsors and Ugandan children. This position will develop skills in fundraising and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community for the volunteer/intern filling it. |
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| Computer Basics Class Instructor | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 01.03.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The Computer Literacy Class Instructor will teach a course on computer literacy to newly arrived refugees. The course topics will include basic knowledge of email usage and set-up, Microsoft Word, internet navigation, and other sites such as banking and bill-payment. Key Responsibilities: Impact: The Computer Literacy Instructor will provide valuable support in enabling the program to provide recently resettled refugees with the tools necessary to obtain employment, pay bills, and be self-sufficient in San Diego. This will have a lasting impact on the students individually as well as the refugee community as a whole. Requirements:Qualifications and skills: Training and support: The volunteer will meet with the Volunteer Department and IT specialist to craft curriculum. Monthly check-ins will be completed to assure all support needs are met. The Resettlement Department will assist in referring clients to courses as needed. A volunteer orientation will be attended to familiarize instructor with organization mission and work. Minimum Time Commitment Needed: 10-12 weeks (dependent upon the pace of the class) Benefits: Through this position, the Instructor will have the opportunity to gain experience in a class-room setting, as well as knowledge of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector. |
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| Employment Marketing and Outreach Intern/Volunteer | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:The Employment Services program exists to help newly arrived refugees gain self-sufficiency through obtaining employment. Employment Mentors aid in this process by building on existing skills, helping with resume and cover letter writing, online job searching, filling out job applications, working on interview skills, and meeting with employers and transporting clients to job interviews. However, this is still a very difficult process, thus the Employment and Marketing Outreach Intern will market this program to the public and focus on building contacts with businesses who would consider employing refugees. Key Responsibilities: Impact and Sustainable Outcomes: position will greatly increase the reach of the Employment Services program. By building sustainable relationships with local businesses that will hire refugees, the Intern will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment. Requirements:Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of three to eight hours a week. The volunteer should be willing to work some evenings and weekends. Desired skills: Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from the Employment Services department, the Resettlement Department as well as the Volunteer department. Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the livelihood of refugees. This position will develop skills in marketing and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community. |
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| Employment Mentors | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 02.01.11 | |
Volunteer Description:Employment Mentors will have the unique opportunity to work directly with newly resettled refugees in helping to create resumes and cover letters and filling out job applications with refugee clients. Employment Mentors will be assigned to an individual client to follow through the job search process from gathering the refugee’s applicable skills in order to prepare a resume to taking a client to a job interview. Employment mentors will serve as an essential partner in helping newly resettled refugees overcome barriers to obtaining a job in the U.S. Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugees to reach full self-sufficiency. By partnering one-on-one with clients, Employment mentors will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment. Training and Support: Employment Mentors will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and Job Developers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency. Requirements:Commitment: Depending on availability, volunteers will be assigned 1-2 refugee clients at a time, and will be asked to commit to program until their assigned client in no longer in need of services or a minimum of two months. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and their mentoring family. Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by newly resettled refugees. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. Most of all this position is extremely rewarding at the volunteer sees the direct positive impact their work will achieve in the lives of these refugee families. |
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| Event Coordinator | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 01.06.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The Volunteer Event Coordinator will plan fun outings for Refugee families, individuals, and kids. They will be instrumental in creating a sense of community for newly resettled clients looking for social networks and connectivity. Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position will be instrumental in the social growth and comfort of newly arrived clients. With the support of alliance staff and other volunteers, events coordinators will be able to make an impact on refugee lives in a light-hearted fun environment. By running monthly events, the coordinator will help many new families and individuals acclimate to life in San Diego. Training and Support: Volunteer Event Coordinators will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency. Requirements:Commitment: Three months of at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer according to their availability. Most events will be best held on weekends though flexibility is available. Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a refugee while having fun. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. |
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| Family Advocate and Mentor | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:A Family Advocate and Mentor will be paired with a refugee family who has not yet attained self-sufficiency to assist them in navigating the many economic, cultural, demographic, and political challenges that they face as new Americans. FAM partners will work one on one with their assigned family to orient parents and children to U.S. culture and ensure they acquire the tools to provide for themselves. Flexible time commitment, minimum 2 hours/week for 3 months Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugee families to reach full self-sufficiency. Case managers are assigned to each family, but due to the number of families they oversee, they can only provide assistance for the first six months after a family’s arrival and are limited in the time they can spend assisting each family in adjusting to being new Americans. By partnering one-on-one with families FAM partners will decrease the demands on case workers and will play a key role in enabling a family to thrive in this new environment. Training and Support: FAM Partners will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency. Commitment: Three months of ideally at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and their mentoring family. Requirements:Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by New Americans. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. |
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| Financial Literacy/IDA Assistant | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 04.24.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The mission of the financial literacy program is to provide refugees, both adults and youth, the educational tools necessary to increase their overall knowledge of money and money management in the following topics: Money – how to count U.S. coins and bills, purchasing power, tracking expenditures; Budgeting – income vs. expenses, individual/group budgeting, goal setting; Earning and Spending – generating income, taxes; Banking – checking and savings accounts, saving and borrowing, credit and debt. In addition Individual Development Accounts (IDA) are saving accounts used to help Alliance for African Assistance’s clients reach a particular goal, such as buying a car, buying a home, or saving for school. Once a certain amount is saved in an IDA, that amount is matched by our organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Impact: The Teaching Assistant will provide valuable support in enabling the program to provide refugees the educational tools necessary to increase their overall knowledge of money and money management, specifically in the areas of budgeting, credit and debt, checking and savings and taxes. This will have a lasting impact on clients individually as well as the refugee community as a whole. Additionally you will greatly impact the lives of clients seeking to improve their economic standing and create savings for important goals. Moreover, you will enable the Alliance to provide an important service to our clients by furthering its reach. Qualifications and skills:
Training and support: The volunteer will shadow current Financial Literacy Assistants deliver the curriculum. They will have regular debriefing sessions with the Program Advisor throughout the term. In addition they will receive a general orientation regarding the refugee situation world-wide and the Alliance for African Assistance. A small mileage reimbursement is available.
Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of three to eight hours a week.
Benefits: Through this position, the Teaching Assistant will have the opportunity to gain experience in a class-room setting, as well as knowledge of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector. In addition, this position will develop skills in marketing and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community. |
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| Health Clinic Marketing Intern | Megan Germain | (619) 286-9052 | 02.29.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The Alliance Health Clinic is a low-cost clinic that caters to the San Diego refugee and immigrant communities. Located next door to our main office, refugees and members of the community can receive comprehensive health care catered directly to their specific circumstances. New arrivals undergo initial health screenings in this facility due to its proximity to our offices and their comfort with our staff. Currently the clinic provides checkups, medical education, counseling, immunizations, and a variety of services according to patient needs. Impact and Sustainable Outcomes: position will greatly increase the reach of the Alliance Health Clinic. By disseminating information to the community, the clinic will better serve Mid-City and City Heights. Furthermore, those in need will be aware of this valuable resource in their neighborhood. Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of three to eight hours a week.
Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from the Clinic Administrator as well as the Volunteer department. Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the livelihood of the San Diego community, specifically in Mid City and City Heights. This position will develop skills in marketing and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community. Requirements:Desired skills: |
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| Interpretation Services: Marketing and Outreach Intern | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position will greatly increase the capacity of the interpretation department and ensure that our local community’s needs are met. If organizations do not know about our low cost services, their ability to serve non-English speaking clients is drastically reduced. By marketing our interpretation department, you help to expand the number of services available not just to refugees, but to any non-English speaking person. Training and Support: The Marketing and Outreach Intern will receive a general orientation which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about the services Alliance for African Assistance provides to refugees and other low income residents of San Diego. They will receive additional training from and work under the supervision of the Language and Cultural Solutions Coordinator. Requirements:Commitment: Flexible, prefer 3 months of at least 4 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and the Language and Cultural Solutions Coordinator. Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this position the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to learn about the operation of the interpretation department from an internal perspective. They will gain experience working in a non-profit organization and will build contacts with a variety of organizations and businesses in the area that use interpretive services. |
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| One-Time Projects | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:We have opportunities throughout the year that are less ongoing but still provide excellent ways for volunteers to get involved! Some examples include wrapping presents, helping us mail letters to our supporters, running Basic Drives and more! One-Time Projects Toys for Tots: Every Year, the Alliance for African Assistance partners with Toys for Tots to give Refugee children Christmas presents. In order to make this event happen, the Alliance calls on volunteers to exercise their creativity by wrapping gifts for 70 newly resettled kids. 3-4 hours/ once Basics Drive: Often, when Refugees arrive to their new places of living, they lack essential supplies, such as toiletries, school supplies and basic food items. AAA invites volunteers to run Basics Drives to accumulate these necessary items and aid the road to self sufficiency. These Drives can be one-time events or week-long competitions. All products must be newly purchased and sealed properly. Open to volunteer availability. Mailing Party: AAA sends out a comprehensive newsletter, recounting the year’s events and updating recipients on new developments. Due to the high volume of those on our mailing list, volunteers aid in folding, stamping, and sorting envelopes to prepare them for sending. 2-3 hours/once Bead Cataloguing: The Alliance for African Assistance uses Acholi beads to raise money for educating children in Uganda. This volunteer will catalogue by variety, size, and color in order to streamline the process. 2-3 hours/once Thank-a-thon: In the coming months AAA will be hosting a Thank-a-thon in which we will be personally calling donors and thanking them for their wonderful contributions. Without them our work would not be possible and we want to make sure they are aware of how grateful we are. Come help us thank our generous donors! 2-3 hours/once Refugee children postcard drawing day: AAA would like to get our refugee children together at our office in order to have a postcard drawing day. Their drawings will be used to send thank you postcards to our donors and supporters. The responsibilities of the volunteer will be to supervise the children as they create their masterpieces. 2-3 hours/once |
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| Physician | Joelle Bennett and Julie Duncan | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 12.30.11 | |
Volunteer Description:The Volunteer Physician will work in the Alliance Health Clinic, offering up expertise that will ensure our clients receive high quality care. The Volunteer Physician will provide consistency to our patients as well as our Clinic staff. Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: As a highly skilled professional volunteer you will enable our clinic to continue providing quality services and expand to new healthcare options. You will enable this organization to provide adequate healthcare at a low cost to those in need. Additionally by offering professional knowledge you will greatly impact the lives of patients seeking clinical services. Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from our Health Clinic staff. However, we will rely on your expertise as a licensed Physician. In addition, a general orientation regarding the Alliance for African Assistance will be given by the Volunteer Coordinators. Requirements:Commitment: We are asking for a long-term commitment of at least 1 day a week at 2 hours a day. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for up to 6 hours a day. Skills and qualifications: Benefits: This volunteer experience is an opportunity to greatly impact the capacity of our Clinic. Furthermore, our Clinic is incredibly unique in its clientele and general operations, offering an interesting growing and learning experience. |
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| Public Transportation Instructor | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 04.24.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The Public Transportation Instructor will teach a course to newly arrived refugees on how to effectively use the public transportation system in San Diego. The course topics will include how to look up and plan routes online, how to read maps online, how and where to access public transportation resources. In addition the volunteer will provide practical instruction; taking clients on the bus and trolley and demonstrating how to travel to their common routes. Key Responsibilities: · Collaborate with the Resettlement Department to create routes for client’s common destinations. Working list: o All clients need to know how to travel to and from City Heights or El Cajon o Catholic Charities o Alliance for African Assistance o Welfare Office on Ruffin Road o Welfare Office on 73rd Street o Libraries o Grocery Stores, Farmer’s Markets o Discount Stores o Case-by-case job interviews/appointments
o How to board the bus and/or trolley o How to use a bus pass o How to let the driver know they need to get off at the next stop o How to read maps and bus schedules Impact: The Public Transportation Instructor will provide valuable support in enabling the program to provide recently resettled refugees with the tools necessary to be self-sufficient in San Diego. The volunteer will create ways for the Alliance’s clients to explore San Diego, make their appointments and become involved with the community. This will have a lasting impact on the students individually as well as the refugee community as a whole. Qualifications and skills:
Training and support: The volunteer will meet with the Volunteer Department and Resettlement Department to create common routes and ensure that the clients know how to use public transportation to get to these places. Monthly check-ins will be completed to assure all support needs are met. The Resettlement Department will assist in referring clients to courses as needed. A volunteer orientation will be attended to familiarize instructor with organization mission and work. Minimum Time Commitment Needed: 3 month commitment, 2-10 hours a week. Availability: Classes will be held according to volunteer’s availability on a weekly basis, Afternoons and Saturdays work best for the Alliance’s clients. Location: 5952 El Cajon Blvd. Benefits: Through this position, the Instructor will have the opportunity to gain experience working with a diverse group and helping them gain a skill that will have lasting effects on their livelihood. The instructor will also gain knowledge of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector. |
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| Refugee Welcoming Party | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 295 | 09.27.12 | |
Volunteer Description:A member of the welcoming party will assist case managers prepare for new arriving refugees and help be their first point of contact in San Diego, ensuring it is a positive, welcoming experience!
Key Responsibilities include:
Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to ensure that refugee’s arrival experience is as encouraging as possible. Refugees are coming from a number of tremendous experiences, the Welcoming Party would help ensure that they feel safe, secure, and welcomed. Case Managers sometimes have over a hundred new arrivals a month and they are in need of great volunteers who can help ensure this crucial first meeting goes smoothly.
Training and Support: the Welcoming Party will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees’ world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego, as well as the history and programs at the Alliance. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers.
Commitment: Three months of at least 2 hours/week, depending on scheduled arrivals. This position will be considered for a one-time event if you are a group seeking one-time, group volunteer projects.
Skills and Qualifications:
Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by Case Managers in preparing for new arrivals. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. |
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| Refugee Youth Activities Coordinator | Megan Germain | 619.286.9052 ext 294 | 01.06.12 | |
Volunteer Description:The Volunteer RYA Coordinator will plan fun monthly activities for refugee youth. They will be instrumental in creating a sense of community for newly resettled children looking for social networks and connectivity. Key Responsibilities include: Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position will be instrumental in the social growth and comfort of newly arrived children. With the support of alliance staff and other volunteers, events coordinators will be able to make a positive impact on the lives of refugee children by introducing them to new friends and creating a community and sense of belonging. By running monthly activities, the coordinator will help many new kids acclimate to life in San Diego. Training and Support: RYA Coordinators will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency. Requirements:Commitment: Three months of at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer according to their availability. Activities will be best held Monday-Friday during the hours of 8 and 5 at the Alliance for African Assistance main office Skills and Qualifications: Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a refugee while having fun. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. |
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