CARECEN is only as strong as its foundation, and volunteers are an integral part of that foundation. Volunteers like you allow CARECEN to dramatically expand our services and help more people in our communities. You will also take part in CARECEN's efforts to change immigration and education policies, empower our communities, provide quality low-cost immigration legal services, and bring on lasting social change for all. It is because of our volunteers that we continue to grow, and expand our services throughout our community. CARECEN has Offices in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, San Bernardino, a CSU Program that works with different Cal State Universities and Community College Campuses. CARECEN also operates a Day Labor Center in Westlake in which many resources are shared to the community.
Most volunteer opportunities require a minimum 3-month commitment, but we occasionally have short-term opportunities available. At this moment due to Covid-19 and the city of Los Angeles Health regulation we are only offering virtual Volunteer Opportunities. The number of Volunteers being accepted may be different from when we are working at an office. For interest in volunteering please email [email protected] with name, email, which department of interest to volunteer for and why.
STEPS TO VOLUNTEERING:
- Read about volunteer opportunities below so you have an understanding of the duties, location, and time commitment required for each position.
- Email:For interest in volunteering please email inf[email protected] with name, email, which department of interest and why.
- Attend orientation. Once we receive your Interest Form, we will notify you of upcoming volunteer orientations. During the orientation, you will learn more about CARECEN, specific roles, benefits of volunteering, and next steps
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
**Due to Covid-19 some of the volunteer opportunities listed below are currently not open. Reach out to our volunteer Coordinator Adrian Estrada if you would like to know more about what Opportunities are available.
Day Labor Center: The Day Labor Center provides critical job opportunities for day laborers at the Westlake Home Depot. We have tons of volunteer opportunities available! We are looking for individuals who can do short trainings on how to use maps, the LA Metro system, social media platforms, and many other important skills. Can you think of a skill you would like to contribute? We are also looking for dedicated ESL instructors and people who want to help with phone calls, outreach, and more. Learn more about our Day Labor Center HERE. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred. Can be structured as an internship.
Fundraising Volunteer: Our Development team is looking for someone who is interested in learning about fundraising while doing data entry, research, and providing event support. Must be familiar with Microsoft Suite.
Legal Volunteer: Limited and to be assigned. Might include administrative work, conducting legal screenings (must speak Spanish) with CARECEN clients, researching and supporting casework under an attorney’s supervision, building client-interviewing skills, and more. You can also sign up to be an on-call translator or client interpreter. We also have occasional volunteer opportunities during Saturday naturalization clinics. Can be structured as an internship (more information under Current Internship Opportunities).
Parent Programs / English Instructor: We offer programming for adults and parents. We need volunteers to do tabling and outreach at resource events, helping facilitate workshops for parents, and more! We are also looking for a dedicated English instructor. English Instructor position can be structured as an internship (more information under Current Internship Opportunities). Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Tabling / Outreach / Special Events: We are looking for volunteers that can table for CARECEN at different events, including school resource fairs, community events, and more. Volunteers sign up for shifts according to their availability and distribute information about CARECEN and the resources we offer. Tabling is done in pairs of two and volunteers will receive training beforehand. Must speak Spanish.
Youth Programs: Our volunteer needs include helping facilitate workshops, developing curriculum, outreach at local schools, helping students with college readiness, and much more. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Other skills: Do you have a particular specialized skill that you can offer? CARECEN is also looking for volunteers with specialized skills such as web design, graphic design, database management, and more. Indicate the skills you can offer on the volunteer application.
Citizenship Class Tutor: Help adult students achieve their dream of becoming US citizens by working one-on-one with them in a classroom. Under the supervision of the citizenship class instructor, you will help students prepare for their naturalization interview and develop their reading and writing skills. Many different locations and times available. Spanish-speaking abilities not required at most locations. OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
**Due to Covid-19 some of the internship opportunities listed below are currently not open. Reach out to our volunteer Coordinator Adrian Estrada if you would like to know more about what Opportunities are available.
Interested in gaining professional experience while working with a well-established community organization? Apply for one of our internships! While volunteers may commit to up to 10 hours per week, internships imply a more serious time commitment. If you are interested in an internship, please indicate which position on your Volunteer Interest Form. Then email your resume and cover letter to Adrian Estrada Adestrada@carecen-la.org. Our Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with further questions or an interview request.
Day Labor Center Internal Organizing Intern: Learn about and apply principles of Popular Education, help with workshops and/or events, provide admin support, and help foster partnerships with individuals and community organizations. Must speak Spanish and be able to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours/week
Legal Intern: Include administrative work, conducting legal screenings with CARECEN clients, researching and supporting casework under an attorney’s supervision, building client-interviewing skills, and more. Requires a dedicated commitment of 10-35 hours/week. Will generally be trained by and placed with a single legal department to gain specialized skills and experience. Must speak Spanish.
English Instructor: teach students English at least once a week, for 2 hours, sometime within Monday-Saturday from 9-5 pm at our LA office. Experience preferred, but not required. Will be teaching at basic English level. Ability to speak at least an intermediate level of Spanish required. A commitment of six months or more is highly preferred.
**Due to Covid-19 we have put a hold on our in-person English Classes; if interested in being an English Instructor please reach out to Adrian Estrada.
