University YMCA & New American Welcome Center
The University YMCA, founded in 1873, develops campus and community leaders committed to social justice, environmental protection, interfaith cooperation and global engagement by fostering dialogue, reflection and action. Established in 2017, the Y’s New American Welcome Center (NAWC) works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity, and meaningful belonging.
Job Description
The Immigrant Outreach Intern will assist in the engagement of the local immigrant communities through outreach programming and events, particularly ones that focus on mental health, to create broader awareness about the New American Welcome Center’s programs and services. This intern will work closely with the NAWC Immigrant Family Services Manager and the Community Navigator Teams from Latinx, Francophone, Korean, & Chinese communities in order to better understand the specific needs of each community.
Compensation
This internship is a volunteer position and not a job. The intern must commit to volunteering a minimum of 10 hours per week. A stipend may be available. Unpaid internship scholarships are available through the University YMCA’s Fred S. Bailey Unpaid Internship Scholarship Program. To be eligible for scholarship funding, please apply online by April 26, 2024.
Requirements
Flexible during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm); some weekends and evenings. Volunteer schedule will be arranged in coordination with the intern’s supervisor.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Outreach. Act as a community educator and advocate by engaging and mobilizing immigrant communities, conducting public educational sessions, and providing accompaniment to Champaign County’s immigrant community.
- Communications. Organize outreach materials to create broader awareness about NAWC. Produce culturally and linguistically responsive program communications. Develop social media strategies to highlight local stories. Support video creation about mental health topics. Draft newsletter content for the Latinx, Francophone and AAPI community.
- Event Planning. Create, develop, and implement outreach events to increase participation in NAWC programming. Coordinate logistics for workshops, information sessions, and other similar events. Help build and prepare curriculum and materials regarding mental health and other topics of interest in each community.
- Relationships. Represent NAWC publicly at community and outreach events. Connect and nurture relationships with various community agencies focused on mental health and community leaders to strengthen civic engagement.
- Data Entry & Reporting. Prepare participant information and keep records as appropriate, ensuring that systems are maintained for tracking and recording progress and outcomes.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of mental health and trauma-informed care;
- Passionate about working for immigrants’ rights and social justice;
- High energy, self-motivated, creative, positive attitude;
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels;
- Ability to work independently and as a team member;
- Experience in community outreach and organizing events preferred;
- Fluency or high fluency in English and Spanish
