Special Event Volunteer - Eritrean Coffee Roasting Ceremony Fundraiser

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Do you love different cultures?

Do you love coffee?

(not really necessary... but a plus!)

Do you love helping adult English language learners gain access to free English classes in Harrisburg?

If so, then you are invited to help Catholic Charities' English as a Second Language program plan their first ever Eritrean Coffee Roasting Ceremony and Fundraiser!

Responsibilities include:

- Collaborating with Catholic Charities staff to advertise the event throughout the Harrisburg area

- Connecting with local businesses to sponsor the roasting ceremony

- Assisting in the collection of monetary donations and ticket sales

We are looking for a volunteer who will be a go-getter, patient, flexible, and hard-working. Experience with advertising is a plus but not necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Eritrean coffee ceremony?

When most Americans think of making and drinking coffee, they think of the rushed Folgers brew and an individual act to stave off sleepiness and increase productivity. For countless Eritreans, however, the traditional coffee ceremony transforms humble unroasted coffee beans into an opportunity to socialize, show hospitality, and demonstrate their skill. The coffee ceremony involves roasting the beans, grinding the beans, and making the coffee while enjoying time with one another. In this case the one to two hour journey is as delightful as the destination.

Who is hosting the coffee ceremony?

Catholic Charities is collaborating with the Eritrean community to host this coffee ceremony and the Eritrean ladies roasting have donated their time to support the free English classes that they themselves have benefited from. This is also an opportunity for them to practice their English in the real world and welcome Americans into their own culture and history.

Why fundraise?

For over 35 years, Catholic Charities has offered free English classes to refugees and immigrants in Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg. Our students rely on our services and yet we have found that our English classes and resources can only go so far. Through this fundraiser, we will be able to give hard-working students dictionaries, bus passes, and other helpful resources to aide them in getting to class and speaking English outside of the class.