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Volunteering
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with El Centro de la Raza! Volunteers are essential to this organization and we value everything our volunteers contribute. Whether it’s helping with mailings, making tamales or doing exercises with the seniors, no job is too little!
Please look over the volunteer descriptions below and download the Volunteer Application here.
If you are a student looking to fulfill hours please download and fill out the appropriate Service Learning Application. Typically El Centro de la Raza does not offer opportunities for youth under the age of 18 unless an adult accompanies them. However, on the occasion that an exception has been made, all volunteers under 18 must have a parent’s signature. Service Learning opportunities are positions below noted by a star.
If you would like to have a day of corporate service or organize a group of your friends to volunteer, please fill out and submit the Group Interest Form. Groups must submit this form at least two weeks prior to date of service and each participant must sign a release waiver on the day of service. Although group opportunities vary, usually groups help out in our garden, with mailings and events throughout the year.
Please keep in mind that El Centro de la Raza typically receives more volunteer applications than we currently have positions for. Consequently, we ask for patience as we try to find the best fit for each volunteer within our organization. We are honored by your interest in working with El Centro and look forward to welcoming you to our comunidad!
If you have any questions please contact the volunteer coordinator, Heather Hudson at 206.957.4602 or volunteer@elcentrodelaraza.org.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
COMUNIDAD DE VOLUNTARIOS:
Join the community of volunteers that make themselves available when we need them! In the non-profit world events don’t run as smooth as we always think they will and sometimes we need a hand to help at the last minute. If you are busy and have a schedule that is always changing, sign up to be part of la comunidad!
DEVELOPMENT:
Auction Procurement
El Centro de la Raza will have its first Auction Dinner this year in September and we need bright individuals to help obtain auction items. It could be a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant; a free trip to the salon or you could even donate accrued airline miles. Use your network of business professionals and friends to help El Centro. If you’re interested or would like more information on this contact Rebecca Allen at donor@elcentrodelaraza.org or 206.957.4652.
Mailing Parties*
Throughout the year we have over 8 different mass mailings and we turn to volunteers to help fold, stuff and label. This is perfect for students that need to fulfill school hours and for groups up to 15. Dates and times are based on a pre-determined schedule but are subject to flexibility.
Event Planning
Every year El Centro de la Raza celebrates Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos by organizing an event. We look to community members that are committed to El Centro de la Raza and are willing to set aside time to help us prepare. This volunteer work is great for business professionals or parents that are immersed in the community and have joined event committees before. The dates and times for this position are not set; if you are interested please inquire.
Publicity and Community Outreach
Represent El Centro de la Raza and spread the word about our programs and special events throughout Seattle. Volunteers represent El Centro de la Raza by attending festivals and do outreach to churches, schools and other organizations. This position is perfect for outgoing individuals that want to practice their Spanish (o ingles). Dates and times are not set; if you are interested please inquire.
- Must submit a resume in addition to application
Translation and Interpretation
Often times El Centro de la Raza hosts events in which we need people to orally interpret or we are asked by organizations and business to recommend people for this service. We also occasionally need documents translated. This position is ideal for native Spanish speakers that also speak English or for those that have mastered the Spanish language. Although El Centro de la Raza is grounded in the Latino community, we are always looking for people fluent in other languages to better accommodate the needs of the greater community.
- Must submit a resume in addition to application
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Senior Program Activity Assistant
Our Senior Program addresses six areas of wellness: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and vocational health. Up 20 men and women regularly join in for computer classes, warm meals and exercise. Whether its games, language sessions, or crafts, we are interested in people who can help keep our seniors active! Because this program runs out of our dining area, volunteers may assist in the kitchen as well. For those that have a specific skill, come in and teach our Seniors something new, or work with our director to assist in the development and implementation of a new activity.
- Come at least once a week: Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm
- Must be 16+
- Volunteers should be patient, dependable, effective communicators, and have the ability and desire to motivate individuals to improve their skills.
- Spanish and fluency in other languages a plus
- Three volunteers maximum
Homeownership Assistants
This department works to bring accurate information to people that are looking at buying a house and those that have purchased but may have questions. Our counselors explain the process and work with banks to provide on-going support. Volunteers help with participant intake process, data entry and various administrative work.
- Should have some proficiency in Spanish and English
- Proficiency with MS office and databases a plus
- Knowledge of bank financing and homeownership issues/regulations is a plus
Food Bank*
The food bank provides food bags to low-income families every Wednesday and Thursday. On average the food bank serves up to 200 families each month. Volunteers are needed to help with receiving and unloading food as well as distribution.
- Must be 18+ to distribute
- Four volunteers maximum
- Proficiency in Vietnamese, Chinese, Mandarin, Spanish and English are desired
- Distribution hours: Wednesday 3:30-5:30, Thursday 10:30-12 and 1-3pm
- Receiving Hours: Wednesday 9am-12pm
Kitchen Helper*
Our kitchen serves food to 4 different programs so naturally our cooks can use some help once in a while. The kitchen is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-1:30pm. This is a great opportunity to practice Spanish, learn some sweet recipes and meet community members!
- Must be 18+
- Spanish is not required, but helpful!
- Must come at least once a week
ESL Tutor
English as a Second Language classes are held twice a week and follow a quarterly calendar. Certified and trained teachers from Seattle Central instruct this class. This position is great for those looking to support and meet new community members.
- Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-2:30 and 5:30pm-7:30.
- Some Spanish proficiency required
- Must be 18+
Citizenship Tutor
This is a great volunteer position for those looking to practice Spanish and get involved in the community. Citizenship classes are offered twice a week and also follow a quarterly calendar. Volunteers are needed to tutor students learn the material and assist the instructor with classes as needed. Volunteers should be able to come at least once a week and commit to a full quarter.
- Tuesday and Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Some Spanish proficiency required
- Basic knowledge of United States history
- Must be 18+
- Previous teaching experience a plus
YOUTH PROGRAMS:
José Martí Child Development Center
The center runs from 9am-3pm Monday through Friday. Children in this program range from 1-6 years old and we have 4 classes. Volunteers help in the classroom, with various special events and with administrative work. Volunteers must come at least 2 days a week and commit to at least 3 months. Volunteer positions in this department are highly coveted, and due to the national accreditation, there are strict guidelines that force us to limit the number of interested volunteers.
- Must be 18+
- Some Spanish and English proficiency required
- Must have an interview with the volunteer coordinator and the director of the Center
- Must submit resume in addition to volunteer application
- Must have some experience caring and working with young children
After School Program Tutor
This program runs from 3-6pm Monday through Friday and provides kids with a safe, fun place to go after school. The children range from ages 5-12 and many of them are graduates of the Jose Martí Child Development center. We look to volunteers to help tutor kids in their schoolwork and assist with fun and educational activities. Volunteers must come at least two days a week and must be willing to commit to at least 3 months. Please keep in mind volunteer positions in this department are also limited.
- Must be 18+
- Some Spanish and English proficiency required
- Must submit resume, and one reference in addition to volunteer application
- Must have interview with the volunteer coordinator and director of the Center
*These positions are open to Community Service volunteers.
Also, for those of you looking to maintain or improve your Spanish speaking skills, while the majority of our participants speak Spanish, we ask you to keep in mind that our programs and services are not specifically designed for volunteers to practice their Spanish speaking skills. We hope you will take the opportunity to interact and speak with participants, other volunteers and staff during your volunteer experience at El Centro de la Raza. Mil gracias.
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