The LISC AmeriCorps Fellowship includes a paid ten-month internship at one of LISC NYC’s nonprofit community development partner sites as the participant completes the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies’ four course Community Leadership Certificate or Advanced Certificate over a two-semester period. Participants receive a stipend of $20,000, as well as a $6,345 education award to cover tuition costs, after completing the program. One of the hosting organizations, Asian Americans for Equality, requires that the intern be bilingual in English and Mandarin or Cantonese.
Accepting Applications for the Spring 2022 Semester – inquire today at admissions@slu.cuny.edu
Mission: Asian Americans for Equality is a non-profit organization based in New York City. Founded in 1974 in Manhattan’s Chinatown to advocate for equal rights, AAFE has transformed in the past four decades to become one of the city’s leading housing, social services and community development organizations. AAFE advances racial, social and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities, guided by our experiences as Asian Americans and our commitment to civil rights.
Member Title: Community Building & Engagement Associate
Workplan: The AmeriCorps member would be responsible for two primary activities during their service:
1. Volunteer Engagement: the AmeriCorps member will be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing volunteers from AAFE residents and community members to get involved in AAFE’s programs, including monthly food pantries, educational workshops, and community events for distributing free clothing, toys, and household items. Activities will include:
- Organize outreach activities/ events to recruit new volunteers from AAFE housing and communities we serve
- Formalize and implement a system for communicating with new volunteers through email, phone, and in-person about volunteering opportunities
- Help design and distribute volunteer engagement flyers and other collateral
- Support volunteer engagement events, trainings, orientations, and special recognition
- Screen and match volunteers to AAFE program and community outreach needs
- Establish a method for measuring and reporting on the annual measurement of volunteer impact
2. Community Building: the AmeriCorps member will be responsible for supporting a new AAFE initiative to connect Asian residents in NYCHA housing in East Harlem and Lower East Side to social services, while also engaging them to volunteer and participate in cross-racial community building, cultural activities and programs. Activities will include:
- Document community assets, needs, and resources through the process of supporting AAFE program staff, partners in delivering services
- Support monthly food distribution program and other activities, in partnership with local service providers
- Help recruit, train, and manage volunteers for NYCHA community building activities and events
Required/ Preferred Skills:
- Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Computer skills
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule (some night and weekends may be required)
- Bilingual in English/Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin dialect)
- Experience with community outreach and relationship building with community members and volunteers
- Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects
- Respect for people of all cultures, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds
