Invest in a life!
Whatever your skills, interests and amount of free time, the Columbus Literacy Council has a special place for you as a volunteer. When you volunteer with the CLC you not only help someone else, you can bring richness and a new dimension to your own life.
Once I retired I knew I wanted to give something back to my community. As a CLC tutor I not only share my skills but I learn just as much as my students. In the ESOL classroom I have learned so much about other cultures. It's fascinating to me.
Arnold Alpert--Basic Literacy and ESOL tutor.
Once my children went off to college I realized the need to do something worthwhile with my time. The past five years I've tutored one-on-one and in the classroom. I can't express what a truly fulfilling experience this has been for me. What could be more important than teaching adults to read, especially when the students are so eager and committed to learning.
Nancy Simon - Basic Literacy Tutor
I really like my internship at CLC because it has allowed me to help others and to gain work experience by coordinating CLC participation in special events such as the Columbus International Festival and by helping with newsletters and fund-raising.
Cheryl Evans - Senior Communications Major, Capital University
When work had dulled interest in practicing design I found that volunteering for the CLC brought back my enjoyment. It's a good feeling to know that doing something you enjoy can help others as well.
Mark DuPrey--Support Volunteer
Opportunities to volunteer
Basic Literacy Tutoring
By being a basic literacy tutor you can help an adult learn the skills to live independently in a world filled with print - complete a job application, use a checking account, follow road signs, and experience the joy of reading information for pleasure.
ESL/ESOL Tutoring
As an ESL/ESOL (English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutor you can help a non-English speaking adult overcome the language barrier and adjust to a new life. You need not know the other language. CLC will train you to teach English conversation, reading, and writing.
Reading Enhancement for the Adult Deaf (R.E.A.D.)
As a tutor in the R.E.A.D. program you can help a deaf adult learn to live independently in a reading world. Tutors working with the adult deaf must be comfortable using American Sign Language (ASL).
Support
Help by providing office assistance, participating in fund raising or promotional activities with newsletters and other publications.
Special skills
If you have special skills like public speaking, marketing, writing, or graphic design that might be useful to the CLC then let us know. We need help in many areas and you might be able to provide it.
Training & Support
Regardless of the role chosen, you will receive training appropriate to your position. Tutors participate in professional and comprehensive training. Columbus Literacy Council's award-winning trainers have conducted trainings all over the United States.
Even after you've started volunteering you'll receive ongoing support and training. CLC offers regular educational presentations and tutor-support group meetings and the CLC staff are always available to discuss any questions and concerns with you.
On Speaking and Cultural Terms: A Practical Guide to Culture and Language for ESOL Teachers, published by the Northeast ABLE Resource Center is a useful workbook to assist in teaching English pronunciation. Culture and language background information is given for twenty seven language groups. Common pronunciation problems are highlighted and language exercises are given for practicing English sounds in context. The book is available for check out from the Columbus Literacy Council Computer Lab. Or you can print out the pages that are specific to your English language learners' pronunciation needs.