2024 BRIDGES Summer Driver

Mission Statement: We support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

BRIDGES Summer Drivers work closely with the K-12 Program Coordinator and are responsible for safely transporting the students to and from their homes and the Summer BRIDGES program location. Volunteers in this role can choose to drive and not be a part of the program’s day to day – ONLY support with transportation. Field trips will occur on some but not all Thursdays, so if you choose to volunteer on Thursdays, volunteer drivers may need to help transport students and other volunteers. We ask that drivers commit to transporting the same number of students each day. Pick up will be between 8:00-8:30AM and drop off is between 1:00-1:30PM.

Training and Evaluation Meetings are required aspects of being a Driver volunteer. Training for Cohort 1 will take place on Monday, June 10th and Tuesday, June 11th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Training for Cohort 2 will take place on Monday, July 15th and Tuesday, July 16th from 9:00am-1:00pm. The BRIDGES Summer Program runs from Monday to Thursday, 8:30am-1:30pm, and Driver volunteers must commit to at least two days a week for at least one of the four-week programs.

Requirements:

●

Must be a Michigan Resident or have temporary residency in Michigan

●

Valid Driver’s License

●

Be at least 21 years of age

●

Safe Driving Record

●

State required liability insurance

●

Mandatory background check

●

Ability to work with diverse populations

●

Ability to work with children of all ages (K-12)

●

Commit to volunteering consistently on a weekly basis

●

Attend required training in person

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

●

Can interact compassionately with the refugee students

●

Can focus with young children in the backseat

●

Availability at scheduled times and punctual

●

Can drive safely in rainy or foggy conditions – will cancel program if weather is an issue (weather advisory)

●

Demonstrate teamwork and integrity with staff, fellow volunteers, students, and their families

If interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Anna Bundy at: anna@refugeeeducationcenter.org.

Or go to our website (refugeeeducationcenter.org) and fill out the volunteer form online.