EMBARC is a grassroots community non-profit organization founded by ethnic members from Burma that seeks to help refugees expand their world of possibilities through advocacy, education and community development. Volunteer Opportunities Walk In Clinic Mondays 1 4 PM and Fridays 10 1 PM During the clinic, refugee clients come to receive assistance filling out paperwork, reading mail, making phone calls and handling other day to day tasks. The clinic is located at Vineyard Church (2332 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310) Position Summary: During the walk in hours, refugee clients come to receive assistance filling out paperwork, reading mail, making phone calls and handling other day to day tasks. Because our clients are still improving their English comprehension skills, having an English speaker to review documents and assist with phone calls is incredibly helpful. Translators from EMBARC are also present at the walk in clinic to bridge any gaps in communication. Fill out forms such as Medicaid, Green Card, and Food Assistance. Make phone calls to different companies to ask questions and gain information for clients. Review mail and assess if action needs to be taken. Ability to work in a noisy environment. Ability to work with an interpreter. Previous experience with refugees preferred but not required. Cultural presentation detailing the history and attributes of refugees from Burma to gain a larger understanding of the community being served. Resource binders are available on site that have information on issues that may arise. Volunteers are able to shadow the first day. A member of the EMBARC Team will always be around to provide support and answer any questions. Regular check ins from the Volunteer Coordinator Start Date: Continuous Location: Vineyard Church, 2332 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 Schedule: Mondays from 1 4 and Fridays from 10 1 Reports to: Moriah Morgan, moriah@embarciowa.org
Community Based English as a Second Language (CBESL) Mondays Thursdays 6 8pm These classes are held for adult members of the refugee community who wish to learn or improve their English skills. Volunteers are asked to come to at least one class a week to assist the teacher and the students with their learning to create a more 1:1 environment. Position Summary: EMBARC is looking for volunteers to help out at our Community Based English as a Second Language classes. Volunteers are needed to assist our teachers and create a more one on one atmosphere for our students to advance their learning. Assist Adult ESL Students with their learning materials Ability to work one on one with adult members of the refugee community An orientation featuring a presentation detailing the history and lives of refugees, along with an introduction to the FISH advisory board, FISH success stories, and a Q&A. Training and instructions provided by the ESL instructor Regular check ins from the Volunteer Coordinator. Location: Level 1 classes held at Vineyard Church (2332 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310) *Mondays and Wednesdays 6 8 Multi Level and Pre Literacy classes (2) held at Creekside Church (2743 82 nd Place, Urbandale, IA 50322) *Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 8 Literacy and Pre Literacy classes (2) held at Zion Lutheran Church (4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310) *Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 8 schedule for one year Reports to: Dalia Kyi, dalia@embarciowa.org Mentoring: EMBARC seeks service learning students to support and mentor refugee adults and families. Individual Mentoring: 24 meetings over a six month period EMBARC is seeking mentors for adult refugees. Mentors may offer support in English language learning, college or career preparedness, and other skills as needed. Mentors must fill out weekly journals to track the progress of the individual pairs.
Position Summary: The individual mentoring program pairs an individual from Burma with an individual from America. The pair agrees to meet once per week for six months (24 meetings) at a time to be determined by the pair. This program is perfect for someone who has a flexible schedule and who is willing to commit to a six month long meaningful program working in a one on one environment. Work one on one with a member of the refugee community in order to achieve their goals. Complete weekly journals documenting each session. Ability to work one on one with a member of the refugee community. Ability to make a six month commitment. Previous teaching or tutoring experience preferred. Cultural presentation detailing the history and attributes of refugees from Burma to gain a larger understanding of the community being served. The Mentoring Coordinator and an interpreter will be at the first meeting to help with introductions, understanding of the mentees goals, and to discuss the commitment further. Mentoring Coordinator will routinely check in to make sure all is going well. Start Date: Continuous Location: At a meeting location of mentor and mentees choice in greater Des Moines area Schedule: One hour a week for six months. Reports to: Rebecca Chamberlin, rebecca@embarciowa.org Family Mentoring: Flexible schedule for one year The family mentoring program (called FISH ) is designed for American families to be paired with families from Burma. This program is very unique and special and was even started by families before EMBARC was officially a nonprofit agency! FISH families meet as often as needed. This partnership may participate in English practice in the home and other long term goals involving the whole family system. Position Summary: The family mentoring program (called FISH ) is designed for American families to be paired with families from Burma. This program is very unique and special and was even started by families before EMBARC was officially a nonprofit agency! FISH families meet as often as needed. This partnership may participate in English practice in the home and other long term goals involving the whole family system. Work with a family from the refugee community to help them achieve their goals and adjust to life in America
Ability to work either individually or in a partnership Ability to make a yearlong commitment An orientation featuring a presentation detailing the history and lives of refugees, along with an introduction to the FISH advisory board, FISH success stories, and a Q&A. A FISH Advisor and an interpreter will be at the first introductory meeting between you and the family A FISH Advisor will be assigned to you to answer any questions or concerns you may have Start Date: Continuous Location: At a meeting location of both families choice in greater Des Moines area schedule for one year Reports to: Joy Nish, joy@embarciowa.org Communication Specialist Position Summary: EMBARC is looking for writers to help with our various communication needs such as grant writing, proposal writing, social media posts, and newsletters. This is a flexible time commitment. If you are interested in helping us spread word about the work that EMBARC is doing for the refugee community, please respond for more information. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you! Help EMBARC with various writing needs including o Grant writing o Newsletters o Social Media Ability to do professional writing Previous writing experience preferred Regular support from the EMBARC Communications Team.
Graphic Designer Position Summary: EMBARC is looking for Graphic Designers to help with fliers, posters, online media, and anything else you can think of that can help advertise our work with refugees to the larger community! Create visual materials for EMBARC such as: o Posters o Fliers o Online Media Previous Graphic Design experience required Regular support from the EMBARC Communications Team. IT Support Position Summary: EMBARC is a young, non profit organization working hard at improving the lives of refugees from Burma. We frequently have needs for people who are experienced in computers and would be willing to help out in a variety of different ways. Assist EMBARC with different technology needs such as: o Paypal Donations o Research on apps o Help with technological issues Knowledge of computers and smartphones Knowledge of and experience with computers
Regular support from the EMBARC Team. Photographer Position Summary: EMBARC hosts a variety of different events for the refugee community such as learning circles and direct service programs. We are looking for Volunteer Photographers to come to these programs to take pictures and give our programs a more professional feel. Attend EMBARC events and take professional photographs for the use of EMBARC Ability to volunteer at a flexible schedule that may include nights and weekends Ability to use own camera Previous photography experience Regular support from the EMBARC Team. Citizenship Classes (for students in EDUC231: Teaching ELL) Position Summary: Use provided resources to create and teach lessons that prepare adults to pass their citizenship test. Assist Adult students with preparing for the citizenship test Ability to work one on one with adult members of the refugee community Ability to work with an interpreter. Previous experience with refugees preferred but not required.
Cultural presentation detailing the history and attributes of refugees from Burma to gain a larger understanding of the community being served. A member of the EMBARC Team will always be around to provide support and answer any questions. Location: Clive Community Services, 2190 NW 82nd St Suite A, Clive, IA 50325 Schedule: Wednesday 6 7:30 PM, Saturdays 11:30 1:30 Reports to: Daniel Sang, daniel@embarciowa.org How to Get Started: To register as a volunteer please follow this link: http://www.embarciowa.org/getinvolved/volunteer/. After filling out an application EMBARC s volunteer coordinator will get in touch with you to begin volunteering! All volunteers must be 18 and older and undergo a background check. Contact Rebecca Chamberlin Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@embarciowa.org ACE Efrain Garcia (641) 295-1507 Ace3@central.edu