AmeriCorps is a national community service program that gives people an opportunity to apply their skills and ideals towards helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. The Ambassadors of Mentoring is an AmeriCorps Program where members serve in mentoring programs across Massachusetts while providing ongoing training and professional development to its members.

Organizational Description:

Headquartered in Boston, Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) is the statewide umbrella organization solely dedicated to expanding high-quality youth mentoring in Massachusetts. MMP has a rich history of catalytic involvement in the start-up and sustainability of quality mentoring programs, the execution of high-visibility mentor recruitment campaigns such as the Red Sox Mentoring Challenge and Be A Champion for a child with Vince Wilfork, and the attraction of increased public and private resources to the mentoring movement. Currently, MMP has more than 165 diverse mentoring programs in its network, representing more than 18,000 matches. MMP is currently driving forward with its progression in re-envisioning its program development services, training, and technical assistance to build the capacity of mentoring programs and promote their sustainability.

Family Service, Inc. (est. 1854) is a private non-profit social service agency located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Its mission, to help people help themselves by building skills, increasing knowledge, and providing opportunities that enable individuals and families to live positive and productive lives , has led the agency to implement a range of programs that are evidence-based and result in improved outcomes for its clients . The Big Friends Little Friends program, formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence, matches children with volunteer mentors who provide friendship, guidance and support. BFLF serves children in 15 cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley. For more information on Family Service, Inc. and Big Friends Little Friends, please visit www.familyserviceinc.com .

Program Summary:

Ambassadors of Mentoring complete a year of service in the Mass Mentoring Partnership's AmeriCorps Ambassadors of Mentoring Program. Ambassadors will serve to strengthen current mentoring programs and to build their capacity to serve more children in high quality mentoring relationships. Seventeen Ambassadors have been competitively granted to mentoring programs across the state of Massachusetts to work on projects in the following four program areas: Mentoring Program Development and Support; Mentor/Mentee Training; Match Support; and Mentor Recruitment/Marketing. Family Service, Inc. is currently recruiting an Ambassador of Mentoring to work in its Big Friends Little Friends Program for the 2009-2010 program year, which begins on August 3, 2009 through July 31, 2010.

Position Description:

The Big Friends Little Friends Ambassador of Mentoring will focus on two main areas: Mentor/Mentee Training and Mentor Recruitment:

The Ambassador will evaluate the trainings currently provided by BFLF to both the mentors and mentees and work to develop and facilitate new and improved trainings that will fully implement the elements of effective practice. This will ensure that both mentors and mentees have a solid foundation as well as ongoing information throughout the course of their match to support the mentoring relationship.

The second area the Ambassador will focus on is the critical area of mentor outreach and recruitment. The Ambassador will build off of the current recruitment plan, identify potential recruitment sources and build relationships within the community to help target potential volunteers. The Ambassador will work in collaboration with the program staff to actively recruit, screen, train and match volunteers. Through their relationship development and community outreach, the Ambassador will create a system for recruiting volunteers that will ensure a thorough and sustained effort into the future.

Position Responsibilities:

• Complete at least 1700 hours of service (average of 40 hours of service per week)
• Satisfactorily complete projects
• Complete group projects to benefit the field of mentoring
• Attend all corps wide training, events and two service-week sessions
• Maintain a service portfolio and journal
• Complete all required AmeriCorps documentation
• Monthly reporting on service activities

Position Benefits: § $250.00/wk taxable living allowance § Health insurance § Monthly transportation stipend of $59.00 § Travel reimbursement for corps meetings and other eligible activities § Excellent training and networking opportunities year-round § $4,725 Education Award upon completion of service § Additional education benefits and opportunities

To Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter that outlines how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and why it interests you to Leah Feroce, Big Friends Little Friends Program Coordinator, at: LFeroce@Familyserviceinc.com . Please put "Ambassadors of Mentoring" in the subject line.

• Position Requirements : * BA/BS strongly preferred * Experience with and/or commitment to youth development * Interest in non profit organizations and their development * Excellent organization and communication skills * The ability to work independently and as part of a team * Proven leadership and project management abilities * A passion for national and community service * The desire to work with diverse people, organizations and communities * Flexibility and a good sense of humor * US Citizen or Permanent US Resident * Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle for community outreach * Bilingual/Spanish speaking a plus