Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Position: Uniting America AmeriCorps Fellow

Organization and position description: ICIRR is a 25-year-old membership organization composed of 130 dues paying organizations. ICIRR’s mission is to promote the full and equal participation of immigrants and refugees in the political, civic and economic life of our diverse society. Membership is broad based and includes: community-organizing groups, ethnic associations, unions, refugee organizations, churches and mosques, school districts and community colleges, and direct service organizations that work with diverse immigrant communities. ICIRR’s mission is to promote the full and equal participation of immigrants and refugees in the political, civic and economic life of our diverse society.

ICIRR provides our members with organizing and advocacy strategy, training and technical assistance on issues that affect their respective immigrant constituents, and up-to-date information and policy analysis on immigrant- and refugee-related issues. ICIRR ensures the effectiveness of our member organizations by providing ongoing leadership development opportunities, promoting citizenship and civic participation, monitoring and analyzing immigrant-related laws and policies, forming cross ethnic alliances, and informing the general public about the positive contributions of newcomers to Illinois and the U.S. ICIRR is a justice organization serving vulnerable immigrant communities; excellence and active involvement in pursuit of ICIRR's overall mission are expected of all employees.

The UNITING AMERICA CAMPAIGN (UA) is designed to build relationships between immigrants and native born Illinoisans through volunteerism, dialogue and community events. Through AmeriCorps service learning, particularly in the areas of English, Civics, After School Tutoring and GED studies, Illinoisans will benefit individually through education, dually through relationships and community-wide through integration.

The 18, full time (40 hours a week minimum) UA Fellows (UAFs) will be strategically placed at ICIRR partner “host” organizations throughout the state of Illinois to build relationships and strengthen communities. UA is an integration campaign and partnership between ICIRR, the Office of the Governor, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the McCormick Foundation and the Kaplan Fund.

Basic Function: The UAFs will be responsible for working within their respective communities to recruit and train volunteers interested in serving with all ICIRR partner organizations within the community. UAFs will also work to reach out to new faith and community based organizations interested in joining the Uniting America campaign to start their own volunteer programs. In addition, UAFs will plan Community Unity Events and Community Volunteer Events as ways to bridge native born Illinoisans and immigrants in these integrating communities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

I. Volunteer Recruitment Requirements:

Disseminate materials and information about the Uniting America Campaign and the various services and volunteer opportunities available, including English, Civics, After School Tutoring and GED Studies;

Recruit target numbers of volunteers within a designated community to participate in the Uniting America program and other services in the Uniting America Campaign;

Research and recruit target number of new faith and community based organizations and local institutions within designated community to establish UA volunteer programs of their own;

Create local outreach messaging, in coordination with ICIRR’s nation and local strategy to recruit volunteers;

Recruit and develop a team of volunteers that assist the UAFs to carryout recruitment activities.

II. UA Campaign Responsibilities:

Train and coordinate training of UA volunteers and UA programs on tutoring, learning styles, cultural sensitivity, community outreach, volunteer services and other relevant topics;

Work with volunteers, community organizations, local institutions, leaders, allies and volunteers in organizing and mobilizing activities in immigrant communities around volunteerism, citizenship and civic engagement;

Meet with ICIRR staff and other UAFs on a regular basis to coordinate outreach activities, share resources and participate in ongoing trainings;

Work with ICIRR partners and connect UA and UA volunteer recruitment and community activities to the work already being done in immigrant communities;

Attend New Americans Initiative Collaborative meetings and other relevant meetings as necessary;

Lead in the coordination of Community Unity Events and Community Engagement Events for your designated community;

Represent your community’s Uniting America work in ICIRR’s designated social media networks;

Responsible for reporting required outcomes and data as determined necessary.

III. Local Area Responsibilities:

Responsible for a specific territory and the participation of the host organization and other institutions within it in the work of the UA Campaign;

Develop and maintain relationships with host and partnering organization’s Executive Director and staff to assure buy-in and knowledge of the UA Campaign;

Organize public forums and gives presentations on volunteerism, Uniting America and ICIRR;

Identify and develop relations with key local groups and allies in order to conduct most effective outreach;

In conjunction with ICIRR staff and partner organizations, develop working relationships with key state and local government officials who support UA, including personal meetings, invitations to events, etc.

The UA AmeriCorps fellow is a strong program leader and representative of UA and ICIRR in the community, and is expected to be flexible in achieving this basic function by providing other duties consistent with this job description.