The Multicultural Refugee Coalition is a long-term support network for refugees settled to the Austin area bridging the gap between their initial resettlement and long-term success. We are on a mission to empower refugees towards self-sufficiency through education, community and reconciliation.
Internship description: Sewing Program Coordinator
Position Overview: Seeking a visionary program manager for our Refugee Sewing Program to develop classes on a variety of topics (mending, using a pattern, etc.) and explore the opportunity of becoming a social enterprise–being able to sell products that are made on a more regular basis. Working with refugees from varying backgrounds including Burundi, Congo, and Iraq. Time and Location: Currently Saturdays from 11:30am-3:30pm at MRC Community Center. Reports to Executive Director and works with current sewing instructors.
Key Responsibilities:
- First takes time to learn about current structure of the sewing program, get to know the sewing instructors and program participants. Conduct a needs assessment to understand what program participants would like to learn and do with their sewing.
- Creates a vision for the sewing program so that each session is more purposeful and working towards a common goal. Currently basic sewing skills are taught and participants work on their own special projects.
- Develops classes such as mending, pattern reading, etc. and finds volunteers to teach each class.
- Explore the option of becoming a social enterprise and selling products on a more regular basis. Currently products are sold once a year at a holiday market.
- Completes program intake forms with the help of other program volunteers to set goals and monitor progress of participants.
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours a week which includes leading the program on Saturdays from 11:30am-3:30pm, planning throughout the week and meeting once a month with sewing team and with all MRC Program Managers. Looking for at least a 6- month commitment.
Qualifications:
- Proficient at sewing on a machine and reading patterns
- Ability to teach others how to sew
- Interest and ability to work with international populations and limited English speakers.
- Ability to work with a variety of different participants and volunteers with various skill levels.
- Ability to be flexible and try new things when the best laid out plan doesn’t come together for one reason or another.
- Knowledge of basic social entrepreneurship concepts- where to sell, how to price things, how to manage inventory etc.
- Must be encouraging and positive as well as creative to help each participant understand program goal.
To apply:
- Complete a volunteer application found here: http://mrcaustin.org/get-involved-2/
- Contact MRC Executive Director to talk more about the vision for this position merskine@mrcaustin.org or 512-789-1033
- Arrange to come to a volunteer orientation on the 1st Saturday of the month from 11am-12:30pm and visit the sewing program.