Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy social, cultural, and academic development of at-risk youth through education in the arts.

Some Benefits of Joining a MECA Volunteer Team

3 Steps to becoming a MECA Volunteer Team Member

1. Volunteer Orientation & Application
2. Personal Interview & Background Check
3. Acceptance & Placement on a Volunteer Team

MECA is housed in the historic Dow Elementary School, located in the Old Sixth Ward at 1900 Kane Street, just west of Downtown Houston.

Volunteer Teams

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Receptionist: Great opportunity to meet new people. Greet visitors and answer calls with occasional light office duties. Volunteer Tuesday and Thursday 12:00-2:00 p.m. Bilingual in English and Spanish is helpful.

SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM

Bayou City Art Festival: MECA is an official charity of the Bayou City Art Festival to be held October 11 and 12, 2003 at Tranquility Park in Houston's Downtown. Volunteers receive a free festival t-shirt. Shifts are available from (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), or (1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) Guaranty your preferred shift by signing up today for this fun community service opportunity.

MECA Day of the Dead Festival: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future: Come join us as we celebrate this ancient Mexican festival on October 30 and 31, 2004. The event takes place at our Historic Dow Elementary in the Old Sixth Ward from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are both individual and group volunteer opportunities available.

Hospitality Crew: Great opportunity for youth groups to gain valuable customer service skills. Greet and usher patrons to seating or collect tickets and monitor entrances.

AFTER-SCHOOL TEAM

Irvinton Counselor: A perfect position for those preparing for a career in education, social work or related field. Chaperone students in need of positive adult role models. This is a special project with Irvinton Village Public Housing. Hours are from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Twenty-five years or older is a plus.

Library Coordinator: Attention former, present and future librarians or anyone who loves reading, this is a position for you. Create and lead fun-filled activities that will spark enthusiasm in learning. Positions are available between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-school Counselor: This position includes several activities for those interested in a wide range of experience. Be available between the hours of 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to help with homework, serve snacks, monitor the playground or talk one-on-one with a student.

Scout Troop Leader: Great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts or former scouts. Be a part of creating Boy's and Girl's Scout Troops for MECA youth. Collaborate with a team of adult leaders to facilitate group activities and camping trips.

OUTREACH TEAM

Community Outreach Representative: Seeking upbeat and outgoing personalities for the ultimate networking position. Increase our visibility in the community by staffing the MECA public relations booth at festivals, fairs and corporate events.

Information Distributor: Distribute MECA flyers, brochures and other information to high traffic locations in your area.

Mail-out Coordinator: Coordinate team members to prepare bulk mail-outs in accordance with post office regulations.

Mailer: Socialize with other team members while preparing mail-outs to advertise MECA programs and events.

Contact Clarissa L. Valdez for more information at 713-802-9370 extension 26.