Opportunity Details
Citizenship Tutor for Refugees
Our agency offers citizenship assistance to adult refugee survivors of state-sanctioned torture. Volunteer tutors are a key component, in providing one-to-one tutoring in US civics and history, and for the required personal interview (N400). The students we assist are unable to access or learn in a traditional classroom setting and often are unfamiliar with our culture and laws. Student literacy levels vary, with some also needing basic English instruction. Tutors meet with individuals, married couples, or adult siblings, generally in the student's home or a nearby community location (e.g., library, cafe, etc.). Required Screenings: All tutor volunteers must complete a Missouri Family Care Safety Record (Worker Registration) form that our agency processes for $15 fee. Volunteers also must obtain a combined City/County criminal background check, either from the St. Louis City Police Department ($9 fee); Monarch Immigrant Services ($15 fee); or online: https://www.slmpd.org/images/RequestforRecordCheck.pdf
Our Citizenship Educator matches tutors with our students, and mentors both of them throughout the process. A Saturday morning group training is required of volunteers. Printed resource material and reference links are periodically sent to volunteers. Time commitment is 60-90 minutes/week, which includes lesson preparation and weekly tutoring sessions. Days and hours are flexible to accommodate scheduling for both individuals. This is an ongoing opportunity with the expectation of a minimum 4- 6 month commitment. Volunteers need not know a foreign language. Many of our students come from African and Middle Eastern Countries, as well as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. They reside in St. Louis City and County, and St. Charles and outlying counties.
Desired skills/background: Any level speaker of Bosnian, Swahli, or Vietnamese; teaching/tutoring; ESL; experience with adult immigrants/refugees; mental health/counseling/social work.. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of an individual striving to attain citizenship! Your involvement will enhance our students' ability to understand and engage with their new community. Your patience and kindness will help develop the communication skills and self-reliance they need as US citizens.
Prefer individuals with Missouri residency.
Immigrant & Refugee Services
Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups
Tutoring
Age Minimum (with Adult): 21+, Minimum Age:21+, Skills: Teaching / Instruction
