Volunteer Opportunites

Be a Volunteer Tutor!
There are many ways to get involved with Literacy Advance’s programs! If you’re interested in any of the tutoring opportunities below, please email for details.

ABE Class Tutor:
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is for adults who are native-speakers of English, but need help with their reading and writing in order to achieve their personal goals (such as getting a better job, learning how to use a computer, or reading independently). Classes are conducted one-on-one.
Standard commitment – 3 to 4 hours per week over 12 weeks. It is possible to co-tutor if time is an issue.

ESL Class Tutor:  
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are designed to help non-English speakers to communicate better in English, and assist them in meeting their personal goals (such as getting a better job, becoming more involved in their child’s schooling, or simply communicating better with English-speakers around them). Classes are conducted in small groups – 5 – 6 is the average class size.
Standard commitment – 3 to 4 hours per week over 12 weeks. It is possible to co-tutor if time is an issue.
*Please note: a second language is NOT necessary to be an ESL tutor, as Literacy Advance encourages all classes to be conducted in English.

Substitute Tutor:
Substitute tutors put their name on a list to be called on an occasional basis when the regular tutor of a class is unavailable. No minimum time commitment in terms of time/duration – just tell us when you’re available!

"While You're Waiting" Tutor:
"While You’re Waiting" is a multi-level, open enrollment class for ESL learners who have registered with us, but are waiting to be assigned a regular class. There is a great focus on practical skills, like conversation, and tutors can volunteer to facilitate this class on a rotation with other tutors.

Computer Tutor:
Using the new Computer Lab at the Wilcrest campus, computer tutors instruct their learners in computer and/or internet skills. Some classes are open-enrollment, attended by students with varying levels of computer skills; others are designed for more specific audiences. No minimum time commitment in terms of time/duration.

"Strictly Speaking" Facilitator:
Many of our ESL learners tell us that practicing English conversation is one of the main reasons they come to us, so “Strictly Speaking” facilitators work with Literacy Advance staff to develop and host events that offer our ESL learners the opportunity to practice conversation in an informal way. Previous events have included word games, puzzles, role plays and scenario discussions.

Pronunciation Mentor:
Pronunciation classes are open-enrollment classes designed to help ESL learners registered as students at Literacy Advance. Special training is available; flexible timetable possible.

Other Opportunities:
Not everyone has the time or inclination to be a volunteer tutor, and that’s fine! There are many other ways to help support Literacy Advance. If you’re interested in any of the opportunities below, please email for details.

Administrative Volunteer at Literacy Advance Learning Centers:
Help with general administrative duties at Literacy Advance (Wilcrest or Bay Area locations). Volunteers may help greet incoming learners/tutors and/or assist with office functions, such as assembling materials for workshops, answering phones, copying, filing, data entry, etc. No regular time commitment required.

Family Literacy Committee:
Assist with the organization and staffing of Family Literacy events throughout the year at various schools and community centers in Harris County. May include assembling materials and/or setting up before an event, or reading to children, overseeing sign-in and book distribution at the event itself. Volunteers with some experience at Family Literacy events may go on to become Family Literacy Presenters. *Some training or observation may be required for new members.

Young Professionals Network:
Participate in advocacy and networking events hosted by the Literacy Advance Young Professionals Board, while meeting interesting people, and having fun! Members will be added to an email list for event notifications. No regular time commitment required.

Young Professionals Board:
Meets every other month. Requirements include: meeting attendance; volunteer time at Literacy Advance monthly OR advocacy once a month through your company, church, other social groups, etc; and planning of one small fundraiser/advocacy event per year. In return, Young Professionals Board members are mentored by our executive board and have lots of f un networking opportunities!
*Observation of class required.

Events Committee:
Assist with planning and pre-event organization of events such as Champions of Literacy, as well as other fund-raising and awareness-raising events. May include assisting with organizing, mailings, solicitation of door prizes, raffle items, etc. Volunteers may also help during the event with meeting-and-greeting, registration, showing guests to their tables, etc. No regular time commitment required.

Literacy Advocates Committee:
Volunteers on this committee are advocates for Literacy Advance. The goal is to recruit tutors and raise awareness through public speaking and appearances. Must be willing to seek out speaking opportunities, talk to prospective volunteers, provide printed and verbal information, and collect names of interested parties for Literacy Advance staff to follow up on. Should be prepared to be regularly involved in speaking engagements or volunteer recruitment fairs/events.
*Observation of class required.

Student Orientation Assistant:
Attend Student Orientation sessions at Literacy Advance locations, in the daytime or evenings, and assist new students with paperwork, filling out forms, etc. No regular time commitment required.

Tutor Committee:
Work with Literacy Advance staff to organize and assist with various tutor appreciation and social events. This committee also helps organize and staff the annual tutor symposium in addition to other special training events.

Advisory Council:
Meets quarterly. Involves encouraging local support for literacy education and resources through helping to identify and recruit new fundraising partners.

For more information please contact: volunteers@literacyadvancehouston.org.