The Power of Volunteering
Our Volunteers
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our literacy services. Each year, our volunteers give hundreds of hours to Literacy Central Vancouver Island (LCVI). They tutor math, reading, and writing; offer support in schools; help in our bookstore, Well Read Books; and more. We are always looking for more people to volunteer with us.
Volunteer Literacy Tutors
The volunteer tutor program is designed to assist learners who have difficulty with reading, writing, math, and computer skills. Tutors also provide support to English language learners who want to improve their conversation skills. Volunteers are matched with a learner to begin their confidential, one-to-one instruction. Care is taken to ensure that the tutors and learners are well matched.
No teaching or tutoring experience? No problem! Our volunteer tutors come from many different backgrounds and have a variety of skill sets. What they share is a wish for everyone to enjoy the benefits of reading, writing, math, and other essential literacy skills. LCVI volunteer tutors are trained and supported by staff and experienced volunteers.
We’re looking for people who:
- Have English language skills—and other languages are a definite asset
- Enthusiastic, flexible, and creative
- Open to learning as much as tutoring
- Accepting of people of all backgrounds
- Teaching skills an asset but not a requirement
When you become a LCVI volunteer, you will:
- Attend an LCVI orientation session
- Take part in two professional development workshops per year
- Have the ongoing support of a program coordinator or volunteer leader
- Be recognized for your contribution to the community
Volunteer Tutor Application Form
All volunteers must adhere to a proper code of conduct, undergo a criminal record check and provide two references.
Please complete and submit the Volunteer Inquiry form below or download the PDF here and email to tutors@lcvi.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any literacy volunteer positions that don’t involve tutoring?
Yes! We are always looking for creative ways to offer literacy support that differ from the traditional one-to-one tutoring model. For example, some of our volunteers facilitate workshops, learning circles, and conversation groups. Please contact LCVI for more details.
What time commitment is required of volunteer literacy tutors?
We ask that you commit to volunteering with LCVI for at least six months, but the hours per
week will vary according to a learner’s goals and your availability. For example, a learner who
wants help studying for the driving license written exam may require only a couple of tutoring
sessions. A learner wanting to improve their reading comprehension skills in preparation for
academic upgrading may need to meet for two hours every week for a period of a few months.
We will take your availability into account when matching you with a learner.
Do I need any prior tutoring or teaching experience to volunteer as a literacy tutor?
No, you don’t need prior experience to be a volunteer literacy tutor. We offer tutor training and
professional development workshops. Tutors also receive ongoing support from literacy
program coordinators.
What are the benefits of volunteering in the literacy programs with LCVI?
- Receive a 25% discount on used books at Well Read Books
- Enjoy our annual volunteer appreciation event
- Connect with people in your community
- Make new friends and contacts
- Develop new skills by attending our professional development workshops
- Enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with sharing your skills and making a positive
difference in someone’s life