There has never been a greater need for volunteering in support of literacy. Volunteers are a vital part of the literacy movement, which is building stronger communities across the country by meeting the needs of those with specific literacy challenges.
Volunteering lets you put your unique skills and interests to work and helps you share the excitement that reading, writing and successful communication bring to a person's life. When you give your time and expertise to literacy, you get back: the satisfaction of improving lives and entire communities; new skills and personal growth; and even a little something to add to your resume.
Tools To Do More:
Free Online Courses – Thinkfinity Literacy Network is here to support you with online courses that give you the skills you need to be an effective literacy volunteer.
Skills You Need – While each volunteer responsibility calls for different skills, all require the following:
- Time
Volunteering doesn't require an incredible amount of time, but merely a strong commitment to whatever amount your schedule can accommodate. - Commitment
Follow-through is a must! Literacy students may have dealt with frustration in previous education experiences and will be depending on you to not let them down. - Willingness to Learn
Be willing to share your skills, but also be willing to learn about your local program, its mission, the people it serves and other volunteers' experiences. - Regular/Open Communication
Be clear about your needs from the start. Keep program staff informed about what you're doing and how they can support you. - Sensitivity
Literacy students have strong feelings: possible embarrassment about a lack of skills, anger about prior treatment, frustration over supporting a family on minimum wage, etc. Their behaviors, beliefs and values may differ from yours. They need support and understanding as they improve their lives. You must accept them and their goals. - Affirmation
Students bring a variety of strengths, skills and learning experiences with them. They need you to affirm their strengths and help them find ways to build on their strengths.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities available near you, click here.
Verizon Foundation
Our mission is to help solve serious social issues and to effect positive change in the communities where we live, work and do business. Our focus is 21st Century education and literacy, and on safety and health.
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