Citizenship Classes Mock Interview Volunteer (In Person)

Fall semester, 2025: October – December

Please note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age

Mission and Objective
In partnership with Marin County Free Library, the Canal Alliance Adult Education Program offers Citizenship classes that help students prepare to pass their United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization interview and become U.S. citizens. Citizenship provides greater security and opportunities, and is a crucial step in helping eligible community members break the generational cycle of poverty. Citizenship allows immigrants the right to work, the right to vote, the ability to sponsor family members, access to public benefits, and provides safety from deportation. 

Through the lens of empowering the whole person, the Adult Education program complements the wraparound services Canal Alliance provides so that very low-income, adult immigrants can improve their access to education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Program Dates and Times

• Mock interviews will take place in October, November and December, 2025
• Interviews will most likely be scheduled at 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday evenings, but may take place at other times that are convenient for the student and volunteer
• We estimate that each volunteer may conduct between three and 10 mock interviews, but we will mutually agree on the number  
• Estimated volunteering time is 1 – 3 hours per week, depending on your availability; it is not necessary to volunteer every week 

Required Onboarding and Training for NEW Volunteers

1. Sign volunteering paperwork
2. Attend a general orientation/training session, date TBD 
3. Complete additional training specific to Citizenship volunteering, format and schedule TBD
4. Attend at least one Citizenship class to become familiar with students, class format and curriculum; classes take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Required Onboarding and Training for RETURNING Volunteers

1. Sign 2025-26 Volunteer Agreement
2. Complete training specific to Citizenship volunteering, format and schedule TBD
3. Attend at least one Citizenship class to become familiar with students, class format and curriculum; classes take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with students to help them practice for their USCIS interview by conducting mock interviews and providing feedback and encouragement
• Provide summary of sessions to Citizenship teacher and staff, including time spent, topics covered, and notes about areas where the student needs to improve
• Build positive, respectful relationships with students

• Respect and follow program policies and staff instructions
• Respond promptly to communications from Adult Education staff

• Be culturally responsive and culturally humble when working with students
• Honor agreed-upon volunteer commitment  

Important: Citizenship volunteers MUST NOT offer any legal advice whatsoever to students, whether it has to do with citizenship or any other matter

Skills and Attributes

• Friendly, outgoing and adaptable
• Patient, attentive and supportive with students
• Enjoy interacting with people of all ages and ethnicities
• Able to build positive and respectful relationships with students, teachers and Adult Education staff
• Comfortable working with people of varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Proactive and able to work with minimal direction
• Knowledge of naturalization process (training will be provided)
• Knowledge of Spanish helpful but not required

Requirements

• Age 18 or above
• Alignment with Canal Alliance’s mission and Adult Education program goals
• Completion of onboarding and training listed above
• Commitment to cultural responsiveness and cultural humility
• Full proficiency in English (native speaker or near-native ability, ILR Level 4 or above)

To Apply

Please contact Ivonne Molina, Stewardship and Engagement Manager, at ivonnem@canalalliance.org