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SAALT Seeks Be the Change 2008: National Coordinator in the Washington DC area

SAALT Overview
SAALT is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an environment in which all South Asians in America can participate fully in civic life, and have influence over policies that affect them. SAALT works to achieve this goal through advocacy, community education, local capacity-building, and leadership development. SAALT cultivates partnerships with and among South Asian organizations and individuals; amplifies the concerns of disempowered community members; and works in collaboration with broader civil and immigrant rights movements.

What is Be the Change?
Be the Change is an annual event sponsored by SAALT, which fosters leadership and community engagement through volunteerism and service. Also known as the National Gandhi Day of Service, this event draws individuals who believe in the values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and civic leaders who have devoted their lives to public service and engagement in their communities. Occurring each year in October to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, Be the Change empowers participants to engage in collective public service and civic action. In 2007, over 1,000 volunteers participated in 30 cities and campuses across the country. This year, Be the Change will occur on Saturday, October 4th in cities and campuses around the country.

About the Position
SAALT is seeking a dynamic individual to spearhead Be the Change efforts in 2008. The BTC National Coordinator will coordinate logistics, materials, correspondence, trainings, and implementation of the Be the Change program. The BTC National Coordinator will receive assistance and supervision from SAALT staff and board members.

In order to develop leadership among young people, SAALT typically selects a college student (a rising junior or senior) for this position. We encourage college students who are looking for a leadership position that will help enhance communications, organization, and outreach skills to apply.

Responsibilities include:
* Recruiting and assisting city coordinators around the country
* Creating materials for Be the Change 2008
* Raising awareness about Be the Change in various cities and campus around the country
* Identifying community service sites
* Coordinating and supporting efforts around the country with city coordinators
* Fostering relationships with organizational partners nationally and locally
* Encouraging South Asians and others around the country to collectively engage in community service
* Developing and maintaining the Be the Change 2008 webpage on SAALT’s website

Qualifications:
* Can be a college or graduate student in the Washington DC Area (seniors in college are encouraged to apply)
* Applicants should be reliable, responsible, self-starters
* Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills
* Comfortable with using Microsoft Office programs
* Ability to multitask, set and meet deadlines
* Strong team player; familiar with team dynamics
* Availability for conference calls and meetings during weekday and weekend evenings

Compensation:
This is a paid temporary position that will last between April and October 2008 and a modest stipend is provided. The National BTC Coordinator will work between 15 hours per week in April and May; full-time during the summer (June-August); and 20 hours per week in September and October.

To Apply:
Please send a resume and letter of interest to Arefa Vohra, SAALT Advocate for Community Empowerment, via email to saalt@saalt.org with the subject line "National BTC 2008 Coordinator."

Deadline: We are accepting applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis, with a potential start date in April 2008. Only potential candidates will be contacted.

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