“Let’s Read” Family Literacy Program Workshop Volunteer

The “Let's Read with Words Alive” Family Literacy Program is a six-week early literacy workshop series for children (ages 0-5) and their families. This program nurtures book-sharing habits at home by celebrating the power of play as we explore books, talk, write, and create art anchored in a new story each week. Parents learn research-based strategies to make reading aloud interactive and joyful, and every family receives six new books to keep. Sessions are delivered in English and/or Spanish, and there are both in-person and virtual sessions available.

Let's Read Workshop Volunteers meet kids and families where they are and help them on their journey to become lifelong learners. Volunteers assist the workshop instructor in running each session through a variety of tasks that may include supporting craft projects, taking attendance, answering questions from families, and checking that families have received their books and supplies.

Volunteers support the Let's Read Program Manager and Instructors in delivering early literacy sessions to young children and their families once per week for six weeks. Each session includes an interactive read aloud and tie-in craft.

The Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer position is available in both virtual and in-person (San Diego County only) roles.

We are in high need of Spanish-speaking volunteers.

Words Alive’s Family Program Manager is the primary staff contact and supervisor for Let’s Read Workshop Volunteers.

Responsibilities:

  • General Tasks include:

    • Taking participant attendance.

    • Participate in ongoing training related to their volunteer role.

    • Meet with program manager.

    • Review session information, provided by program manager or instructor.

    • Submit volunteer service hours.

  • In-person tasks include:

    • Support the instructor in leading craft projects.

    • Communicating with families via the application, Talking Points.

  • Virtual (Zoom) tasks include:

    • Assist participants with Zoom entry and troubleshooting.

    • Monitoring the chat, and respond to any participant questions or comments.

      Language translation as needed/when possible.

A great Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer:

  • Is able to cater their communication to various audiences, whether they be children or adults. Strong communication skills are essential.

  • Is positive, playful, comfortable engaging with program participants, whether in-person or virtual. 

  • Is friendly, likes to help children and families, and loves to learn.

  • Is focused, well-organized, and has an eye for detail.

  • Is reliable and punctual.

  • Is interested in bringing equity to and working with diverse communities and fostering an inclusive environment for program participants.

  • Is motivated to encourage the power of reading.

  • Is comfortable with technology and, if volunteering virtually, possesses basic knowledge of Zoom (video communications).

Commitment:

  • Position can be either virtual or in-person.

  • Volunteers assist the Let’s Read Program Manager and Instructors in delivering a six-week series of Family Literacy workshops. Sessions begin in mid-October, mid-February, and mid-April.

  • Volunteers commit to supporting at least one 45-60 min session per week for six weeks, days to be determined with partners/schools.  It is very important that the Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer is available for all sessions.

Requirements:

  • Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

  • Virtual:

    • Volunteers must provide their own computer and have access to the internet.

  • In-person:

    • Provide proof of COVID vaccination and complete COVID waiver.

    • Access to a reliable form of transportation to/from program delivery sites.

    • Submit a negative TB test from within the past four years.

Onboarding and Training:

  • Attend a 30-minute volunteer orientation and submit a volunteer application.

  • Review and sign volunteer handbook.

  • Complete a fingerprint background check.

  • Complete a 2-hour online training about preventing, identifying, and reporting child abuse and neglect.

  • Complete a 1.5-hour training on program fundamentals and using strengths-based, empowering language.

  • Attend a 1-hour training specific to the Let’s Read Family Literacy Program.