Volunteer Description:

The AAA Child Sponsorship Program raises money for children in Northern Uganda to pay tuition for them to attend school. The program is looking for a volunteer/intern who will build connections in the community and find events and locations to promote the Child Sponsorship Program. In addition the intern/volunteer will investigate and pursue other avenues for outreach and fundraising.
 

Key Responsibilities:
•Coordinate hosting a promotional table at community events, church functions, and other charitable occasions.
•Establish further contacts in the community to grow our base of sponsors, thereby increasing number of children we support.
•Develop contact lists of churches and other contributing parties that may be willing to partner with the Child Sponsorship Program.
•Fundraising to help expand the vision of the program.

Impact and Sustainable Outcomes: This position will greatly increase the reach of the child sponsorship program. With increased out-reach and fundraising efforts, more children will be given the gift of education than would be otherwise possible.

Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of four to eight hours a week. The volunteer should be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
 

Requirements:

Desired skills:
•Strong inter-personal and public speaking skills
•A background in marketing is preferred
•Self motivated with an ability to work independently
•Well connected in the San Diego community
•Must be able to provide your own transportation

Supervision and Training: The Promotional Outreach Volunteer will work under the direction of Pius Ngiela. They will receive a generalized training relating to refugees world-wide and Alliance for African Assistance in particular, along with additional training and/or assistance related to their position.

Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the lives of both American sponsors and Ugandan children. This position will develop skills in fundraising and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community for the volunteer/intern filling it.
 

Volunteer Description:

The Computer Literacy Class Instructor will teach a course on computer literacy to newly arrived refugees. The course topics will include basic knowledge of email usage and set-up, Microsoft Word, internet navigation, and other sites such as banking and bill-payment.

Key Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with Volunteer and Resettlement Department to craft appropriate curriculum
• Set up and clean up before and after course
• Run class on a weekly basis for a group or meet with individuals
• Focus on employment acquisition throughout class instruction

Impact: The Computer Literacy Instructor will provide valuable support in enabling the program to provide recently resettled refugees with the tools necessary to obtain employment, pay bills, and be self-sufficient in San Diego. This will have a lasting impact on the students individually as well as the refugee community as a whole.
 

Requirements:

Qualifications and skills:
• Knowledge of Computer Basics
• Friendly demeanor and cultural sensitivity
• Teaching and/or tutoring experience a plus
• Knowledge of other languages a plus

Training and support: The volunteer will meet with the Volunteer Department and IT specialist to craft curriculum. Monthly check-ins will be completed to assure all support needs are met. The Resettlement Department will assist in referring clients to courses as needed. A volunteer orientation will be attended to familiarize instructor with organization mission and work.

Minimum Time Commitment Needed: 10-12 weeks (dependent upon the pace of the class)
approximately 1-2 hours for one class (including prep)
Availability: Classes will be held according to volunteer’s availability on a weekly basis.
Location: The Computer Basics Class will be held on the Alliance for African Assistance premises at 5952 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA.

Benefits: Through this position, the Instructor will have the opportunity to gain experience in a class-room setting, as well as knowledge of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector.
 

Volunteer Description:

The Employment Services program exists to help newly arrived refugees gain self-sufficiency through obtaining employment. Employment Mentors aid in this process by building on existing skills, helping with resume and cover letter writing, online job searching, filling out job applications, working on interview skills, and meeting with employers and transporting clients to job interviews. However, this is still a very difficult process, thus the Employment and Marketing Outreach Intern will market this program to the public and focus on building contacts with businesses who would consider employing refugees.
 

Key Responsibilities:
•Coordinate hosting a promotional table at community events, church functions, and other charitable occasions to outreach for potential businesses that would consider hiring refugees.
•Research potential job opportunities in local area.
•Meet with employers, build relationships, and establish further contacts in the community.
•Develop contact lists of businesses and other contributing parties that may be willing to partner with the Alliance and employ refugees.

Impact and Sustainable Outcomes: position will greatly increase the reach of the Employment Services program. By building sustainable relationships with local businesses that will hire refugees, the Intern will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment.
 

Requirements:

Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of three to eight hours a week. The volunteer should be willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Desired skills:
•Research skills
•Highly organized and self motivated
•Reliable and dedicated to this volunteer project
•Experience in marketing and outreach a plus
•Strong inter-personal and public speaking skills
•Self motivated with an ability to work independently
•Well connected in the San Diego community
•Must be able to provide your own transportation, mileage reimbursement is available

Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from the Employment Services department, the Resettlement Department as well as the Volunteer department.

Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the livelihood of refugees. This position will develop skills in marketing and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community.
 

Volunteer Description:

Employment Mentors will have the unique opportunity to work directly with newly resettled refugees in helping to create resumes and cover letters and filling out job applications with refugee clients. Employment Mentors will be assigned to an individual client to follow through the job search process from gathering the refugee’s applicable skills in order to prepare a resume to taking a client to a job interview. Employment mentors will serve as an essential partner in helping newly resettled refugees overcome barriers to obtaining a job in the U.S.
 

Key Responsibilities include:
•Meet with clients to determine needs in the job-search process
•Prepare Resumes, Cover Letters, and aid in filling out job applications for clients
•Research potential job opportunities in local area
•Provide guidance on American customs in the workplace and model professionalism through dress, punctuality, etc.

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugees to reach full self-sufficiency. By partnering one-on-one with clients, Employment mentors will play a key role in enabling newly resettled refugees to thrive in this new environment by securing gainful employment.

Training and Support: Employment Mentors will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and Job Developers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency.
 

Requirements:

Commitment: Depending on availability, volunteers will be assigned 1-2 refugee clients at a time, and will be asked to commit to program until their assigned client in no longer in need of services or a minimum of two months. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and their mentoring family.

Skills and Qualifications:
•Relational, personable, understanding
•Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
•Cultural sensitivity and awareness
•Resourceful in meeting needs of refugee clients among difficult circumstances

Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by newly resettled refugees. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind. Most of all this position is extremely rewarding at the volunteer sees the direct positive impact their work will achieve in the lives of these refugee families.
 

Volunteer Description:

Meet weekly with a newly arrived refugee to help him or her study for their ESL class. Often-times, refugees will need help reviewing material and practicing English verbally. Tutor will stay with refugee until the completion of ESL class.
 

Key Responsibilities include:
•Prepare ESL study materials to go over with your partner
•Meet with your study partner once a week for 1-2 hours
•Help them prepare for the upcoming exams and quizzes

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: Learning English is a key component to enabling refugees to attain self-sufficiency in the United States. By helping a refugee pass their ESL course successfully, volunteers will not only aid in a newly resettled person’s transition but also in their fulfillment of federal requirements.

Training and Support: You will be prepared by members of our Resettlement department before being paired with a refugee. In addition the volunteer/intern will receive a general orientation to the Alliance for African Assistance from the Volunteer Coordinators.
 

Requirements:

Commitment: One to two hours a week, at a time determined by yourself and your partner, until he or she has successfully completed their ESL course.

Skills and Qualifications:
•Friendly and out-going
•Culturally sensitive and aware
•Must be able to provide own transportation
•Patience in working with those having limited English ability

Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by New Americans. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind.
 

Volunteer Description:

The Volunteer Event Coordinator will plan fun outings for Refugee families, individuals, and kids. They will be instrumental in creating a sense of community for newly resettled clients looking for social networks and connectivity.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate monthly events for refugees and their families and the volunteers and staff working with them
• Meet with Alliance staff, especially from the Resettlement Department to run outings that expand refugee knowledge and comfort within San Diego
• Coordinate resources to make outings possible, i.e. transportation, food, any equipment, (in kind donations) etc
• Evaluate success of events with interview surveys and staff feedback

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position will be instrumental in the social growth and comfort of newly arrived clients. With the support of alliance staff and other volunteers, events coordinators will be able to make an impact on refugee lives in a light-hearted fun environment. By running monthly events, the coordinator will help many new families and individuals acclimate to life in San Diego.

Training and Support: Volunteer Event Coordinators will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency.

Requirements:

Commitment: Three months of at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer according to their availability. Most events will be best held on weekends though flexibility is available.

Skills and Qualifications:
• Friendly and out-going
• Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Knowledge of fun outings in San Diego
• Must be able to provide their own transportation

Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a refugee while having fun. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind.

Volunteer Description:

A Family Advocate and Mentor will be paired with a refugee family who has not yet attained self-sufficiency to assist them in navigating the many economic, cultural, demographic, and political challenges that they face as new Americans. FAM partners will work one on one with their assigned family to orient parents and children to U.S. culture and ensure they acquire the tools to provide for themselves. Flexible time commitment, minimum 2 hours/week for 3 months
 

Key Responsibilities include:
•Meet with the family in their home on a weekly basis to provide support to the family and help with acculturation issues. This could include but is not limited to: helping the family arrange medical or social services appointments and/or providing transportation, helping decipher documents and fill out forms, advocate for them as issues arise with landlords, schools, etc.
•Identify the needs, assets, and interests of the family and to facilitate activities based on your findings. This may include: tutoring English, teaching and/or receiving cooking lessons, help them obtain a library card
•Plan free activities for the family to do and teach them how to coordinate participation. Ex: help enroll a family member in classes or activities at the local community center or school that relate to their interests.
•Provide guidance on American customs and etiquette to the family.

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position is extremely important to equipping refugee families to reach full self-sufficiency. Case managers are assigned to each family, but due to the number of families they oversee, they can only provide assistance for the first six months after a family’s arrival and are limited in the time they can spend assisting each family in adjusting to being new Americans. By partnering one-on-one with families FAM partners will decrease the demands on case workers and will play a key role in enabling a family to thrive in this new environment.

Training and Support: FAM Partners will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency.

Commitment: Three months of ideally at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer and their mentoring family.
 

Requirements:

Skills and Qualifications:
•Friendly and out-going
•Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
•Cultural sensitivity and awareness
•Must be able to provide their own transportation, mileage reimbursement available

Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to experience first hand the difficulties related to navigating the challenges faced by New Americans. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind.

Volunteer Description:

The Financial Literacy Teaching Assistant will assist in teaching a 10 week financial literacy course to newly arrived refugee youth. The course topics will include basic knowledge about U.S. currency and monetary exchange, budgeting, income generation and taxes, as well as information on banking and personal money management.

 

Key Responsibilities:
•Attend weekly/biweekly classes and assist with teaching and group work activities. Assist with program instruction in classroom and computer lab settings, and computer lab supervision.
•Attend additional field trips with the class
•Teach one or more class sessions with a pre-developed curriculum or with your own curriculum.

Impact: The Teaching Assistant will provide valuable support in enabling the program to provide recently resettled refugee youth (ages 13-24) the educational tools necessary to increase their overall knowledge of money and money management, specifically in the areas of budgeting, credit and debt, checking and savings and taxes. This will have a lasting impact on the youth individually as well as the refugee community as a whole.
 

Requirements:

Qualifications and skills:
•Basic knowledge of U.S. Money, Budgeting and Banking
•Friendly demeanor and cultural sensitivity
•Teaching and/or tutoring experience a plus
•Knowledge of other languages a plus

Training and support: The volunteer will meet with the Program Advisor prior to volunteering in their first class to review the curriculum and to receive their teaching packet. They will continue regular debriefing sessions with the Program Advisor throughout the term. In addition they will receive a generalized orientation to the refugee situation world-wide and to Alliance for African Assistance.

Minimum Time Commitment Needed: 10-12 weeks (dependent upon the pace of the class) approximately 3 hours for one class (including prep and debriefing time with Program Advisor)

Benefits: Through this position, the Teaching Assistant will have the opportunity to gain experience in a class-room setting, as well as knowledge of refugee resettlement and the non-profit sector.
 

Volunteer Description:

Individual Development Accounts (IDA) are saving accounts used to help Alliance for African Assistance’s clients reach a particular goal, such as buying a car, buying a home, or saving for school. Once a certain amount is saved in an IDA, that amount is matched by our organization. The Marketing and Outreach Intern would be responsible for marketing this program to potential clients and thus improving its reach.
 

Key Responsibilities include:
•Develop outreach materials, research target communities and places to conduct outreach and market the IDA program.
•Conduct outreach to recruit more clients needing IDA services.
•Build relationships and establish further contacts in the community.

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: You will enable the Alliance to provide an important service to our clients by furthering its reach. Additionally you will greatly impact the lives of clients seeking to improve their economic standing and create savings for important goals.

Commitment: This position requires a minimum commitment of three months, with an expected time commitment of three to eight hours a week.

Requirements:

Desired skills:
•Research skills
•Highly organized and self motivated
•Reliable and dedicated to this volunteer project
•Experience in marketing and outreach a plus
•Strong inter-personal and public speaking skills
•Self motivated with an ability to work independently
•Well connected in the San Diego community
•Must be able to provide your own transportation, mileage reimbursement is available

Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from the Financial Literacy department and Becky Odyek, as well as the Volunteer department.

Benefits: Through this experience the intern/volunteer will have the opportunity to tangibly impact the livelihood of refugees. This position will develop skills in marketing and provide networking contacts and resources in the San Diego community.

Volunteer Description:

The Marketing and Outreach Intern for the Immigration Services department will be involved in program outreach to gain more clients and will also assist with other office tasks as needed.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Develop outreach materials, research target communities and places to conduct outreach and market the Immigration program.
• Conduct outreach to recruit more clients needing immigration services such as:
o Adjustment of status
o Application for naturalization
o Asylum and refugee issues
o Certificates of Citizenship
o Consular Processing
o Relative Petitions
o Replacement of Lost/Damaged USCIS Documents

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: As a high skilled professional volunteer you will greatly build the capacity of our organization. You will enable this organization to provide an important service to our clients. Additionally by offering professional level assistance you will greatly impact the lives of clients seeking immigration services and family reunification.

Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from the Immigration Services department as well as the Volunteer department.
 

Requirements:

Commitment: We are asking for a three month commitment to working 3 hours per week.

Skills and qualifications:
• Research skills
• Highly organized and self motivated
• Reliable and dedicated to this volunteer project
• Experience in marketing and outreach a plus
• Strong inter-personal and public speaking skills
• A background in marketing is preferred
• Self motivated with an ability to work independently
• Well connected in the San Diego community
• Must be able to provide your own transportation, mileage reimbursement is available

Benefits: Through this position the volunteer/intern will gain insight into the operations of a non-profit organization, and in particular, Immigration Services.

Volunteer Description:

We have opportunities throughout the year that are less ongoing but still provide excellent ways for volunteers to get involved! Some examples include wrapping presents, helping us mail letters to our supporters, running Basic Drives and more!
 

One-Time Projects

Toys for Tots: Every Year, the Alliance for African Assistance partners with Toys for Tots to give Refugee children Christmas presents. In order to make this event happen, the Alliance calls on volunteers to exercise their creativity by wrapping gifts for 70 newly resettled kids. 3-4 hours/ once

Basics Drive: Often, when Refugees arrive to their new places of living, they lack essential supplies, such as toiletries, school supplies and basic food items. AAA invites volunteers to run Basics Drives to accumulate these necessary items and aid the road to self sufficiency. These Drives can be one-time events or week-long competitions. All products must be newly purchased and sealed properly. Open to volunteer availability.

Mailing Party: AAA sends out a comprehensive newsletter, recounting the year’s events and updating recipients on new developments. Due to the high volume of those on our mailing list, volunteers aid in folding, stamping, and sorting envelopes to prepare them for sending. 2-3 hours/once

Bead Cataloguing: The Alliance for African Assistance uses Acholi beads to raise money for educating children in Uganda. This volunteer will catalogue by variety, size, and color in order to streamline the process. 2-3 hours/once

Thank-a-thon: In the coming months AAA will be hosting a Thank-a-thon in which we will be personally calling donors and thanking them for their wonderful contributions. Without them our work would not be possible and we want to make sure they are aware of how grateful we are. Come help us thank our generous donors! 2-3 hours/once

Refugee children postcard drawing day: AAA would like to get our refugee children together at our office in order to have a postcard drawing day. Their drawings will be used to send thank you postcards to our donors and supporters. The responsibilities of the volunteer will be to supervise the children as they create their masterpieces. 2-3 hours/once

 

Volunteer Description:

The Volunteer Physician will work in the Alliance Health Clinic, offering up expertise that will ensure our clients receive high quality care. The Volunteer Physician will provide consistency to our patients as well as our Clinic staff.
 

Key Responsibilities include:
•Providing the following services:
oHealth Screening/Primary Care
oLaboratory Testing/Suturing
oFamily Medicine/Planning
oPregnancy Testing
oPrenatal & Post Partum Care
oEmergency Contraception
oInfant & Children Well Exam
oSTD Testing & Counseling
oHealth Education
oWIC Exams
oLead Exams/Pap Smears
oImmunizations
oWell Adult Check Up
oChronic Disease Management
•Bringing in new specialties not covered by our current services

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: As a highly skilled professional volunteer you will enable our clinic to continue providing quality services and expand to new healthcare options. You will enable this organization to provide adequate healthcare at a low cost to those in need. Additionally by offering professional knowledge you will greatly impact the lives of patients seeking clinical services.

Training and Support: This volunteer will receive training and support from our Health Clinic staff. However, we will rely on your expertise as a licensed Physician. In addition, a general orientation regarding the Alliance for African Assistance will be given by the Volunteer Coordinators.
 

Requirements:

Commitment: We are asking for a long-term commitment of at least 1 day a week at 2 hours a day. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for up to 6 hours a day.

Skills and qualifications:
•Must be a licensed Physician
•Compassionate and patient with English Language Learners
•Reliable and dedicated to this volunteer project

Benefits: This volunteer experience is an opportunity to greatly impact the capacity of our Clinic. Furthermore, our Clinic is incredibly unique in its clientele and general operations, offering an interesting growing and learning experience.
 

Volunteer Description:

The Volunteer RYA Coordinator will plan fun monthly activities for refugee youth. They will be instrumental in creating a sense of community for newly resettled children looking for social networks and connectivity.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate monthly activities appropriate for newly resettled children that focus on making connections with one another and learning about American culture.
• Meet with Alliance staff, especially from the Resettlement Department to run age-appropriate activities for children without social support or peer networks.
• Coordinate resources to make activities possible, i.e. food, any equipment, supplies, (in kind donations) etc
• Evaluate success of events with interview surveys and staff feedback

Impact and Sustained Outcomes: This position will be instrumental in the social growth and comfort of newly arrived children. With the support of alliance staff and other volunteers, events coordinators will be able to make a positive impact on the lives of refugee children by introducing them to new friends and creating a community and sense of belonging. By running monthly activities, the coordinator will help many new kids acclimate to life in San Diego.

Training and Support: RYA Coordinators will receive an orientation training which includes information about refugees world-wide as well as specific information about refugee populations in San Diego. They will work under the joint supervision of the volunteer coordinators and case managers and will receive support from them, but will also be required to work with a high level of self-sufficiency.

Requirements:

Commitment: Three months of at least 2 hours/week. These hours will be determined by the volunteer according to their availability. Activities will be best held Monday-Friday during the hours of 8 and 5 at the Alliance for African Assistance main office

Skills and Qualifications:
• Friendly and out-going
• Able to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Experience working with children
• Knowledge of age-appropriate activities for children
• Must be able to provide their own transportation

Benefits: Through this experience volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a refugee while having fun. In addition they will gain knowledge and experience of the non-profit and social services sector. This position is ideal for volunteers interested in pursuing social work of any kind.