SCBC: SPARQ Peer Advisor (S9658C)

Summary

SPARQ is a program of the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC).

Support, Perspective, Allyship, Representation and Qmunity (SPARQ) was established in 2015. The intention of SPARQ is to provide a space for LGBTQ+, allied and identity exploring students to expand their knowledge and experiences as it relates to gender and sexuality. Through education and social events, SPARQ hosts opportunities where all Bates students can participate, grow and build community across differences while maintaining intentional spaces of belonging.

The SCBC is committed to dismantling systems of oppression by actively centering and celebrating the voices and experiences of historically marginalized student identities. We foster belonging by creating spaces that encourage agency, awareness, and self-advocacy. We collaborate with students to explore their identities, develop community, and build connections through programs grounded in intersectionality, equity, and justice. The center’s foundational values are centered around community, connection and support.

Additional detail: For the purpose of this position, LGBTQ+ is an acronym that includes, but is not limited to: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (including transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, etc.), queer, intersex, asexual, and pansexual. Interested students do not have to be LGBTQ+ to be considered. Considered Peer Advisors will demonstrate a commitment to creating supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students, regardless of their identity.

Basics

  • Department: Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC)
  • Supervisor: Anthony Del Real
  • Office Location: Chase Hall, Suite 140
  • Email: adelreal@bates.edu
  • Hours: 8
  • Workers: 4

Responsibilities

The SPARQ Peer Advisors will be split into 1 of 3 Peer Advisor tracks. When submitting your cover letter, please indicate which Peer Advisor role you are applying for.General Position Specific Responsibilities:Host weekly drop-in sessions in the designated Drop-in space (up to 4 hours/week)Serve as a mentor and advisor to student peers who are seeking support around identities and experiences as it pertains to gender and sexuality.Help to plan, design and participate in events and outreach opportunities related to LGBTQ+ identities and experiencesRecognize and appropriately maintain anonymity and confidentiality and refer students to appropriate on-campus resourcesPromote and attend SPARQ and SCBC events throughout the academic yearWork collaboratively with other SPARQ Peer Mentors, SCBC professional staff, other SCBC student staff, as well as other campus constituentsServe as a role model and representative of SPARQ within the SCBC and across campusAttend supervision check-ins with supervisor (minimum of 30, bi-weekly)Attend scheduled weekly SPARQ team meetings (1 hour)Attend and complete Bates Leads Student Leader trainings and ongoing training/personal development throughout the academic yearRole Specific Responsibilities:Collaboration & Spirit Peer AdvisorThe SPARQ Collaboration & Spirit Peer Advisor is a student role that is responsible for considering intentional, unique and cross-collaborative initiatives for LGBTQ+ students across the campus. In this role, the Collaboration & Spirit Peer Advisor will think critically about what resources, both on and off campus, that will be helpful to connect LGBTQ+ students to, share the resources, and consider creative ways to get these resources to students.Role Specific Projects: 4 educational sessions (2 each semester), 2 community speakers (1 each semester), Sex Week Workshop (March, Winter Semester)Education & Harmony Peer AdvisorThe SPARQ Education & Harmony Peer Advisor is a student role that is responsible for recruiting, facilitating and hosting monthly community circles that are intended to bring perspective and awareness of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. The Education & Harmony Peer Advisors will also consider a community survey and facilitate workshops with the intent to learn more about the needs of the community as it relates to gender and sexuality.Role Specific Projects: Monthly Advisory Board meetings (3 each semester), Community survey/feedback form, Student Active Ally Workshop (1 each semester)Liberation & Healing Peer AdvisorThe SPARQ Liberation and Healing Peer Advisor is a student role that is responsible for creating intentional and educational opportunities that bring awareness to trans and nonbinary identities and experiences. The Liberation & Healing Peer Advisor will also be responsible for managing the Queer Closet, including creative activities to recruit items for the closet, expansion, and maintenance of its resources.Role Specific Projects: Queer Closet (recruitment and maintenance), Trans Awareness Week (Week of events), Trans Day of Remembrance (Event or speaker), Trans Day of Visibility (Event or speaker)

Requirements

The following items are basic requirements needed to be able to work as a SPARQ Peer Advisor at Bates:-Ability to be Bates Work Authorized or already have Bates Work Authorization-Ability to work up to 8 hours per week-Enrolled as a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior at Bates-Comfort sharing and discussing their LGBTQ+ identity with others across campus-Invested in equity, access, and anti-racism work as well as demonstrated ability to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment for students across multiple identities-Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration-Reliability, maturity, strong organizational skills and attention to detail-Impressive interpersonal skills with excellent written, verbal and listening skills and the ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with students, staff, faculty and community partners.

Reporting

SPARQ Peer Advisors report directly to the Assistant Director for LGBTQ+ Programs and support with other projects and events of the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC).

Working Conditions

SPARQ Peer Advisors will work primarily in the Student Center for Belonging and Community (SCBC) but may be expected to attend events at other locations across campus, and occasionally off campus.