Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

(please note that these require a year long commitment and you should sign up at the beginning of the school year)

AVID Tutoring

Volunteers will tutor kids in District 186 schools during the lunch hour one hour a week and they will help be a teacher's assistant for one hour a week.  This is a paid volunteer opportunity that pays $10 an hour for the hours spent tutoring.  Volunteers are asked to give their time for the one hour of being a teacher's assistant.  To volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or call 217-206-7716. 


Big Brothers Big Sisters

Volunteers will mentor a kid for one hour a week during lunch time.  They will be working at Harvard Park School and Jefferson Middle School.  To volunteer, please contact us at volunteer@uis.edu or call 217-206-7716.


Urban League Tutor

SUMMARY: The general responsibilities of the tutor are to provide intensive and extensive tutorial services for students. The tutor, in order to assist the student in his/her education endeavors, will utilize the resources by the Youth & Community Program and/or school district personnel. The tutor will provide feedback to Site Coordinator, teachers and parents regarding the progress the student is making. The individual must be extremely reliable, trustworthy, and have a positive attitude toward direction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provide academic assistance to assigned tutees, either in a group or individually.
2. Establish liaison with the teacher and work under the teacher’s director, if necessary to assist the student.
3. Attend periodic training sessions to increase competency in working with students.
4. Be responsible for maintaining records on each student being tutored, including follow-up and periodic assessment.
5. Provide evaluations and other reports.
6. Assist students in developing positive attitudes toward learning and studying.
7. Assist students in developing self-confidence, and reducing anxiety or fear of failure in academic work.
8. Assist students in developing a high level of motivation in academic areas.
9. Assist students in achieving a better understanding of specific subject material and in improving academic capabilities in designated areas.
10. Help students develop the study skills necessary for academic success.
11. Establish and maintain rapport with the assigned student(s).
12. Serve as a role model for students being served.
13. Be learner-centered. Plan and conduct tutorial sessions keyed to your learner’s specific needs, interests and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Current college student;
2. Ability to speak, read, and write in English fluently.
3. Display cultural sensitivity and openness to different values/beliefs.
4. Demonstrate patience and willingness to provide encouragement.
5. Willing to commit to at least six hours per week and six months of instructional time, or as agreed upon between tutor and Director or Advocate.
6. Prior experience preferred.

To volunteer, please email us at volunteer@uis.edu or call us at 217-206-7716. 


Urban League Youth Mentor

SUMMARY: The general responsibilities of the mentor are to empower youth to increase self-esteem gain life skills and engage in positive social activities. Provide opportunities for youth to be successful and feel they are cared about. Share your interests and values while participating in mutually enjoyable activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. To provide friendship, support and inspiration to the mentee with whom you have been matched.
2. To work as a part of a team in conjunction with the Program Coordinator, school staff and community agencies to help your mentee develop as strong a foundation as is possible.
3. To motivate and help your mentee(s) learn how to help him/herself.
4. To encourage your mentee to make her own decisions and to be responsible for them by walking through the possible consequences.
5. To facilitate group activities with mentees to assist them in their personal development.
6. To assist your mentee in accomplishing and refining the tangible skills needed in daily living such as parenting, budgeting, maintenance; and apartment or job searching.
7. To assist your mentee in the development of intangible skills such as problem solving and assertiveness as well as helping in the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
8. To be willing to share your experiences and ideals with your mentee.
9. To be available to your mentee when a listening ear is needed.
10. To meet with or contact your mentee on a regular basis.
11. To fill out reports needed by the AmeriCorps Program Coordinator and Program Site Coordinator.
12. To attend training, case manager meeting, and mentor/mentee social experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Be a college student.
2. Ability to speak, read, and write in English fluently.
3. Display cultural sensitivity and openness to different values/beliefs.
4. Demonstrate patience and willingness to provide encouragement.
5. Willing to commit to at least six hours per week and nine months of time, or as agreed upon between mentor, mentee, and AmeriCorps Coordinator.

To volunteer, please contact us by email at volunteer@uis.edu or phone at 217-206-7716.