Volunteer Opportunity Details:

As one of our basic literacy students said, "Without the help of Literacy Volunteers I know where I'd be -- sitting on the couch staring at a brick wall. Literacy Volunteers has given me the tools to break through that barrier, and for that I thank them."

LVM volunteers help adults acquire the literacy and English language skills that empower them to realize their goals. By improving their basic skills through tutoring, adults are better able to meet life's challenges, be self-sufficient, provide for their families, help their children with homework, read a daily newspaper, enjoy more independence and gain self-confidence.

Prospective volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation (2 hours) and successfully complete a tutor training in either basic literacy or ESOL (18 hours each) prior to being certified and matched with a student. Once certified, volunteers work one-to-one with a student for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 9 to 12 months at mutually convenient times and places in the community. Previous teaching experience or knowledge of another language is not required to be a tutor.

Tutors prepare individualized tutoring lessons that are student-centered and focus on the goals, skills, materials and content that are relevant and important to the student.

Volunteers and students receive ongoing support from LVM's professional staff. The varied support services include monthly contact, newsletters, additional trainings and other professional development opportunities, special recognition events, a reference and lending library, and personal assistance whenever needed.

Educational requirements: volunteers are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Training requirements: volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation (2 hours) and successfully complete a tutor training in either basic literacy or ESOL (18 hours). Trainings are intensive and include lecture, demonstrations, one-to-one practice sessions, group work and homework.

Please note that prior teaching experience or knowledge of a foreign language are not required.

Personal requirements: volunteers should be able to create a flexible, responsive, non-threatening and respectful learning experience, have an ability to work with diverse groups and possess a sensitivity to the struggles of adult learners, especially those with limited literacy and English language skills. Patience and sense of humor are also important.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Literacy Volunteers Of Massachusetts

We need volunteers who are free at these times Afternoons Weekdays Evenings Weekends Mornings This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Unpaid Interns Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25) Individual

Contact Person: Kirstin Griffiths, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace - North Market Boston, MA 02109 (See a map)

Directions:

LVM is a few minutes walk from the Green Line (Government Center or Haymarket), the Orange Line (State Street and Haymarket) and the Blue Line (Government Center and Aquarium).   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Government Center,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2   Nearest Bus Stop: none, none minute walk

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Allston Arlington Boston Brookline Cambridge Somerville
Counties:		Suffolk
Statewide:		Available throughout all of Massachusetts