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Volunteering with Literacy Source
Volunteers play an important role in helping us support students as they work toward literacy, improving language skills, citizenship, better jobs, and better lives.
At Literacy Source we believe:
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Volunteers bring a wealth of skills, talents, ideas, and resources that create an environment where students can learn, thrive and achieve their goals.
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The trusting relationships formed between volunteers and students are invaluable to the success of our mission.
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In supporting our volunteers by offering a helpful, educational environment with ongoing training and resources to meet their needs and encourage their own personal growth.
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
The first step in becoming a volunteer is to sign up to attend our New Volunteer Orientation held via Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month.
The orientation lasts approx. 1 hr. and provides information about Literacy Source, our students, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
You can contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Caroline, by email or phone (206-782-2050) if you have any questions.
Volunteer Highlights
...during the 2023-2024 school year
179
Volunteers
8,441
Hours
Volunteer Opportunities
Depending on your interests, skills, and availability a variety of online and in-person opportunities are available:
CLASS ASSISTANT
Support Literacy Source instructors in a class of 10-25 students.
CONVERSATION PARTNER
Help students practice English listening and speaking skills by facilitating small groups in an informal class setting.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Support Literacy Source by serving on our Board of Directors, Committees, Outreach events, Library management, and Office support.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the volunteer commitment?Tutoring: We ask tutors to commit to working with a student for at least six continuous months. This allows you to really get to know your learner and develop a good working relationship which greatly benefits a student’s capacity to learn and will be a more valuable experience for you as a volunteer. Class Assistants: We ask for a commitment of 2 terms (approximately 6 months). Teaching any new class has an introductory period and it will take at least a term or two to feel confident with class and curriculum. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar and class schedule.
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Are there volunteer opportunities that require less of a commitment?Yes! Volunteering as a Conversation Partner requires an online commitment of one hour, once per week. during term time. As a Citizenship Practice Interviewer you volunteer as needed, either in-person or online, once or twice a term for approx. an hour.
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Are your volunteer opportunities remote or in-person?We offer both remote and in-person opportunities. Please attend a New Volunteer Orientation to find out more.
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I have never taught before, what training do you offer?Literacy Source provides online training to all volunteers. Depending on which position you are interested in we ask you to complete 8-12 hours of required training before starting. We encourage you to participate in many other training opportunities throughout your volunteer service with Literacy Source. All trainings are free and are open to all current Literacy Source volunteers. Check our Volunteer Trainings page for a list of online trainings.
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What is the process for getting matched with a student?After your orientation, interview, and pre-service training, when a suitable student becomes available you will receive an email with information about the prospective student match. Students are selected based on shared availability, the interests and preferences you indicated during your volunteer interview, and the student priorities and needs. The student’s advisor will schedule a match meeting during which you and the student will get acquainted, set a schedule, agree on a tutoring contract, and begin discussing what you would like to work on together.
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How much support will I receive as a tutor?In addition to the foundational trainings, when you are matched with a student you will meet with their instructional advisor who teaches their class. The advisor will provide you with teaching materials and be your main resource and support while you are tutoring. You will be invited to observe the class and to a class tutor cohort meeting once a term. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet with the class instructor and fellow tutors to discuss ideas and receive support. Literacy Source advisors are always available as a resource for help with lesson planning, library materials, and online resources.
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How long are Literacy Source terms?We are on a quarter system; terms are usually 10 - 12 weeks long with a 2 - 3 week break in-between, when we register new students. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar.
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How big are the classes at Literacy Source?Class sizes vary but usually they are around 20 students for both in-person and online classes.
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Can I observe classes before I start volunteering?Yes! After attending an orientation and interview, we encourage you to observe any class you are interested in. You can view the current class schedule on the Literacy Source Google Drive.
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What happens if I want to go on vacation or need to take a day off?If you are tutoring, you will manage your schedule with your student giving as much notice as you can about upcoming breaks. If you are assisting in a class we ask that you try to arrange your vacations to align with our term breaks but realize this is not always possible. For this reason, we have often have two class assistants in the class to cover days off and vacations.
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Where can I park?There is a free parking in the lot behind the AKIN building, (enter from 32nd Ave NE). You may also park in any of the angled spaces on the south on the building (please do not park in the Jalisco lot).
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Is there an age limit for volunteering?As our students are all adults, we ask that our volunteers be over the age of 18.
Online Volunteer Trainings
Literacy Source is committed to your success as a volunteer by providing training throughout your volunteer service.
All volunteers are asked to participate in approximately 10 hours of free online trainings in the first 2 months of volunteering. Ongoing training support is available and encouraged throughout your volunteer service.
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What is the volunteer commitment?Tutoring: We ask tutors to commit to working with a student for at least six continuous months. This allows you to really get to know your learner and develop a good working relationship which greatly benefits a student’s capacity to learn and will be a more valuable experience for you as a volunteer. Class Assistants: We ask for a commitment of 2 terms (approximately 6 months). Teaching any new class has an introductory period and it will take at least a term or two to feel confident with class and curriculum. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar and class schedule.
-
Are there volunteer opportunities that require less of a commitment?Yes! Volunteering as a Conversation Partner requires an online commitment of one hour, once per week. during term time. As a Citizenship Practice Interviewer you volunteer as needed, either in-person or online, once or twice a term for approx. an hour.
-
Are your volunteer opportunities remote or in-person?We offer both remote and in-person opportunities. Please attend a New Volunteer Orientation to find out more.
-
I have never taught before, what training do you offer?Literacy Source provides online training to all volunteers. Depending on which position you are interested in we ask you to complete 8-12 hours of required training before starting. We encourage you to participate in many other training opportunities throughout your volunteer service with Literacy Source. All trainings are free and are open to all current Literacy Source volunteers. Check our Volunteer Trainings page for a list of online trainings.
-
What is the process for getting matched with a student?After your orientation, interview, and pre-service training, when a suitable student becomes available you will receive an email with information about the prospective student match. Students are selected based on shared availability, the interests and preferences you indicated during your volunteer interview, and the student priorities and needs. The student’s advisor will schedule a match meeting during which you and the student will get acquainted, set a schedule, agree on a tutoring contract, and begin discussing what you would like to work on together.
-
How much support will I receive as a tutor?In addition to the foundational trainings, when you are matched with a student you will meet with their instructional advisor who teaches their class. The advisor will provide you with teaching materials and be your main resource and support while you are tutoring. You will be invited to observe the class and to a class tutor cohort meeting once a term. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet with the class instructor and fellow tutors to discuss ideas and receive support. Literacy Source advisors are always available as a resource for help with lesson planning, library materials, and online resources.
-
How long are Literacy Source terms?We are on a quarter system; terms are usually 10 - 12 weeks long with a 2 - 3 week break in-between, when we register new students. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar.
-
How big are the classes at Literacy Source?Class sizes vary but usually they are around 20 students for both in-person and online classes.
-
Can I observe classes before I start volunteering?Yes! After attending an orientation and interview, we encourage you to observe any class you are interested in. You can view the current class schedule on the Literacy Source Google Drive.
-
What happens if I want to go on vacation or need to take a day off?If you are tutoring, you will manage your schedule with your student giving as much notice as you can about upcoming breaks. If you are assisting in a class we ask that you try to arrange your vacations to align with our term breaks but realize this is not always possible. For this reason, we have often have two class assistants in the class to cover days off and vacations.
-
Where can I park?There is a free parking in the lot behind the AKIN building, (enter from 32nd Ave NE). You may also park in any of the angled spaces on the south on the building (please do not park in the Jalisco lot).
-
Is there an age limit for volunteering?As our students are all adults, we ask that our volunteers be over the age of 18.
Volunteer Newsletter Archive
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