Agency Overview/Mission:

At Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA), our mission is to help women to break the barriers that stand in the way of their social and economic growth. Through our programs, MUA serves low-income residents from Dorchester and Boston’s surrounding neighborhoods, the clear majority of whom are Latina, although any woman is welcome to take advantage of our programs and services. We offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes; High School Equivalency preparation in Spanish (Hi-SET); computer classes; health workshops and focus groups; HHA and Phlebotomy trainings; Citizenship Preparation; counseling; basic needs referrals and assistance; Family Literacy; one-on-one tutoring provided by volunteers; pull-out sessions for struggling students in Pre-ESOL and ESOL; and on-site child care for mothers with pre-school aged children participating in MUA’s program. Classes run from 9:30-12:00 and 12:00-3:30 to enable mothers to attend our program. We also have a night program open to women and men, featuring ESOL and Hi-SET classes (Monday-Thursday). All services are free.

Duties/Projects:

• Plan and facilitate a conversation group for Hi-SET students to practice their English speaking skills. (Groups should run for two hours and focus on a particular topic. Planning support will be provided by ESOL staff.)
• Ensure the participation of all students.
• Emphasize respect within the group. Allow everyone to be heard and respected.
• Keep a record of attendance.
• Communicate with ESOL Coordinator regularly.

The Volunteer Coordinator will recruit students from our ESOL and Hi-SET classes to join the groups, and will try to group students by speaking proficiency level as much as possible.

Time Commitment:

• We ask that volunteers commit to facilitating at least one conversation group per week through the end of the school year (June).
• Specific dates and times will be established with Volunteer Coordinator. Afternoons are preferred.
• If for any reason you cannot make your volunteer shift, please email or call us as soon as possible.

Requirements:

• Strong level of English.
• Comfort facilitating a group of adults.
• Social, friendly, and creative!
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team environment.
• Organized, dedicated, and responsible.
• Desire and ability to work with people from diverse, cultural, linguistic, racial, and economic backgrounds.
• Self-driven and results-oriented, with a focus on high quality service.
• Open-minded and respectful.

*The following skills are preferred but not required.

• Bilingual (especially English-Spanish).
• Prior teaching experience (especially in ABE/ESOL).

Perks:

• Accessible via the MBTA and close to UMASS/Boston.
• An authentic environment to practice language skills.
• Gain valuable teaching experience.
• Casual work environment and flexible hours.
• Participate in special events according to MUA’s calendar, with free food and entertainment!