Volunteers

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

Aquinas Literacy Center relies on volunteers to fulfill our mission of offering individualized instruction in the English language.

We welcome volunteers with the following skills:

 

•  Flexible
•  Friendly
•  Patient
•  Optimistic
•  Sense of Humor

 

Volunteer English Literacy Tutors

Volunteer English Literacy Tutors offer 90 minutes of weekly instruction to guide learners to greater English-language proficiency. Tutors serve as teachers and mentors to assist learners in advancing in English and achieving their personal and professional life goals. All instruction is in English; knowledge of a second language is not required.

 

To volunteer as an English Literacy Tutor at Aquinas Literacy Center, you must have the required qualifications:

•  At least 18 years of age
•  Native or near native English speaker
•  High School Diploma or GED
•  Available to tutor for 90 minutes at the same time each week during the Center’s hours
•  Dependable and prompt
•  Relate well to a variety of people
•  Able to maintain learner confidentiality

 

Roles and Responsibilities of Volunteer English Literacy Tutors:

•  Prepare and implement appropriate and relevant lessons based on learner’s individual needs and goals
•  Relate to the learner with sensitivity and compassion
•  Maintain detailed and accurate records of learner’s progress and other statistical information
•  Communicate with the Program Director regularly with questions or concerns and on learner progress

 

Time Commitment, Training and Development:

In addition to tutoring 90 minutes per week, Volunteer English Literacy Tutors must take time to prepare for lessons and to complete the required paperwork, which is approximately 30 minutes per week. Tutors are asked to commit to tutoring for at least 4 months. All prospective tutors are required to participate in a 13 hour pre-service training on-site. Tutors are strongly encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities offered 3+ times per year.

 

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

 

While our greatest need is for Volunteer English Literacy Tutors, we are looking for volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities, either on-going or one-time:

 

Computer Learning Center

Assist learners with Rosetta Stone

Help learners with resume writing, job applications, or basic computer skills

 

Volunteer Recruitment

Distribute recruitment materials

Assist with tutor recruitment efforts

Speak at local organizations/churches about your volunteer experience

 

Communications

Write or edit Aquinas Literacy Center publications

Make telephone calls (English, Spanish, Chinese and French)

Translate documents (English, Spanish, Chinese and French)

 

Office Support

Act as front desk receptionist

Assist with fundraising

Assist with mailings

 

Program Support

Maintain lending library

Data entry

Assist program staff with computer-based projects

 

Environment

Decorate bulletin boards

Assist with maintenance issues

 

Special Events

Family Literacy Night (November)

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (April)

Student Awards Celebration (June)

Planning a future benefit event

 

 

For more information about volunteering at Aquinas Literacy Center, please contact Sabrina Poulin, Volunteer Coordinator, at 773.927.0512 or sabrina@aquinasliteracycenter.org.

 

You may also fill out the form to the right and someone will be in contact with you.