Volunteer
Volunteers support the personal and professional success of our participants and are key members of the Found in Translation Community.
Found in Translation would not be possible without the help of many dedicated volunteers! Lend a hand and join our team!
Available positions are Mentor, Childcare Volunteer, and Guest Speaker. See below for details.
0%
of volunteers for Found in Translationhighly recommend volunteering
0%
of volunteers for Found in TranslationFelt like they made a difference
Volunteer Experience Survey, 2018
Volunteers and our Supportive Services Model
Obtaining a degree or certificate is complicated by socioeconomic barriers, such as limited financial resources, childcare support, professional network, and access to reliable transportation. The supportive services included in our Fellowship remove these barriers by offering:
1) a tuition-free program,
2) on-site childcare for mothers while in class,
3) transportation assistance as needed to get to and from class,
4) mentors to work in small groups to provide individualized guidance in meeting professional development goals and in building their professional networks, and
5) additional training in job readiness, financial literacy, and advanced interpreting skills.
Volunteers play a key role in our ability to provide these critical services to our students. Our participants’ success in our program and in the profession reflects the dedication and passion of our volunteer community.
Thank you!
"The women are so inspirational and I feel that they are truly grateful for any support. I'm glad to know that any help I provide can be meaningful and impactful.”
— Class of 2018 mentor
"I love working with kids, and I wanted to support these women who want to better their lives. My favorite part about my experience was the kids having fun! It's always rewarding to put a smile on a kid's face.”
— Class of 2018 childcare volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Commitment
During program, ~4 hours/week (2 in person, 2 remote)
Role
Mentors facilitate small groups of students and provide 1:1 support covering resume development, cover letter editing, interview practice, and more career advice. They provide an up close example of working professionals that are successful in a multitude of careers, most of which are not interpretation. Mentors are available to answer questions, coach students, and provide real-life case scenarios and different perspectives of how to navigate the professional world upon graduating from the program. Staff work closely with mentors to carry out our program’s built in mentoring component, giving students an opportunity to build their networking community.
Characteristics of a good mentor
Volunteer mentors are expected to be friendly and welcoming individuals who are comfortable engaging women of various ages, gender identities, sexualities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, etc. The ideal mentor will be responsible, creative, punctual, communicative, flexible, warm, culturally aware, and familiar with being in a mentorship position. Mentors should be energetic, committed people who are invested not only in providing an honest, nurturing learning environment for the participants, but also in the mission of the organization.
Commitment
During program, 3 hour shifts. Year-round, 2 hour shifts.
Role
At every program session, volunteers entertain children and keep them safe while their mothers are studying nearby. Without this informal support, many of the mothers in our program would not be able to attend classes. Toys and activities are provided by the organization.
Characteristics of a good childcare volunteer
As a childcare volunteer, you should be a friendly and welcoming individual who is comfortable engaging children of various ages, personalities, gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, etc. The ideal childcare volunteer will be responsible, creative, punctual, communicative, flexible, warm, culturally aware, and familiar with working with children.
Commitment
During program and/or year-round, hours vary.
Role
While there are many things that our staff, faculty and instructors can teach students and alumnae, each year we rely on volunteer guest speakers to come in and share their specialized knowledge and expertise. Guest speakers present on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: financial literacy, job skills and job hunting, technology, higher education, interpreting in non-medical settings, and more.
Characteristics of a good guest speaker
Guest speakers are expected to have some expertise in an area relevant to the work of our organization and to the interests of our students and graduates. Ideally they should be engaging, culturally aware, and focused public-speakers who are eager to assist us in carrying out our mission.
