Aljirani Refugee Mentorship Program Mentors needed!
ORGANIZATION: Idealist.org
Please visit the new page to apply.
Recruiting Organization: Jewish Social Services of Madison
Position summary: Partner with a local refugee family to provide a warm welcome, companionship, and practical help. Aljirani Madison is a 6-month long volunteering program that pairs a companion or small group of companions with a refugee or refugee family to form an Aljirani Madison Group. You will work with your partner to aid them in reaching their self-sufficiency goals agreed upon in advance by your new partner and their JSS case manager. Potential goals may include developing English skills, navigating public transportation, learning financial literacy skills, or getting to know the Madison community. You will play a key role in the successful resettlement of newly arrived refugees in the Madison community. Through your work and partnership in the Aljirani Madison program you will build a shared sense of community solidary while ensuring that community newcomers become self-sufficient and independent.
Potential activities:
• Aid in creating and developing understanding of a household budget
• Practice scheduling a doctor’s appointment and going to the doctor’s office
• Teach how to use Google Maps to view bus routes and times
• Cook together and share recipes
• Take part in community events, activities, and other recreational opportunities
Time Commitment: One to two hours per week for a period of 6-months. Note: At the 6-month mark, the Refugee Mentorship Program Coordinator will inform you that the formal volunteer period has concluded. It will be your decision on how to end the relationship with your partner and/or how to transition into an informal relationship or friendship. Please note that after the formal period ends, JSS will no longer provide volunteer support (unless otherwise discussed).
Location: Since newcomers live all around Madison, you may not be able to count on being paired with someone who lives within walking distance of your residence. Take advantage of the Madison bus system and bike trails and introduce your companion to these transportation options too. When refugees first arrive most of them do not have a car or driver’s license.
Supervision: The Aljirani Madison volunteer will provide basic weekly reports on meetings and have periodic check ins with the program coordinator to receive support and guidance.
Qualifications and requirements:
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client related information.
• Willing and able to commit to a relationship at least 6 months.
• Comfortable working with a family who possibly does not speak English.
• Comfortable using Google Translate or other means of communication and translation.
• Comfortable with navigating health, benefits, education, and other systems and bureaucracies.
• Practices culture humility; able to work with diverse populations.
• Flexible and able to adjust original goals to family’s needs.
• Able and willing to attend volunteer trainings.
Benefits to volunteering:
• Develop your interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Establish new community connections.
• Learn more about the global refugee crisis and what your community is doing to help.
• Be instrumental in the increased independence, social mobility, and opportunities for a new
community member.
• Personal fulfillment through your support and solidarity with others!
Questions or concerns can be directed to the Refugee Wellness Coordinator, Stephanie Taylor, at stephanie@jssmadison.org or (608) 419-1066.
Stipend ProvidedFalse
Training ProvidedFalse
Housing AvailableFalse
Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse
Wheelchair Accessible
Fee RequiredFalse
Fee Amount: None
This opportunity is recurring
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About Idealist.org
Location:
389 5th Ave, 9th Floor, New York, NY 11109, US
Mission Statement
To bridge the gap between intention and action in order to bring about social impact.
Description
Idealist is a leading online global resource for finding jobs in the nonprofit sector, as well as volunteer opportunities and graduate school programs for social impact.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Madison, WI 53719
DATE POSTED
January 20, 2023
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- WEEKDAYS, FEW_HOURS_WEEK