Job Details
CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS:
As the largest grassroots immigrant advocacy organization in the Mid-Atlantic region, CASA has over 36 years of experience organizing over 120,000 lifetime immigrant, Latino, and working class members. Founded in 1986, our model focuses on blending human services, community organizing, and strategic campaigns in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of our members. CASA s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. Our vision is that, rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. CASA in Action endorses candidates that advance its membership s priorities and facilitates greater engagement of Latinos and voters of color in elections. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors.
PROGRAM SYNOPSIS:
The mission of CASA s Mi Espacio Program is to build the next generation of youth leaders by promoting high school graduation, post-secondary enrollment, career readiness and leadership development for newcomer and second-generation immigrants. The program is predicated on the theory that when these youth are presented with culturally and linguistically responsive programming in a safe space facilitated by caring adults, it increases their sense of belonging and enhances their academic and socioemotional skills. The program utilizes the Escalera curriculum, developed by UnidosUS, to educate participants of their post-secondary options and to assist them through the enrollment process. The curriculum also supports youth in developing the professional skills needed for success in the workplace, including a summer internship experience. Leadership development focuses on a respect and understanding of one s own culture as well as the cultures of others in addition to exploration of a wide variety of social justice themes and hands-on experience in movement work. We envision a future in which immigrant youth graduate high school as emerging leaders, well prepared for academic and career success after having positive engagement in afterschool and enrichment programming designed through an equitable lens to meet their specific needs and with their voices included. We expect this generation of immigrant youth leaders to become civically engaged and the agents of change at their schools, neighborhoods, and communities at large
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Tutor newcomer and second-generation immigrants high school students across the full range of academic subjects including math, writing, science and English both one-on-one and in small groups
Assist ELL (English Language Learner) high school students in practicing reading, writing and speaking in English
Utilize popular education techniques to create a fun and engaging learning environment that promotes teamwork and aids students in developing the study skills necessary for success in their upcoming post-secondary studies
Provide mentorship that supports students leadership development and academic success
Assist with daily workshops about career readiness, leadership, culture as needed
Preserve the confidentiality of student information
Maintain communication with and follow directions from program staff to ensure that students are receiving high quality mentorship and academic support of consistent tone and style
Support the mission of CASA and encourage students to actively participate in community events that promote civic engagement and social justice
Potential for other duties to be performed as the occasion as necessity arises
DESIRED VOLUNTEER SKILLS SET:
Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred but not required
Comfortable with academic content at the high school level including math, science and language arts; comfortable using technology on the spot to familiarize yourself and students with academic content as needed
Strong interpersonal skills; welcoming, outgoing and patient in interactions with community members and youth
Highly organized and detail oriented
Responsible and consistent in program attendance
Proficient with technology as most high school assignments are online
Respectful of all cultures and believe that everyone is capable of academic success when provided with the appropriate support
BENEFITS OF POSITION:
An opportunity to mentor youth in the community
Exposure to popular education, tutoring and curricula development
Hands-on experience in grassroots community organizing and social justice initiatives
Opportunity to practice written and spoken Spanish in a professional environment while interacting with native speakers
Experience working in a nationally recognized non profit organization that promotes and advances the self-determined needs of the working class immigrant community
All volunteers must pass a criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting clearances as well as complete the Prince George s County Public School system s online volunteer training sessions.
All volunteers must also provide proof of up to date COVID-19 vaccination including booster shot.
For further information about the Mi Espacio Program and this volunteer opportunity, please contact Crisaly De Los Santos, Youth Education Manager, at (443)###-#### or ...@wearecasa.org.