VOLUNTEER FAQ
GENERAL
Q: What volunteer programs are available? We offer two programs: English for Parents (EFP), where you serve as a Conversation Partner helping immigrant parents improve their English, and Reading for Adults (RFA), where you serve as a Reading Tutor supporting adult emergent readers in foundational reading skills (K1–K4 level). When signing up, let us know which program interests you!
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions? Please check our FAQ. If your question isn’t answered, please contact the volunteer coordinator to schedule a quick 15–30 minute session to answer any questions.
COMMITMENT
Q: How often do I need to volunteer? This program requires a weekly commitment throughout the session from September until June 2026.
Q: What if I can't commit weekly? No problem! We also have occasional volunteer opportunities. Let your coordinator know, and she'll reach out when those openings arise.
Q: Can I join mid-semester? Yes! Volunteers who join mid-semester are still welcome.
ONBOARDING
Q: What do I need to complete before I can start volunteering? There are three required steps:
Background Check — Complete at https://coeusglobal.com/council_nynpcc_literacy. You can pay personally ($6.95) or have Literacy Partners cover it.
Sexual Harassment Training (~30 min) — Complete athttps://www.nyc.gov/assets/cchr/training/english/index.html and email a screenshot of your completion certificate to volunteer@literacypartners.org
Volunteer Training Form — Watch the onboarding video, complete the training form, and pick your schedule via the Volunteer Training link.
Q: How much does the background check cost? The background check costs $6.95. You can choose to pay personally or select the option for Literacy Partners to cover it.
Q: How do I submit proof of my sexual harassment training? After completing the training, email a screenshot of your completion certificate to your coordinator.
Q: What happens after I complete all onboarding steps? Your coordinator will send you program-specific next steps. For EFP, you'll be connected with your classroom teacher. For RFA, you'll be invited to observe a class before being paired with a student.
ENGLISH FOR PARENTS (EFP)
Q: What is the EFP program? EFP provides free English classes to immigrant parents who want to improve their English for professional development and to better support their children's education. As a volunteer, you'll serve as a Conversation Partner using slides during live Zoom sessions.
Q: Do I need to know how to share my screen on Zoom? Yes — screen sharing is essential since you'll be presenting slides each session. If you need practice, your coordinator can schedule a 15–30 minute session before your first class.
Q: How will I be connected to my classroom teacher? After confirming your Zoom screen-sharing readiness and completing onboarding, your coordinator will introduce you to your classroom teacher and share the class link.
READING FOR ADULTS (RFA)
Q: What is the RFA program? RFA provides foundational reading instruction to emergent adult learners building reading and writing skills at a K1–K4 level. As a volunteer, you serve as a Reading Tutor working with students to build their skills and confidence.
Q: Do I need to observe a class before I start tutoring? Yes. You'll observe a session first on a Tuesday or Wednesday at 7:30 PM EST via Zoom. Please ask your coordinator. Please also inform the teacher that you’re observing that week, using the same link the next week you can start tutoring.
Q: When will I be paired with a student? You'll be paired with a student the week after your observation, once you've reviewed the materials and feel comfortable.
Q: Where do I find RFA training materials? Please ask your coordinator
Q: What if I have questions after observing? Your coordinator will follow up after your observation to check in and confirm your access to Google Classroom.
