Community Advocate

MIXTECO INDIGENA COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROJECT

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Community Advocate

DEPARTMENT: Advocacy and Public Policy

PROGRAM: Camino a la  Salud

REPORTS TO:  Policy Director

LOCATION: MICOP Office, Oxnard

STATUS: Non Exempt

HOURS OF WORK: Full Time, 40 hours/week

ABOUT MIXTECO INDIGENA COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROJECT

Founded in 2001, Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) supports, organizes and empowers the indigenous migrant communities of California’s Central Coast through improved access to health and community resources, community organizing, language interpretation, education, direct assistance, cultural promotion, and our indigenous-led Radio Indígena community radio station. MICOP offers a fast-paced, multilingual and multicultural work environment dedicated to carrying out our mission.

Summary

The Community Advocate plays a vital role in promoting positive change, addressing social issues, and fostering a sense of unity and empowerment within the Indigenous community. This position involves building relationships, advocating for the needs and concerns of the community members, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive impactful initiatives, social, health, and environmental justice

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships within the community, including residents, organizations, and local leaders.

• Act as a bridge between the community and external entities, ensuring effective communication and understanding.

• Lead and host meetings, workshops and Indigenous leadership committees that advance social, health and environmental justice with the objective of raising awareness and bringing about change that positively impacts the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Undocumented Community.

• Advocacy and Outreach: Identify and prioritize key issues and concerns within the community.

• Advocate for the rights, needs, and well-being of community members through various channels, including public speaking, social media, and written communications.

• Organize and lead outreach programs, workshops, and events to raise awareness and address relevant social issues.

• Collaboration and Networking: Collaborate with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop and implement community-oriented projects.

• Attend local, regional, and state meetings, conferences, and community gatherings to establish connections and stay informed about relevant developments.

• Capacity Building: Empower community members by providing them with resources, information, and training opportunities that enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Identify and leverage existing community assets to drive positive change and growth.

• Mediate conflicts and disputes within the community, facilitating open dialogues and finding common ground among diverse perspectives.

• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, analyze, and present data related to community needs, concerns, and progress to inform decision-making processes.

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that positively impact the community.

• Prepare testimonies/stories about the full range of program participants’ experience.

• Collect and report monthly data for the number of individuals served, such as but not limited to: language, type of issue addressed, demographic data,  outcomes, successes, challenges and other metrics, as needed.

• Stay informed about local, regional, and national policies that may affect the community's well-being.

• Empowerment and Leadership: Empower community members to take on leadership roles and actively participate in community-building activities.

• Foster a sense of ownership and pride within the community.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Ability to work ethically and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of community dynamics.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.

• Knowledge of local policies, social issues, and resources.

• Ability to communicate new information effectively to the community.

• Passion for the mission of supporting, empowering and organizing the Indigenous migrant community in California’s Central Coast.

• Desire to work with and advocate for the community.

• Proven ability to prioritize workload, be self-motivated, and execute projects independently.

• Ability to coordinate, organize, and track individual cases.

• Bilingual and/or Trilingual in Mixteco, Spanish, and/or English.

• Proficient computer skills – MS Office Suite, Google Drive Applications, Google

• Public speaking and presentation skills.

• Proficiency in relevant software and technology.

Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Community or Ethnic Studies, or a related field, preferred. In lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree, equivalent years of work and/or life experience is accepted.

• Experience in community organizing, advocacy, or related roles.

• Experience outreaching to the Indigenous Community and other Spanish speaking communities.

MICOP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER