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Neighborhood Ambassadors provide fellow students with information, resources and opportunities to create a better living environment in their off-campus neighborhoods. They act as liaisons between the campus, Ann Arbor community, and student residents in order to enhance communication, collaboration and problem-solving. QUALIFICATIONS - University of Michigan student enrolled full-time - Undergraduate or Graduate student - 2.5 GPA or higher - Must reside in the off-campus student neighborhoods - Strong verbal and written communication skills - Demonstrated leadership experience and/or community involvement Residency The Dean of Students Office would like to hire students who live in one of the twelve off-campus student neighborhoods (see Beyond the Diag map). Students will not be provided housing, but rather serving in the off-campus neighborhoods. Time Commitment The work of a Neighborhood Ambassador is such that no specific schedule can be determined. However, NAs should expect to work approximately 16-20 hours per month. Attendance at the weekly staff meeting is mandatory. Compensation NAs receive $18/hour working an average of 4 hours per week (during the academic year). We strongly encourage students to consult the Office of Student Financial Aid if they are considering applying for a Program Assistant position – the acceptance of a paid student staff position may impact your financial aid. EXPECTATIONS The following are the primary expectations for Neighborhood Ambassadors: Leadership - Provide coordination and leadership for events, activities, and student staff supervision - Model safe, healthy and respectful behavior: adhere to the University of Michigan Student - Actively pursue opportunities to encourage engagement and participation from students, especially those from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities. Elevate concerns around diversity and equity to the Program Manager, and explore opportunities for greater inclusion in program planning. Rights and Responsibilities and all City of Ann Arbor, State of Michigan, and federal laws - Express concern for and become engaged in neighborhood issues that affect both student and non-student residents - Maintain a positive outlook on community issues, and encourage others to become/remain involved in a solutions-based approach - Maintain the trust of residents: uphold their privacy and refrain from negative discussions regarding people with whom you come in contact through your work Newsletter and Internet Forums - Contribute to monthly newsletters by writing articles and proving helpful information for students living off-campus - Contribute to the Beyond the Diag Facebook and Twitter accounts by writing and compiling information useful to students - Distribute newsletters to students in your neighborhood, and inform students about the availability of online resources Resource Referral - Provide students with information regarding available campus and community resources and how to access them - Act as a point of reference for students with questions or concerns by directing them to resources on campus and within the community Disseminate Information - Provide students with information regarding current issues involving their neighborhood and campus, as well as how they can become involved - Distribute educational materials helpful to off-campus living, including: issues of health and safety, rights and responsibilities, and ways to navigate through landlord, neighbor or roommate situations - Inform students of events and activities on campus and in the community - Utilize social media and other online platforms to share information about events, activities and resources - Provide support to BTD leadership to develop video and other content for use in promoting the program and activities Act as a Liaison - Relay information to the Dean of Students Office that offers insight into the student experience in off-campus living, including issues students face and ways in which the University can help - Attend City of Ann Arbor Neighborhood Association meetings, and other relevant community forums, to gain an understanding of non-student perspectives, and act as a representative of students in your neighborhood at these meetings - Work with campus departments and groups to meet the needs of students in your neighborhood - Develop and maintain relationships (under guidance of BTD Program Manager) with community groups and organizations, especially those with an interest in or connection to affordable and accessible housing, and community safety concerns Programming - Plan and facilitate opportunities for off-campus residents to meet each other and develop positive relationships - Work with other BTD student staff to plan and coordinate community events for residents in your neighborhood - As needed, facilitate town hall meetings for students to respectfully discuss and collaborate on neighborhood issues Communication and Availability - Enable students to become familiar with your role and the program by teaming with other PAs and Neighborhood Ambassadors to go door-to-door and meet students in your area - Maintain a caring, concerned and approachable demeanor in order to facilitate communication and establish positive relationships with residents - Actively listen to the concerns expressed by students and other community members - Inform students in designated neighborhood of your availability as a resource - Check email daily and respond in a timely manner Administration - Maintain consistent, weekly contact with the Dean of Students Office - Attend weekly meetings with other Neighborhood Ambassadors and the Dean of Students Office staff - Maintain a log of student concerns and referrals (that does not contain identifying information) - Complete program reports to be used as reference for future programming - Complete other documentation of work as needed Professional Development - Attend staff training in the fall - Attend and contribute to weekly staff meetings throughout school year - Attend periodic in-service professional development trainings throughout the academic year |