Requirements for Volunteers Working with Youth

 

Thank you for volunteering with Words Alive! On this page, please find the requirements for volunteering with children, teens, and families. There are five requirements for all volunteers and four additional requirements for in-person volunteers.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Live Scan Fingerprint Check

  • Please print this form and complete the applicant information. Bring the form with you to your chosen Live Scan location, as well as photo ID and a way to pay the fee ($15 government fee + a $18-$40 fee charged by the fingerprinting site. You may choose which site to visit).

  • To find a Live Scan location, visit https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. Scroll down and select your county. You may further refine by zip code by entering the zip code in the search bar.

  • Please email [email protected] when you have completed a Live Scan background check. Words Alive will notify you when your results come back, which is typically within 7 business days.

  • I’ve had an online background check through Sterling Volunteers - do I still need to get a fingerprint background check?
    Yes.

    I’ve volunteered for years but never had to get fingerprinted before - why now?
    Fingerprint background checks are required by new state legislation as well as updated contracts with our partner schools.

    What if I can’t afford the fees?
    Please contact [email protected] so we can investigate hardship funds.


    Who sees the results?
    Only the Custodians of Records. These are Words Alive employees authorized by the state to view background check results. Custodians of Records have been thoroughly background checked and undergone California Department of Justice training for the role.


    Will I have to repeat the fingerprinting process in the future?
    No. Once you have been fingerprinted, you will not need to repeat the process for any other Words Alive volunteer role.


    I’ve completed a Live Scan at another agency/school. Can you use those results?
    No. Live Scans are specific to the agency that ordered them. Words Alive cannot view background checks ordered by another organization.

    What do I bring with me when I get fingerprinted?
    Please bring photo ID, your Live Scan form (BCIA 8016) with the Applicant Information section completed, and a method of payment for the fees.


    Do you need my Live Scan form (BCIA 8016) after fingerprinting?
    No, Words Alive does not need the form.


    How long do my fingerprints stay on file? How do I terminate Words Alive’s access to my fingerprints?

    Your fingerprints will remain on file indefinitely with Words Alive and updated with new arrests/convictions. If you wish to be removed as an active volunteer so Words Alive no longer receives such updates, please send your request to [email protected] and allow 7 business days for processing. You will receive a confirmation email when Words Alive has processed your request.


    What if I don’t want to be fingerprinted?
    Please contact [email protected].

Attend a Words Matter Training

The Words Matter training was developed by Words Alive’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Taskforce to support volunteers in using asset-based language and strategies (including pronouns) during their volunteer service. This one-time training is 1.5 hours long and most sessions occur via Zoom.

There are different Words Matter trainings for new & returning volunteers:

- New volunteers attend a Words Matter training bundled with program fundamentals. Please click here to view dates and sign up.

- Returning volunteers attend a Words Matter training bundled with updates for the current year (new curriculum, logistics, etc.). Please click here to view dates and sign up.

  • Why do I need to complete this training?

    Words Alive seeks to ensure that every volunteer interacting with youth, as well as any volunteer creating curriculum to be used by families, has the tools needed to feel confident using strengths-based language, respecting diversity, and understanding that the children, teens, and families we serve come from many backgrounds and life experiences. Discussion, small group activities, and perspective-taking help develop real-life skills to use in your volunteer role.


    How do I sign up?
    New volunteers: Please click here to view dates and sign up.

    Returning volunteers: Please click here to view dates and sign up.


    How often do I need to complete this training?
    Words Matter training only needs to be completed one time, which will be logged in your volunteer file.

Review and Sign Words Alive Volunteer Handbook

Please review the Words Alive Volunteer Handbook. Print and sign the last page and either return to [email protected] or mail to 770 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. You may also email [email protected] for a link to sign the handbook electronically.

  • Why do I have to sign a handbook?
    The Volunteer Handbook sets expectations, describes essential safety policies, and establishes clear guidance for a variety of situations volunteers may encounter. A signature helps Words Alive know volunteers are familiar with the materials covered in the handbook and is also required by our insurance company.

    What if I disagree with something in the handbook?
    Please contact Words Alive’s Executive Director, Rachael Orose, at [email protected].

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Training

Please complete this self-paced training module prepared by the State of California. Allow up to two hours for the training. Should you need to walk away, you are able to pause and resume from where you left off.

When you have completed the training, you will receive a certificate of completion via email. The certificate is also available for download from the “Current Courses” page on your mandatedreporterca.com account. Please forward your certificate of completion to [email protected].

If you have documentation of similar training from past work or volunteer experience within the past two years, please email [email protected] since there is a good chance that will fulfill this requirement.

  • Why do we need to complete this training?

    Volunteers working with youth must complete this training to comply with state legislation and contracts with our partner schools. The safety of the children, teens, and families Words Alive serves is of utmost importance.


    I think I already sent you proof of a similar training but can’t recall for sure. How can I find out?

    Please email [email protected] and we will be happy to check.

Program-Specific Training

Each new volunteer working directly with children, teens, and families must complete a training specific to their program. Please click here to sign up for program trainings for new volunteers.

Each year, returning volunteers must attend a program update covering the current year’s books, curriculum, and best practices. We are currently combining these trainings with Words Matter trainings. Please click here to view upcoming trainings for returning volunteers.

  • If I’ve completed this training before, do I need to do it again?
    Yes. Program updates for returning volunteers cover new books and curriculum, as well as any logistical changes.


    If I volunteer in more than one program, do I need to attend a separate training for each program?
    Yes. The Family Literacy, Read Aloud, and Adolescent Book Group trainings cover different material.


    Do I need to complete this before starting in the classroom?
    Yes.

All Words Alive volunteers must wear a badge while in a school or partner site. Please email the following to [email protected]:

  • A clear photo of yourself from the shoulders up

  • The name you would like printed on your badge (for instance, Jo instead of Joanna)

  • Your pronouns (she/hers, they/them, he/him, etc.)

  • The program you volunteer with (Family Literacy Program, Read Aloud Program, Adolescent Book Group)

Words Alive ID Badge*

*In-Person Volunteers only

  • How do I get my ID badge?
    Your program manager will coordinate with you.


    What if I lose my badge?
    Please ask your program manager for a replacement.

    Who is my program manager?
    Family Literacy Program: Dr. Faryl Kander
    Read Aloud Program: Vichittra (Vee) Chaleune
    Adolescent Book Group: Marisol Vasquez

Negative TB Test*

*In-person volunteers only

Provide documentation of a negative tuberculosis test from within the past four years to [email protected] or by mail to 770 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. Please note these must be medical tests (skin, blood, etc.).

  • How often do I need a new TB test?

    The TB test Words Alive has on file expires four years after the test was conducted.

    My TB test results can be viewed in my online medical portal - is this sufficient documentation?
    Yes, as long as your name, date of test, and negative results are visible. Screenshots are okay as long as they contain this information.


    Can I submit a TB risk assessment?
    No, Words Alive can no longer accept TB risk assessments.

Proof of COVID Vaccination*

*In-person volunteers only

In order to volunteer in person with children, teens, and families, Words Alive volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please email a copy of your COVID vaccination card to [email protected]. A picture taken with your phone is fine. You may also download your digital vaccination record from the State of California here!

  • Why do I have to show proof of vaccination?

    The safety of the children, teens, and families Words Alive serves is of utmost importance. Additionally, COVID vaccination is required to comply with state legislation and contracts with our partner schools.


    What if I’m not vaccinated?
    Please contact [email protected] for other volunteer opportunities.

    What is fully vaccinated?
    Please consult the CDC’s website for guidance on the definition of fully vaccinated.

Sign COVID Waiver*

*In-person volunteers only

Please print and sign this COVID waiver. Print and sign the last page and either return to [email protected] or mail to 770 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. You may also email [email protected] for a link to sign electronically.