Volunteers Make It Possible
There are four 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 A TEACHER OR TUTOR FOR THE ADULT LANGUAGE & LITERACY PROGRAMS
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Adult Language & Literacy Programs. You don’t need any prior teaching experience, only the desire to learn and help others learn. We use an interactive approach and create collaborative relationships with our learners. Our classes and tutoring take place online and at libraries and community centers throughout Tucson.
¿Hablas español y te gustaría ayudar a tu comunidad? ¡Estamos reclutando nuevos voluntarios!
Volunteer Classroom Teachers:
- Teach GED prep, computer basics, or English language classes for adult learners.
- May teach in either English or Spanish.
- Teach in-person or online by Zoom.
- Commit to meet on a set class schedule during each 8-week session.
Commit to a minimum of four sessions (about 1 year).
Volunteer 1:1 Tutors:
- Tutor adult learners one-on-one in basic literacy, math, or GED prep.
- May tutor in either English or Spanish.
- Tutor in-person at public locations or online by Zoom.
- Make a minimum 12-month commitment.
All Adult Programs volunteers attend our Foundations teacher training, to learn our student-centered and strengths-based approach to working with adult literacy and language learners.
We also have additional opportunities to provide career and employment support for adult learners. We have a variety of flexible and short-term volunteer positions in our Workforce Development Department. Click here for more info.
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 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 [email protected] or call us at 520-882-8006.
