Immigrant Youth Mentorship Program Volunteer

Many Languages One Voice (MLOV), was founded in 2010, and our mission is to foster the leadership and greater civic participation of immigrants and refugees who do not speak English as a primary language. We believe an actively engaged community that challenges existing inequities by dominant power is key to achieving systemic change. Thus, we support our members’ leadership and amplify the voice of our most vulnerable members to find solutions to the systemic racial inequities that impact their lives. 

MLOV is a leading player in the immigrant rights and justice movement in DC and regularly builds partnerships and coalitions with wide-ranging stakeholders. In addition to nonprofits and community organizations, MLOV works with government officials, agencies, businesses, and worker groups to advance power-building of immigrant communities in DC.

MLOV Immigrant Youth Mentorship Program: Many young individuals who have arrived in the United States as refugees or immigrants have experienced prolonged periods of displacement. Challenges such as limited English proficiency and a lack of social connections often lead to immigrant youth and young adults not finishing their education. These difficulties are made more intense by the personal experiences and traumas they've gone through, which can hinder their ability to integrate into local communities.

To address the unique obstacles faced by refugee youth, MLOV's immigrant youth mentorship program seeks to pair eligible individuals (ages 15-24) with positive adult mentors. These mentors provide personalized guidance and support to help these young individuals navigate their new lives. By connecting refugee youth with caring and supportive mentors from their own community, this program offers crucial assistance and nurturing that ultimately aids in their social integration and pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of immigrant youth? Do you have language skills that can bridge communication gaps and foster connections? If so, we invite you to join our Immigrant Youth Mentorship Program as a dedicated volunteer!

Responsibilities:

• Translation Assistance: Provide language support to our program participants, ensuring effective communication between mentors, mentees, and their families.
• Speaking to Parents: Engage with parents and guardians to discuss program goals, address concerns, and create a supportive network for the immigrant youth.
• Mentorship: Build meaningful relationships with immigrant youth, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their journey in a new culture.

Qualifications:

• Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one other language commonly spoken by immigrant communities. High need for speakers of: Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Haitian Creole. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and openness to diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to empowering and supporting youth.
• Time Commitment: Flexible schedule based on your availability, approximate commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
• Able to pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening
• COVID19 Vaccination

Location:

• The majority of activities can be conducted remotely, with occasional in-person meetings and events.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of immigrant youth.
• Gain valuable mentoring and cross-cultural communication experience.
• Networking opportunities within the community.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in contributing to the success of our Immigrant Youth Mentorship Program, please submit your application by Sunday, January 7th 2024. To apply, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/wK84KzHtVbpjpRjMA

Thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of immigrant youth!