VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT POSSIBLE

There are five main volunteer opportunities with Literacy Connects:

Watch the video below to learn more about our impactful programs and then be sure to sign up for an

Information Session to learn more about how to get involved as a volunteer!

Learn More About Our Volunteer Opportunities Below!


BECOME AN ADULT BASIC LITERACY TUTOR

Do You Identify as a Life-Long Learner? Do you want to know more about how learning occurs and how to guide others through the process? Adult Basic Literacy (ABL) is looking for volunteers to work with adult literacy and GED students. Volunteers engage with our learners online in class and/or 1:1. You’ll create collaborative relationships with learners, other volunteers, and staff (plus learn some things about yourself along the way!). Open minds, curious spirits, and flexible thinkers are welcome to apply, regardless of teaching experience.

Want to share this opportunity with others? Click here to grab a flier!

ABL Volunteers:

  • Teach literacy, basic computer, or GED prep classes online in English or Spanish for adult learners.
  • Tutor in-person or online by Zoom.
  • Make a minimum 12-month commitment. Classes and individual tutoring are year-round.
  • Commit to completing Foundations training and apprenticeship, as well as 8 hours of continuing education each year. 
  • Facilitate lessons based around thinking strategies and comprehension.

¿Hablas español y te gustaría ayudar a tu comunidad? ¡Estamos reclutando nuevos voluntarios!

BECOME AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION TEACHER

You don’t need any prior teaching experience, only the desire to learn and help others learn. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) program. Using an interactive team approach, ELAA volunteers teach classes for immigrant and refugee adults online and at libraries and community centers throughout Tucson. ELAA students collectively come from over 70 countries and speak more than 40 languages. ELAA volunteers, like ELAA students, come from many different backgrounds and are lifelong learners who enjoy meeting new people and learning about different cultures.

ELAA Volunteers:

  • Teach an English language class for refugee and immigrant adults
  • Make a minimum 4 session (1 year) commitment; classes are year round, twice a week on a set schedule
  • Facilitate interactive, student-centered practice focusing on English for everyday life
  • Are responsible for lesson preparation, teaching, and administrative tasks
  • Need basic computer skills and access to a computer

BECOME A READING SEED COACH

Reading Seed volunteers, called coaches, work one-to-one with students in kindergarten – 2nd grade and encourage a love of reading. Coaches are guided by their students’ interests and provide a non-judgmental environment in which children can explore books and stories of their choosing. By honoring their students’ knowledge and strengths, coaches help increase students’ confidence and help them identify reading as a positive, engaging experience.

Our most successful coaches are flexible, communicative, positive, and open to trying new things. The ideal candidate is joyful and approaches challenges with patience and a positive, strengths-based attitude. At Literacy Connects we consider ourselves to be lifelong learners and are looking for volunteers who are excited to learn as well.

Reading Seed Volunteers:

  • Meet one-to-one one with three students for 30 minutes each (90 minutes total) one day a week for one school year.
  • Coaching takes place in the school during regular school hours at times designated as least intrusive by the school.
  • Coaches travel to and from their designated school, as well as prepare for their weekly coaching sessions by selecting books and other literacy-related materials inspired by their students' interests.
  • Training, resources, ongoing learning opportunities, and support provided. Reading Seed also thrives on collaboration between volunteers in our supportive coach community.

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

LIBRARY


Note: We do not have a need for library volunteers at this time. Please check back in the fall of 2024 for more information.

If you love talking to people and helping them find the perfect books, then you would be a great library volunteer! These positions help volunteers and staff utilize our resources, including the free book area, library, and other program materials.

  • Minimum one year commitment
  • Minimum one four-hour shift per week
  • Library shifts are Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM

Our library book couriers help the Literacy Connects Library by delivering library and free books, as well as additional resources, to sites around Tucson.

ADMINISTRATION


Our front desk volunteers are friendly, outgoing, and love working with all types of people. They provide support for visitors, volunteers, students, and staff both in person and on the phone.

  • Minimum six month commitment
  • One four-hour shift per week
  • Front desk shifts are Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM

General Questions?

Email hello@literacyconnects.org or call us at 520-882-8006.

Literacy Connects © 2023

Literacy Connects is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Qualified Charitable Organization Code: 20553