Arlington Reads Volunteer Information Session

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Volunteer Information Session

Transcript of Arlington Reads Volunteer Information Session

Volunteer Information Session

About Us

Our Mission

Arlington Reads' mission is to increase

literacy rates in the Arlington community

by providing free and low-cost literacy

programs for adults, youth, and families.

About Us

Who We Are

Arlington Reads coordinates the literacy programs of

Arlington Public Library. Staff members are Arlington

Public Library employees and Americorps Vistas. We

rely on volunteers to serve as classroom teachers and

tutors.

About Us

Arlington Reads has provided GED preparation

classes for over 500 students. English as a Second

Language classes have helped students speak to their

child's teacher, understand utility bills, apply for jobs,

and be promoted in their place of employment.

Arlington Reads is an accredited member of

ProLiteracy, an international nonprofit organization

that supports literacy programs.

About Us

Grants continue to fund the majority of literacy

programs, and volunteers continue to be the backbone

of our programs and success!

A National & Local Perspective.

Literacy by the Numbers

Literacy by the Numbers

Literacy by the Numbers

50%Number of children

born to illiterate

parents who grow up

to become illiterate

adults.

Literacy by the Numbers

The economic impact of

low literacy rates in terms

of: non-productivity in

the workforce, crime, and

lost tax revenue due to

unemployment.

Literacy by the Numbers

The cost to Texas

taxpayers when a

person drops out

of school.

Literacy by the Numbers

21%The percentage of illiterate adults in

Dallas county.

14%The percentage of illiterate adults in Tarrant county.

Arlington Reads / GED

Arlington Reads / GED

Making a Difference in Your Community!

Volunteer Opportunities in…Literacy Programs GED Programs

Adult Literacy (ABE)

Texas Scottish Rite (TSR)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Computer Classes (CyberCoach)

Introduction to Computer Basics

Microsoft Office

Typing

Resume Creation

Pre-GED (5th – 8th grades)

Fundamental Mathematics

Science

Language Arts

Social Studies

GED (9th – 12th grades)

Math

Science

Language Arts

Social Studies

Arlington Reads

Volunteers Ask…Q. Do I need to be a teacher or have teaching experience?

A. No, teaching experience is not required to volunteer in our programs.

Volunteers Ask…Q. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to teach ESL?

A. No, our students come from countries all over the world. It is better if you speak English so they are immersed in the language!

Volunteers Ask…Q. What is the minimum age to volunteer with Arlington Reads?

A. 18 years old, is the minimum age for most Arlington Reads programs. Persons as young as 16 may be able to volunteer in certain CyberCoach positions.

Volunteers Ask…Q. What level of education is required to volunteer with Arlington Reads?

A.Our ESL, GED, and Adult Literacy

(ABE) programs require at least some college (usually 1 – 2 years).*

Students still in High School may volunteer in our CyberCoach program.*

Volunteers Ask…Q. What sort of time commitment is required?

A. 12 weeks – ESL, GED, Pre-GED.Ongoing – ABE & TSR.Ongoing/2x a month – CyberCoach.

We schedule classes according to volunteer availability!

Volunteers Ask…Q. Do you provide training and support for volunteers?

A. Yes! In-person or online orientation.* Curriculum & syllabus.* Access to computers and printers. On-going training opportunities. Volunteer networking opportunities. Volunteer recognition.

Why Volunteer?Let our volunteers tell you why!“I think a lot of people underestimate their own ability and what it means to others. It's gratifying to discover how a part of me that I take for granted enriches the lives of others in surprising ways.” – Dave P. (ESL)

“I was attracted to this program because the participants are genuinely motivated and working hard towards improving their lives with specific goals. My time is my most valuable resource, and in this program I can measure the impact of every hour I invest.” – Richard L. (Pre-GED)

Why Volunteer?Let our volunteers tell you why!

“Volunteering with Arlington Reads has allowed me to gain ESL classroom experience. Watching my students grow as they become more confident using English is truly rewarding.” – Maris R. (ESL)

“I've learned so much from my student…seeing that we are both about the same age we could relate to each other and that made learning fun.” -Megan C. (Pre-GED)

Why Volunteer?Let our volunteers tell you why!

“Arlington Reads is a marvelous program with dedicated personnel (staff and volunteers). Their impact will not only benefit individual lives but will significantly impact the Arlington community. – David L. (ABE)

“Volunteering is something I look forward to every week…” – Krystal C. (GED)

www.arlingtonlibrary.org/volunteer