Systems Change Advocate (SCA) VolunteerAt — Dayle McIntosh Center

Overview: 

The Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) System Change Advocacy department works to bring about beneficial changes in government and the bureaucratic processes for the disability community. The primary focus of the department is identifying ongoing and emerging issues that affect the disability community, older adults, and Veterans, and then developing strategies to promote meaningful change.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist with letter writing, e-mail and telephone campaigns  
• Search for advocacy alerts and/or opportunities in the OC community  
• Research other organizations and government entities with shared goals and experiences  
• Reach out directly to both disability or community organization in OC  
• Search for community resources that support disability communities, older adults and Veterans 

Desired Qualities 

• Passion for equity and access  
• Comfortable making phone calls 
• Comfortable using basic office equipment and Microsoft Windows 
• Patience, resourcefulness and ability to connect with people  
• Friendly attitude and a reliable team member 

Requirements 

• Complete the interview, pass a background check, and attend orientations and trainings
• Wear a face mask in the office 
• Comply with DMC COVID-19 Policies and Procedures 
• Log volunteer hours after every shift 
• Keep the Volunteer Coordinator informed about any changes or concerns 
• Complete a minimum 4 hours of volunteer service per month 
• Maintain the confidentiality of Dayle McIntosh Center information 

Tasks:

1. The Intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by assisting with the preparation of professional correspondence, including letters, emails, outreach materials, and telephone campaigns that support advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach efforts.
2. The Intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by researching, monitoring, and analyzing advocacy alerts, public policy updates, legislative issues, and community advocacy opportunities affecting individuals with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans in Orange County.
3. The Intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by locating, evaluating, organizing, and maintaining accurate information on community resources, programs, benefits, and services available to individuals with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans to support informed referrals and community engagement.
4. The Intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by conducting community needs research, identifying service gaps, and exploring potential partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and resource opportunities that align with the mission and strategic priorities of the Dayle McIntosh Center.
5. The Intern will demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes by compiling outreach activities, community contacts, resource information, and research findings into professional reports, databases, directories, and other resource development materials that support organizational advocacy and community engagement efforts.

Training:

DMC Volunteer Program Orientations & Onboarding
1.Orientation to the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC), including organizational mission, programs, and services.
2. Review of the DMC Volunteer Handbook, Safety Manual and Tour of DMC and Introduction to Team Members.
3. Training on the volunteer management platform, including volunteer hour logging system and daily reporting procedures.
4. Introduction to DMC desktop systems, software, communication tools, and administrative processes.
5. Introduction of training materials, reference documents, work samples, and learning resources.

Systems Change Advocacy (SCA) Training
1. Completion of DMC Systems Change Advocate training modules, as requested.
2. Training and Orientation to disability rights, advocacy principles, independent living philosophy, and community resources
3. Guided activities and practical application of advocacy concepts through assigned tasks.

Ongoing Supervision & Mentorship
1. Weekly check-ins with the supervisor to review progress, goals, and learning outcomes.
2. Weekly debrief meetings to discuss experiences and challenges. Supervisor is available daily M-F for any urgent issues.
3. Regular feedback on task assignments and performance.
4. Ongoing mentorship and support to address questions, provide guidance, and encourage professional growth throughout the internship.
5. Job shadowing opportunities with other DMC staff members in various departments/service areas to gain exposure to nonprofit operations, advocacy work, and community programs.

Learning Outcome:

1. By the end of the internship, the student will be able to develop professional written and verbal communication skills by assisting with letter writing, email outreach, and telephone campaigns that support advocacy and community engagement efforts.
2. By the end of the internship, the student will be able to identify, research, and analyze advocacy alerts and opportunities that impact people with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans within Orange County.
3. By the end of the internship, the student will be able to locate, evaluate, and organize community resources that support individuals with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans, ensuring information is accurate and relevant.
4. By the end of the internship, the student will be able to assess community needs and identify potential partnerships, advocacy opportunities, and resources that align with the mission of the Dayle McIntosh Center.
5. By the end of the internship, the student will be able to demonstrate research, documentation, and resource development skills by compiling outreach efforts, community contacts, and resource information into professional reports and directories.