Learning Lab Volunteer for Refugee-Background Youth

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The Youth Mentoring Program has been a hallmark of Re:Source Cleveland since our founding, supporting children and youth in grades 4-8 on the West Side of Cleveland through personalized mentoring that includes: academic support, social emotional learning, arts and recreation.

How to Apply

Those interested should submit an online application https://trrvolunteerapp.paperform.co/ and schedule an interview with Re:Source Cleveland to learn more about the mentoring role and the work of our organization.

Visit our website to hear what it's like to mentor from members of our current mentor team, and review program requirements. If you have more questions, contact Kate Nickley, Youth Mentoring Program Manager, Kate@ResourceCleveland.org.

Note: Peak volunteer recruitment is in June, July and August. However, it isn’t uncommon for volunteer spaces to become available throughout the year. Volunteers are encouraged to apply at any time of the year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Expectations

• 2 hours once a week. Options available: Mondays (3-5pm OR 5-7pm), Tuesdays (3-5pm OR 5-7pm), Wednesdays (3-5pm OR 5-7pm) or Thursdays (3-5pm OR 5-7pm).
• Commit to building long-term relationships with students and supporting them throughout the full academic year (mid-August through May) .
• Provide academic, social and emotional support to refugee-background youth;
• Refer students to Re:Source staff if and when students are facing challenges that require more intensive, in-person assistance.
• 1-2 hours per month on communication with Re:Source staff and participating in training and other community-building events for Re:Source volunteers.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of a group alongside students, other mentors and Re:Source staff,
• Ability to pass a background check and undergo the training required of all volunteers.
• Experience with volunteering and awareness of intercultural communication, migration experiences, and child education are preferred.
• Special skills in arts education, trauma-informed care, English as a Second Language, health and wellness, or other relevant topics in youth education, encouraged.
• Knowledge of other languages than English is a plus (particularly the home languages prevalent amongst our youth, including Arabic, Swahili, Pashto, Masalit, Karen, Kinyabwisha, etc.)

At Re:source Cleveland, we encourage committed, engaged, and intentional mentoring relationships that go beyond tutoring or teaching by creating ties of solidarity in our shared community. A helpful way to think about mentoring is as a relationship based on mutual accompaniment, in which you and your mentee are learning from one another. Mentors engage in active listening and recognize and respect mentees' own forms of knowledge and experience, while they support mentees to accomplish their own academic and personal goals.

Our mentors come from all different backgrounds, each with their own unique skill set. The common thread is their commitment to making our newest community members feel welcome. Mentors have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of resettled families through the simple gift of their time. By being a consistent and positive presence in the lives of your mentee you can help them build confidence and truly become a part of the community that they now call home.