CEF Advocates work side by side with community members who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and working towards goals of greater income, affordable housing, savings, and financial independence.
Volunteer Advocate Role at CEF
As a Volunteer Advocate with the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), you’ll work one-on-one or two-on-one with Members to support their goals, including securing income/employment, obtaining stable housing, and building long-term financial stability. Advocates use tools like the CEF Connect database to deliver high-quality, efficient services and maintain accurate records.
Advocates are expected to attend ongoing training opportunities focused on skill-building as well as deepening their understanding of systemic racism and promoting racial equity. Strong communication and collaboration with CEF staff and other volunteers are essential to the role.
We’re seeking Advocates who can make a long-term commitment—before, during, and after a Member’s transition out of housing insecurity. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, faculty or staff, or a community member, you are welcome to apply. A great Advocate is someone who values lifelong learning and is committed to using antiracism tools to advocate for Black and Brown Members both individually and systemically.
Advocates typically commit at least 2 hours per week in the office, primarily meeting with Members. Additional responsibilities may include collaborating with staff, supporting local advocacy initiatives, and contributing to the broader mission of CEF. A detailed role description is available in the application.
We’re thrilled to welcome new Advocates to our community for the upcoming Fall semester!
We seek passionate and highly committed applicants for our 2-year Advocate program.
Advocates are trained 3 times per year in the fall, winter, and summer. Community members and students are welcome to apply to become Advocates, and people with lived experience with housing and financial insecurity are especially encouraged to apply. For questions about being an Advocate at our Chapel Hill office please contact Chloe Wells (chloew(at)communityef(dot)org) and for questions about being an Advocate at our Durham office please contact Shuhud M. (shuhudm(at)communityef(dot)org).
About the CEF Advocate Program:
Who are Advocates?
Advocates can be anyone (community members, undergraduate or graduate students, working folks, retirees, CEF Members, or anyone else) looking to get connected and support their fellow community members! Advocate volunteers are trained to walk alongside community members in achieving their housing, employment, and financial goals. They are not experts but are curious, empathetic, and highly dedicated team players who are enthusiastic about joining the CEF community. Folks with lived experience with financial and housing insecurity are strongly encouraged to apply.
What's the commitment of a CEF Advocate?
Advocates commit approximately two to three volunteer hours per week during the academic year. This includes a weekly two-hour Advocate shift in the office, time to prepare for CEF Member meetings, and attendance at ongoing learning opportunities to gain new skills and build a trauma-informed, antiracist praxis among Advocates. This commitment varies slightly between the Durham and Chapel Hill offices.
How do I become a CEF Advocate?
CEF accepts applications for new Advocates 2 to 3 times per year in our Chapel Hill and Durham offices. After applying, prospective Advocates are invited to attend a brief interview. This process allows us to ensure that all Advocates share CEF’s values and are committed to building multi-year relationships with CEF Members. When selected, new Advocates commit to attending 10+ hours of training prior to the start of their Advocate hours. Updated information about Advocate applications for Chapel Hill and Durham can be found at communityef.org/hiring.
How does this look differently due to COVID-19?
CEF has altered our office practices to allow Members and Advocates to meet together safely in person. All Advocates are required to be vaccinated and everyone in the office is required to wear a mask. There are not any remote volunteer opportunities at this time.
