Volunteers

A quality family literacy program may recruit, train and support volunteers to contribute in meaningful ways.

Ask yourself how these statements apply to your program.

Our family literacy program has volunteers who…

  1. are recruited in a variety of ways, including from our former program participants, fostering a sense of community involvement.
  2. complete an application form, are screened and given a police check.
  3. are interviewed by program staff to ensure they have appropriate skills, experience, attitudes and beliefs to bring to a family literacy program, and to clarify their own interests and reasons for wanting to volunteer.
  4. receive an orientation to the agency, its mission and policies, and written volunteer job descriptions clearly describing their tasks and responsibilities.
  5. are asked to make a commitment to volunteer in a certain role for a particular time period, after which they may have opportunities to move into other appropriate positions.
  6. receive training in family literacy so they are prepared to use their skills, attitudes and beliefs most effectively for the work they do.
  7. are provided with the materials and resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and are repaid for any program expenses authorized in advance.
  8. enjoy healthy relationships with staff. They get ongoing support with constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
  9. are asked to contribute their ideas and suggestions for improving the program, based on their own involvement.
  10. work only with groups of participants and are never left alone with an individual child (to ensure the safety of children and reduce the risk of any liability).
  11. are able to contribute in meaningful ways whether or not they are able to read and write well themselves.
  12. are assured their hours are accurately recorded and that they may ask for and receive letters of reference or support based on their work in the program.
  13. are never expected to undertake the roles and responsibilities of our paid, qualifi ed, professional staff.
  14. have opportunities to interact with other volunteers on a regular basis such as quarterly or semi-annually.
  15. are recognized by the agency for their contributions in appropriate ways that are meaningful to them.