Are you a detail-oriented person who is interested in making things look organized and consistent? If you are, please join our curriculum crew as a curriculum designer to make our edited curriculum guides ready for the families and children at Words Alive. We will provide different guide templates for you based on the project you are formatting. Volunteers in this role must complete a virtual curriculum training and have access to Microsoft Word on their computers.
Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer
Inspire Families with Young Children to Love Reading
High need for Haitian Creole Speaking Volunteers!
A Words Alive Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer supports our Family Literacy Program, which we are committed to making highly accessible for the parents, families, and partners we serve. Let’s Read Workshop Volunteers meet children and families where they are with engaging programming and valuable resources that will set them on a path to become life-long learners.
Through our Let's Read program, we nurture 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. This program is developmentally appropriate for kids ages 3-8 years old, delivered in English and Spanish and includes copies of the books for each child to keep.
A Words Alive Family Literacy Program Teaching Artist delivers high-impact programming in a way that is most accessible by the parents, families, and partners we serve. Teaching Artists help families with small children learn why exploring books is important for child development and ways to make it a fun family habit while ensuring families build their home libraries. Words Alive Teaching Artists meet children and families where they are, with engaging programming and valuable resources that will set them on a path to become a life-long learner.
Through our Let's Read with Words Alive Family Literacy program we nurture 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. This program is developmentally appropriate for kids ages 3-8 years old, delivered in English and Spanish and includes copies of the books for each child to keep.
A Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer is:
A positive, playful person who can engage with, virtually or in-person, a room of adults and their children.
Friendly, likes helping people and loves to learn.
Well-organized and pays attention to the details. They stay focused and can think on their feet.
Reliable and always on time, since consistency is key when helping families build new habits.
Committed to eyes-wide-open focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Deeply motivated by the power of reading!
A Let’s Read Workshop Volunteer supports the Let’s Read Program Manager and Instructors in delivering a 6-week series of once a week 45-60 minute sessions, which include an interactive read aloud and accompanying craft. For workshops delivered in person, responsibilities include supporting craft projects, classroom communication, book and supply drop offs as needed. Virtual responsibilities may include but are not limited to monitoring the chat, language translation as needed/when possible, and book deliveries to families.
Let’s Read Workshop Volunteers are not required to lead sessions and may often work in partnership with the Program Manager and Instructor to deliver the programming. In fact, no previous classroom experience is necessary!
Training, curriculum, and all accompanying materials are provided by the Program Manager.
Note: We have a high need for Spanish-speaking and Haitian Creole-speaking Let’s Read Workshop Volunteers.
Commitment:
Fall and Winter 2023: Six-week sessions begin in October and February (includes a 1/2-day volunteer training and supporting delivery of one 45-minute session per week for 6 weeks, days to be determined with partners/schools).
Required Paperwork and Training:
Volunteers will need to submit a completed application
Volunteers must be 18 years or older
Attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation for all Words Alive volunteers
Complete a background check
Complete an online training about preventing, identifying, and reporting child abuse and neglect
Attend 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
*(In-person commitment) COVID requirements: provide proof of full vaccination and complete COVID waiver.
*(In-person commitment) Submit a negative TB test.
To Get Started: Email [email protected] or call us at 858-274-9673 to sign up for the next orientation and training.
Adolescent Book Group Volunteer Facilitator
Do you love provoking thoughtful discussions, wrestling with deep topics in text aloud and in writing, and helping teenagers make connections to one another and the world around them? We’d love to have you volunteer to support our Adolescent Book Group Program (ABG)! Through reading new, diverse novels; engaging projects; writing workshops; and discussion sessions, teens in our Adolescent Book Group enhance their critical thinking skills, self-esteem and ability to express themselves.
Our Adolescent Book Group program serves 300-500 teenagers in schools and after-school programs throughout San Diego each year. Many of the teens with whom we work are facing extraordinary life circumstances such as homelessness, violence, teen pregnancy and impact by the justice system. Words Alive's commitment to reading diverse and relevant texts provides an avenue for program participants to connect books to themselves and the world while changing the story of their life.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work with amazing teens IN-PERSON at sites in San Diego for our Fall 2023 Programming.
Volunteer facilitators lead every other week book group discussions with teens using Words Alive discussion guides and enrichment materials to ensure that program goals are met.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
Read designated books prior to attending the monthly discussion group.
Attend all ABG monthly (or every six-week) book discussion groups.
Using Words Alive discussion questions, facilitate the 60 or 90-minute book group discussions each month (or every six-weeks)
Prepare enrichment materials in advance of discussions.
Encourage open communication among volunteers and program participants.
Support an environment where all program participants feel engaged and safe.
Use inclusive language
Attend all Words Alive sponsored in-service trainings, workshops, and appreciation events.
Communicate regularly with Words Alive staff, school sites, and other volunteers.
Ideal Volunteers Should:
· Enjoy reading young adult literature
· Be comfortable engaging in conversation with teens, often wrestling with topics of interest to teens
· Be culturally sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of our students
· Have reliable transportation
· Have a positive attitude
Hours and Locations:
Volunteers work with a team of other volunteers at an assigned school site in San Diego. Volunteers typically spend 2-5 hours per month. Classroom sessions are 60-75 minutes every other week, with the remainder of the time is spent reading the book and prepared guides.
Required Paperwork and Training:
· Volunteers will need to submit a completed application
· Volunteers must be 18 years or older
· Attend a 1-hour volunteer orientation for all Words Alive volunteers
· Complete a background check
· Attend a 2-hour training specific to the Adolescent Book Group program
· COVID requirements: provide proof of full vaccination, complete COVID waiver, comply with school requirements regarding masks.
· Submit a negative TB test.
To Get Started: Email [email protected] or call us at 858-274-9673 to sign up for the next orientation and training.
Read Aloud Volunteer Classroom Reader
Read Aloud with Children and Inspire Life-Long Learners
Do you enjoy reading aloud to young kids? Share your love of reading with young children! The Words Alive Read Aloud Program (RAP) operates on the knowledge that reading aloud to young children is the most important thing we can do to help them become motivated, strong readers. Every month the Read Aloud Program serves approximately 2,000 preschool and elementary school students attending Title I (low-income) elementary schools. Many students we serve live in communities with limited educational resources.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to provide stimulating, shared-reading experiences in our preschool and elementary classrooms IN-PERSON. Our Fall 2023 Programming will start the second week of October.
Our Read Aloud Program volunteers provide weekly shared-reading experiences to help these young students develop the cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills necessary to be successful adults. No prior teaching experience is necessary; curriculum guides offering themed example questions, group activities, and useful tips and tricks for an engaging reading session will be provided to support volunteers in preparing for their sessions.
Goals and Outcomes:
Read Aloud volunteers work to build healthy reading habits, encourage reading comprehension, boost phonological awareness, and provide opportunities for self-expression and world exploration. We explore new and diverse texts using five anchors, read, talk, sing, play, and connect to help foster the love of reading.
Ideal Volunteers Should:
· Enjoy reading
· Be comfortable spending time with young children
· Be culturally sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of our students
· Have reliable transportation
· Have a positive attitude
Hours and Locations:
We have in-person volunteer positions available to support children across San Diego County.
Volunteers work remotely at an assigned school site. Volunteers typically spend 30 minutes per classroom reading and providing fun, educational activities. Commitment varies by site; most volunteers commit to 2 or more classes weekly. Preparation for reading sessions can be done in as little as 15 minutes.
Currently, we are seeking out individuals who would be interested in volunteering at these particular school sites:
Carver Elementary, Oak Park
Hamilton Elementary, City Heights
Harriet Tubman Village Charter, College Area
Ibarra Elementary, City Heights
Rolando Park Elementary, Rolando Park
Required Paperwork and Training:
· Volunteers will need to submit a completed application
· Volunteers must be 18 years or older
· Attend a 1-hour volunteer orientation for all Words Alive volunteers
· Complete a fingerprint background check
· Attend a 2-hour training specific to the Read Aloud Program
· COVID requirements: provide proof of full vaccination, complete COVID waiver, and (if required by school) wear masks during in-person sessions.
· Submit a negative TB test.
To Get Started: Email [email protected] or call us at 858-274-9673 to sign up for the next orientation and training.
Appreciation Architect
Words Alive is seeking passionate, energetic, and creative volunteers to support the Volunteer Engagement Team at Words Alive. The Volunteer Engagement Team supports the organization with onboarding new volunteers, tracking volunteer activity for grant reporting purposes, and implementing new volunteer appreciation strategies. Appreciation Architects are responsible for implementing volunteer recognition and appreciation strategies organization-wide.
Duties and Responsibilities
Prepare monthly birthday card appreciation campaign.
Recognize volunteers based on service contributions.
Work collaboratively with the Storytelling team to spotlight standout volunteers.
Certify hours verification requests.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements and Qualifications
Passionate, energetic, creative personality.
Has to provide their own computer and have access to the internet.
Experience with or desire to learn Donorview, Canva, Microsoft Excel
Training will be provided.
Engagement Analyst
Words Alive is seeking passionate, energetic, and welcoming volunteers to support the Volunteer Engagement Team at Words Alive. The Volunteer Engagement Team supports the organization with onboarding new volunteers, tracking volunteer activity for grant reporting purposes, and implementing new volunteer appreciation strategies. Engagement Analysts are responsible for conducting hour submission outreach and tracking volunteer engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct hours outreach to a portfolio of teams within Words Alive.
Track volunteer participation and engagement.
Organize and maintain records of volunteer service in Donorview.
Send correspondence to volunteers as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements and Qualifications
Has to provide their own computer and have access to the internet.
Comfortable sending correspondence to volunteers.
Experience with or desire to learn Donorview
Training will be provided.
Pathfinder
Words Alive is seeking passionate, energetic, and welcoming volunteers to support the Volunteer Engagement Team at Words Alive. The Volunteer Engagement Team supports the organization with onboarding new volunteers, tracking volunteer activity for grant reporting purposes, and implementing new volunteer appreciation strategies. Pathfinders are responsible for meeting with potential volunteers to help screen them for placement within the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities
Schedule appointments with potential volunteers as needed.
Answer questions about programs, roles, and participation requirements.
Connect potential volunteers with Words Alive staff and Lead Volunteers for placement.
Answer general volunteerism inquiries.
Requirements and Qualifications
Must be 18 years or older, or have an updated youth volunteer waiver on file.
Passionate, energetic, welcoming personality.
Has to provide their own computer, Google Voice account and have access to the internet.
Comfortable speaking about all of Words Alive’s programs and volunteer roles (or learning to!)
Experience with or desire to develop public speaking skills.
Comfortable with 1:1 phone conversations with potential volunteers.
Training will be provided.
Thank You Troop Steward
Are you looking for a feel-good volunteer opportunity? Do you want to make someone’s day? Join the Thank You Troop at Words Alive to help show appreciation for donors of all levels. Thank You Troop Stewards support a number of recognition campaigns during the year. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to support your community, look no further!
Words Alive is seeking warm, welcoming, and engaging volunteers to join the Words Alive Thank You Troop! The Thank You Troop supports donor stewardship for the organization by conducting recognition campaigns throughout the year. Help us let our community know how much we appreciate them by thanking them for their ongoing support!
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct thank you calls to donors
Support various appreciation campaigns as needed
Requirements and Qualifications
Passionate, organized personality.
Understanding of the role donors play within a nonprofit organization
Estimated time commitment is estimated to 1 – 3 hours per week
Curriculum Crew: Translation Station
Did you know there are nearly 60 languages spoken at home by families in San Diego County alone? Help families build healthy reading habits and skillsets by translating existing Words Alive resources into other languages. This project will allow Words Alive to provide resources to more students and families than ever before! We are currently looking for volunteer support to translate resources into Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Korean, Portuguese, Somali, and Vietnamese.
Volunteers in this role must complete a virtual curriculum training.
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Prepare Crafts for Families
Local to San Diego County? Help prepare crafting materials for our Family Literacy Program in a bag! Each bag includes a book and craft tie-in activity to help families build healthy reading habits at home. Pick up the materials from us and prepare them in the comfort of your own home. Drop them off when you're finished!
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Book Delivery
Local to San Diego County and have a truck or SUV? Help get books to the children who need them by transporting boxes of books to our community partners for distribution.
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Book Sorting
Local to San Diego County? Sort and box incoming book donations for distribution to our community partners at the Words Alive office. Strict social distancing will be enforced in accordance with CDC standards.
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Book Drives
Words Alive is committed to providing books to children in our community. Right now, the need is greater than ever and we need your help to replenish our bookshelves! Host a book drive on our behalf by collecting new children's books from your family, friends, colleagues, and community networks!
Curriculum - Editor
Words Alive volunteers write curriculum guides to teach books and stories to their students. Help Words Alive get curriculum guides ready for program use by editing new guides for content, grammar, and formatting. Volunteers in this role must complete a virtual curriculum training.
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Curriculum - Writer
Words Alive program volunteers and teachers use curriculum guides to teach books and stories to their students. Help Words Alive by writing curriculum guides full of discussion questions, activities, and creating writing prompts to help students build text to self and text to world connections. Volunteers in this role must complete a short, virtual training, as well as acquire and read the assigned book.
We have a high need for Graphic Novel Curriculum Writers to support the growing demand for more fresh, relevant graphic novels from adolescents in our book group program.
Interested? Click here to sign up for a volunteer orientation!
Page Turners
We receive dozens of book recommendations from our volunteers, teachers, and community partners for titles they think would be a strong fit for our programs. We pride ourselves on selecting the most contemporary, diverse, relevant, and engaging texts we can get our hands on for our programs. That’s where passionate readers, like you, come in! By reading and reviewing titles from our recommendation list, you help us determine which books should be added to our program curriculum. All ages are welcome to participate!
Interested? Click here to review our reading list and sign up for a book!
Virtual Book Drive
Words Alive is committed to providing books to children in our community. Right now, the need is greater than ever. Help replenish our bookshelves so Words Alive can continue to distribute books to children in need across our community. Host a virtual book drive on behalf of Words Alive by sharing our wish list with your networks.
Social Media Squad
Are you interested in writing copy, analytics, video editing, or graphic design? Join the Social Media Squad to help develop and schedule content for Words Alive's social media feeds. By developing engaging content for Words Alive, you will help keep students, families, volunteers, and donors informed and engaged with the work our organization is doing virtually and across San Diego County!