Volunteer With Us
We depend on our literacy volunteers. Come meet inspiring adults with diverse experiences and make a difference their lives.
Volunteer
About Volunteering
Help Change Lives Through Literacy
Our learners are waiting for you! You don’t need prior teaching experience, only your enthusiasm, patience, and compassion.
As a Beyond Literacy (BeLit) volunteer, you can expect to:
- Attend a volunteer orientation session
- Volunteer 3-hrs per week
- Receive full support from a staff member assigned to you
- Have opportunities for coaching and additional training
- Have your choice of in-person or remote volunteer opportunities
- Receive recognition and invitations to our special events throughout the year
- Make a difference in someone’s life!
Positions
Volunteer Opportunties
Class Aide
* BeLit’s most in-need volunteer position
Description
Assist students in your preferred subject area and support their teacher by running breakout sessions or offering individual student enrichment as needed. Prior teaching experience not required.
Time Commitment
Class Aides commit to volunteering in the same 3-hour class at a set time each week. Virtual (day or evening) or in-person (day).
Training Requirement
Before starting to volunteer, potential class aides will complete an interest form, a phone screening, and orientation.
Other Requirements
BeLit will assist all Class Aides with receiving background clearances prior to beginning.
English Language Partner
Description
Help our intermediate to advanced English language learners practice conversation skills. Training is provided along with prompts and tip sheet.
Time Commitment
Minimum Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month. In-person or Virtual
Training Requirement
No training required. Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy.
Professional Development Mentor
Description
Work one-to-one with an adult student to review or update their resume, practice job interview skills, or discuss local industries, workplace skills and culture.
Time Commitment
Minimum Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month. In-person or Virtual
Training Requirement
Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy.
Student Support Workshop Presenter
Description
Facilitate power skill workshops to support our adult learners. Facilitators often have industry-specific experience and must be comfortable working with adults returning from incarceration, immigrant populations, and those with diagnosed mental or physical disabilities.
Time Commitment
Minimum Time Commitment: 1 half day session annually. In-person or Virtual.
Training Requirement
Volunteers will receive background information and tips for success prior to the session.
Adult Learning Tutor
Description
Tutor an individual or small group of adults who are learning basic literacy skills and language skills. Training, materials and lesson planning support are provided.
Time Commitment
Minimum Time Commitment: 3 hours per week. In-person preferred, not required.
Training Requirement
Before starting to volunteer, tutors will complete an interest form, a phone screening, and training (approximately 3-5 hours), followed by online training modules on tutoring students for Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math) or English language skills.
Other Requirements
BeLit will assist all Volunteer Tutors with receiving background clearances prior to beginning.
Volunteer as a Member of YFAB!
BeLit’s Young Friends Advisory Board is comprised of literacy allies who share a passion for uplifting their fellow Philadelphians with the transformative power of education. Through volunteerism and community engagement, YFAB makes meaningful connections and change for striving adults citywide.
