Help new neighbors in our community!
Volunteering at SHC can make a world of difference for a newcomer to our community. SHC volunteers also find it is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into a new culture, and to make new friends.
*Volunteers are considered all year round.
Volunteer Process
Step 1
The first step to volunteering is to fill out the SHC volunteer application.
Step 2
Register to attend a 30 minute SHC Volunteer Information Session by Zoom.
Step 3
Complete the SHC Background Check.
Step 4
Sign up to volunteer or attend additional training for your chosen volunteer role.
Welcome!
Welcome to the SHC Volunteer Family! Receive ongoing support & training.
Current Programs
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Tutor an adult SHC student in English. Tutors can focus on conversational English as a conversation partner or use SHC class supplemental materials to complement SHC ELL class learning as an English Language Tutor or a Literacy Tutor.
SHC provides tutors with support from our staff and teachers including initial training and a monthly Tutor Meeting (alternating Zoom and in-person) open to all volunteer tutors to provide ideas, support and answer questions. We recommend starting with 30 minute meetings 1x/week for 10 weeks. Some tutors and students choose to meet 2x/week or have longer sessions.
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These are weekly drop-in tutoring sessions to help students practice for the interview portion of the naturalization process.
SHC staff provide training and ongoing support and SHC will provide a study sheet each week with questions and material to guide you and your student through each session. Students and tutors are placed into breakout rooms in pairs or small groups to practice Civics material and spoken English.
We ask that you plan to attend at least two times during the 10 week session, but you are welcome to attend more often if you wish.
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Lead a conversation practice with a small group of intermediate-level learners
SHC provides conversation guides on more than 30 topics
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Small group and individual English tutoring sessions in Silver Spring.
Students from a range of levels attend
SHC provides books and flashcards.
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Help a job seeker navigate employment in the U.S. by:
Updating / creating a resume
Signing up for and using resources like the Maryland Workforce Exchange
Practicing for a job interview
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SHC “Office Hours”
Sign up for a shift at SHC’s weekly "office hours" to help newcomers with projects like:
Studying for their Driver’s Permit
Researching affordable childcare options
Registering for continuing education or vocational programs
Do you have an idea for a program to welcome newcomers that does not already exist within our community? Share it with us -- we are always open to consider new initiatives.
