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. 
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SHC is committed to providing volunteers with support, training, and opportunities for peers to share experiences and to learn from one another.  The first step to volunteer is to fill out the SHC volunteer application, you will receive an email with next steps, including the SHC Volunteer Information Session, Background Screening Requirements and Additional Training.  

Step 1- Complete 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 to the SHC Volunteer Family! Receive ongoing
support & training

COVID-19 Update–  SHC continues to offer remote/online or in person volunteer opportunities.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

SHC Welcome Workshop Volunteer (in person): Introduce English Learner families to resources located in the communities where they live!  A series of workshops with guest speakers designed for English learners. Past workshops have included: Metropolitan DC Police Special Liaison, Prince Georges County Public Schools International Students Office, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, Maryland State Refugee Mental Health Coordinator, Prince George's County Fire Department, Giant Food Nutrition Consultant and more.  Volunteers can help with children age 0-5 in the preschool corner or assist guest speaker and SHC adult learners.  Guest speakers present about services and families can ask questions and find out first hand how to access programs.  We also provide a librarian led parent child storytime and activities for little ones accompanying their families to the sessions when possible.  

SHC Welcome Teams (in person or remote):  Join SHC in welcoming a new family to our area and provide support and friendship to arriving families.  Volunteers may work directly with a family on a particular issue, assist families remotely, or remain on call for needs as they arise.  SHC will coordinate family needs and our welcome team will work directly with the family to make sure they have what they need to be successful and to connect to community.

Adult English Languge Tutoring (in person or remote):  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 staff provide training and ongoing support and SHC hosts a weekly Tutor Support meeting open to all volunteer tutors (but not required) to provide ideas, support and answer questions.  

Citizenship Tutoring (remote): This a drop in practice session meeting twice per week 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. 

Homework Helpers (remote): This is a peer to peer tutoring program designed for high school and college student volunteers. We ask that you plan to attend at least two times during the session, but you are welcome to attend more often if you wish.

Other Opportunities: Do you have an idea for a program to welcome newcomers that does not already exisit within our community?  Share it with us -- we are always open to consider new initiatives.

"Volunteering at SHC gives me a chance to rediscover DC through a different set of eyes and make friends with people from all over the world.”

- SARAH SIMMONS