Volunteers
Volunteers are the foundation of our learning community. Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in the success of the Project Read program.
Visit the Learner’s Gallery to see what students have accomplished with the support of our volunteers.
Why volunteer?
Many people in Parkdale have trouble with everyday reading and writing. Our volunteers tell us that helping people improve their literacy skills is a great way to give something back to their community and to meet a variety of interesting people. Even though they are the ones doing the teaching, they say that they always learn from their students.
What can I do?
There are several ways to get involved as a volunteer with Parkdale Project Read.
To learn more about literacy and education, visit our Resources section.
You can volunteer to be:
- A one-to-one tutor,
- A learning group facilitator, or
- A board member.
Please see Groups & Projects for details about the different learning groups.
There are also volunteer opportunities when we have special events and workshops. The What’s New section will keep you up-to-date on current and future events.
How can I join?
Tutor or Group Facilitator
There is a three-step process to becoming a one-to-one tutor or group facilitator. You need to:
Complete the Volunteer Tutor Application located under the Volunteer link at the top of the page, or call us at 416 531 6308 to set up an appointment to complete it.
- Bring it in to Parkdale Project Read, mail or fax it to us (please see the Contact page for details),
- Complete an interview with the one of our staff, and
- If accepted, enroll for mandatory training/orientation.
You do not need any specific educational background or previous teaching experience.
Board Member
Before becoming a Board Member at Parkdale Project Read, it is recommended that you have put in at least one year of volunteerism with the organization. Once you have volunteered with us, you need to:
- Provide us with your resume and a letter indicating your interest in the Board of Directors (please email us at projectread2@bellnet.ca or call us at 416 531 6308 to arrange an interview) and bring it in to Parkdale Project Read, mail or fax it to us (please see the Contact page for details),
- Have an interview with a panel of Project Read Board and staff, and
- If accepted, attend our Annual General Meeting and attend a yearly Board orientation.
You do not need past board experience.
What is the commitment?
Volunteering in any capacity takes a commitment of time and energy. Students in the program need stability in their relationships with the volunteers. We ask that all volunteers commit to working with us for at least one year.
The minimum commitments are listed below:
Tutor or Group Facilitator
Training/orientation – 15 hours
Support meetings – 2-4 per year
Tutoring/Facilitating – 2-3 hours per week
Note: Being a Group Facilitator is a larger responsibility than a one-to-one tutor. You cannot reschedule group meeting times – you need to be there at the same time every week. And it takes facilitation skills in addition to tutoring skills to successfully work with a learning group.
Board Member
Orientation – 3-6 hours
Board duties – 6-9 hours per month (depending on the number of committees you are on)
Additional support – special events support