Volunteering at Literacy Chicago​

Why volunteer with Literacy Chicago?
Most people who volunteer with us become tutors and teachers for our ESL , Citizenship, Adult Literacy students. We are also looking for people to tutor Digital Literacy and Math.
Most of our volunteers join Literacy Chicago because they want to help someone. They stay because of what they get back!

What will be expected of me?      
We expect our tutors to meet with their students for at least an hour once or twice a week and for a minimum of 6 to 9 months. Tutors can meet with their students at 641 West Lake, Suite 104 or at any agreed upon public place. 
We understand that our volunteers have lives and have their own schedules. We can work with you to figure out what is the best fit for you!
What are the benefits? 
By volunteering with Literacy Chicago, you will be helping someone learn to improve their skills, which is often life changing. Our students are extremely grateful to their volunteer tutors. Lifelong friendships are often created between tutors and their students as well as with other volunteers!

In addition, recent studies show that volunteering is one of the best things you can do for your mental health! It has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life, according to Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.  Click below to sign up!

Click here to Volunteer!

Tutor Training Sessions

15-Hour Tutor Training
Required (and fun!)
(See training dates below)

Training is provided, so even if you have no experience, we will teach you everything you need to know to start tutoring either/or an ESL student or an Adult Literacy student. All you need is a good sense of humor, a desire to help improve someone's life and a couple of hours a week!
Training consists of 3 sessions: two online and the third in person.
 Please see times and dates below. Participants will also have 4-6 hours of assignments to do at home between sessions. These assignements consist of watching short videos, reading short texts and are easy and accesible to all!
All sessions must be attended to be certified and all assignments completed.
Online training sessions require a computer or ipad with a camera.

September Volunteer Training
Tues., Sept. 5, 2023 
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
*****
Wed., Sept. 6, 2023
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
​*****
Sat., Sept. 9 , 2023 
9 am to 1:30 in person

October Volunteer
​ Training
Mon., Oct. 2, 2023 
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
*****
Wed., Oct. 4, 2023
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
​*****
Sat., Oct. 7, 2023 
9 am to 1:30 in person

November Volunteer Training
Mon. , Nov. 6, 2023 
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
*****
Wed., Nov. 8, 2023
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
​*****
Sat., Nov. 11, 2023 
9 am to 1:30 in person

December Volunteer Training
Mon., Dec. 4, 2023 
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
*****
Thurs., Dec. 6, 2023
6:30 to 8:45 on Zoom
​*****
Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 
9 am to 1:30 in person

For more information contact
Joanne Telser-Frere
Director of Program Development
jtelserfrere@literacychicago.org

Listen to Some of Our Volunteers' Experiences