Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Literacy Partners! We’re excited to welcome you to our community of changemakers who are helping families build better futures through literacy.

Here’s How Parents Grow with Literacy Partners

As a volunteer, you support a powerful journey—helping parents build language skills, strengthen family bonds, and become leaders in their communities.




What volunteer opportunities are available?

We offer a variety of roles that support different interests, schedules, and skill sets. Opportunities are organized into five main categories:

1. Program Support

  • English for Parents (EFP) – Support immigrant parents in improving their English, understanding the U.S. school system, and advocating for their children.
  • Reading for Adults (RFA) – Help adult learners strengthen their foundational reading and literacy skills through one-on-one or small-group sessions. Please see our One Pager for more information about RFA & EFP sessions.
  • Books of Their Own (BOTO) – Support book distribution events and encourage family reading at home.

2. Communications & Development

  • Research funding prospects.
  • Proofread or copyedit communications materials.
  • Assist with donor outreach and fundraising events.

3. Outreach

Help promote our programs by flyering in the community, attending tabling events, and connecting with local organizations.

4. Micro-Volunteering
  • Translate learning materials (especially in Spanish, Chinese, and Urdu).
  • Serve as a guest speaker in our Power of Families workshops. Power of Families is a bimonthly workshop series for all students in the English for Parents program. In these sessions, we invite expert guest speakers to share their knowledge on topics aligned with our curriculum.

5. Corporate/Group Volunteering

One-time or special project-based opportunities are available. Great for team-building while giving back. Contact volunteer@literacypartners.org for more info.

I want to work directly with students. What should I sign up for?

Great! Volunteer roles in English for Parents (EFP) and Reading for Adults (RFA) will allow you to interact directly with learners in a meaningful and impactful way. Read more here.

What is my specific role as a volunteer when I work with students?

You will be their ally and facilitator. Create a safe, respectful space. Listen without judgment. Support their growth at their pace. Empower, don’t pressure.

What time commitment is required?
Most program roles require a commitment of 0.5–1 hour per week during a full semester (Fall or Spring). Other roles (like outreach, translation, and events) can be more flexible or one-time.

Do I need special skills?

Not necessarily! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The most important qualities are:

  • A commitment to our mission.
  • Patience, empathy, and trauma-informed perspective.
  • Basic digital literacy (for online programs via Zoom and Google Classroom).
  • Fluency in another language is a plus for some roles.

Training and support will be provided.

When is the next volunteer orientation?

Orientation sessions are held regularly, especially before each semester begins (Fall and Spring). After signing up in this portal, you will receive an invitation to the next available session.

What technology do I need?

For online roles, you will need:

  • A reliable internet connection
  • A computer or laptop with a camera
  • Familiarity with Zoom and Google Classroom (we’ll help you get comfortable with both!)

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be 18 years or older. For the RFA program, volunteers must be 22 years old.

I have an irregular schedule. Can I still help?

Yes! We offer several flexible opportunities such as:

  1. Hosting a book drive

  2. Organizing a fundraising event

  3. Translating materials

  4. Joining our TD Five Boro Bike Tour or TCS NYC Marathon team to raise funds and awareness

Reach out to us—we’d love to brainstorm a role that fits your availability.

How do I get started?

  1. Visit our Volunteer Hub
    Go to literacypartners.galaxydigital.com and create an account.
  2. Complete Prerequisites & Training
    Once registered, you’ll be guided through the required steps (like a short application and orientation).
  3. Wait for the Semester Start
    We match volunteers at the beginning of each semester. If you sign up mid-semester, we’ll save your spot for the next round.

    Watch this video for a tutorial: https://www.loom.com/share/2f39ea66c7144675bfb9cb477f747ba1?sid=563b70b9-fc08-4e3f-892d-b13ec91ef57d

I have initiated the background check. How long will it take until I can start volunteering?

Ideally, it should take no more than one week. You should also check your spam folder, as sometimes the result email might be categorized in the junk folder. However, in some circumstances, it might take longer than we anticipated. If you have not received your result in one week, please reach out to Putri at putria@literacypartners.org 


Still have questions?

Send an inquiry to volunteer@literacypartners.org 

We’re so excited you’re interested in joining our work! Together, we can help families achieve their dreams through the power of literacy.