Rationale

The success of the WRC depends on the involvement of center users and community members. It should be possible for anyone to get involved, even if at a basic level. At the same time, there should be a structure that encourages people to take on broader roles and responsibilities as their commitment to worker justice and abilities increase.

In addition, concrete requirements for certain roles make people aware of the level of responsibility needed to carry out that role effectively. This allows a clear assessment of the volunteer resources available to the center, in turn permitting realistic commitments.

1. WRC Volunteer

• A desire to help with the work of the WRC.

• Contact the WRC coordinator about volunteering. Advocates will be actively recruiting volunteers.

• Perform at least 2 hours per month of WRC work, as assigned by the coordinator and director.
• Examples of actual work (based on experience and interest): Research for campaigns and center development, design materials for the center, enter files into database, translation of documents, help with office organization, etc.

2. Workplace Advocate

Requirements:

• A desire to educate and involve other workers for the resolution of their workplace problems.
• Attend a basic rights training session

• Sign up with the WRC coordinator to be a workplace advocate at a basic rights training session. Advocates will be actively getting workers to participate in basic rights trainings.

• Bring the WRC to their workplace/community by acting as a resource for other workers, answering questions related to rights, and doing limited advocacy when possible or referring cases to the WRC when appropriate.
• Outreach to and invite other workers to participate in WRC campaigns, workshops, trainings and other events.
• Participate in WRC campaigns (making phone calls / writing letters / turning out to events, etc.)
• Attend 4 WRC meetings per year.

3. WRC Advocate

• A commitment to support and educate Center users in the resolution of their workplace problems.
• Have volunteered at least 16 hours of work for the WRC.
• Attend a WRC Advocate Intake Training
• Attend a basic rights training
• Be sponsored by a Lead Advocate

• WRC Advocates will be recruited among Volunteers and Workplace Advocates who can also approach lead advocates or the WRC coordinator about training.

• Have at least 4 scheduled hours at the WRC every month.
• Educate and support workers who come into the center to resolve their workplace problems through intake and follow up of cases.
• Actively involve center users in the WRC’s work and broader campaigns for worker rights.
• Attend 4 WRC meetings/skill development sessions per year.

3. Lead Advocates

• A commitment to support and educate both Center users in the resolution of their workplace problems, and other advocates in their work.
• Have at least 6 months experience as a WRC advocate
• At present, Lead Advocates will have to be bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Lead Advocates and the WRC coordinator will encourage advocates to become Lead Advocates.

• Have at least 4 scheduled hours a month as shift coordinators, to answer advocate questions (or point them to resources), suggest options for advocacy, and assist with work that non-English speaking advocates could not otherwise perform.
• Train volunteers who want to be advocates (shadowing), sponsor them when they feel they are ready to be advocates.
• Educate and support workers who come into the center to resolve their workplace problems through intake and follow up of cases.
• Actively involve center users and advocates in the work of the center and broader campaigns for worker rights.