Events Volunteer or Intern

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Mission: Responding to a critical societal need, Aquinas Literacy Center empowers adults by providing English as a Second Language instruction through individualized tutoring in an environment that respects and reverences individuals. We enable learners to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers and responsible citizens.

History: Aquinas Literacy Center (ALC) is a community-based organization located in McKinley Park on the southwest side of Chicago. Since 1996, ALC has served the immigrant community by offering free individualized instruction in the English language. Using trained, volunteer tutors, Aquinas serves over 200 learners annually. Learners participate in weekly tutoring sessions, conversation groups, writing workshops, book clubs, computer-based instruction and computer literacy workshops. ALC is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Purpose: The Events Volunteer/Intern promotes and coordinates all aspects of existing events at Aquinas Literacy Center with staff. The Events Volunteer/Intern will also develop and implement a new event or events that benefit the Aquinas community.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Events Intern:

• Coordinates all aspects of and attends annual Aquinas events that occur during the internship in collaboration with ALC staff, interns, and volunteers, including:
  • Creates flyers for and promotes the event, secures funding for event food and supplies, and finds volunteers for the event
  • Trains and manages event volunteers
  • Represents Aquinas Literacy Center at the event
  • Ensures that all post-event needs are met, including evaluation, posting on social media, submitting press releases, and thanking volunteers, sponsors, and donors
  • Annual events include: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in April, Student Awards Ceremony in June, and Family Literacy Night in November
• Plans and executes a new event during the internship semester
• Lays the groundwork for at least one new event to take place after the internship
• Reports to the Executive Director

Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• Some college education or current enrollment in college
• Interested in the mission of Aquinas
• Excellent communication and exceptional organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engaging personality
• Fluency in Spanish or Mandarin
• Strong understanding of what planning an event entails
• Experience planning and attending events
• Proficient in social media
• Experience or college coursework in communications or marketing

Time Commitment and Compensation:

The Events Intern commits one semester (12 weeks or 3 months) for 8-16 hours per week. Hours will likely increase surrounding each event. The majority of hours must be completed on-site at 3540 S. Hermitage Ave. in Chicago. Aquinas Literacy Center is open Mondays through Thursdays 9am to 8pm, and staff are at the Center from 9am to 4pm on Fridays. The Events Intern must attend all Aquinas events during the internship semester.

Aquinas Literacy Center will do its best to accommodate any school and/or degree program requirements. Please note that this is an unpaid position.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references toKristen Dempsey Pasyk, Volunteer Coordinator, at aquinasliteracy@gmail.com. At least one reference from a supervisor at a paid or volunteer position is strongly preferred. Please include "Events Volunteer" OR "Events Intern" in the subject line (based on your preference). Priority deadline is Thursday, December 17, 2015 for the Spring 2016 semester.