Volunteering at SHC can make a world of difference for a newcomer to our community. Likewise volunteers often point out that their SHC experience is transformative–a unique opportunity to gain an insight into a new culture, and to make new friends.
Most volunteering opportunities do not require special skills. SHC is committed to providing volunteers with support, training, as well as opportunities for peers to share experiences and to learn from one another. When you submit your volunteer application, you will be invited to an orientation and information session to gain a better understanding of our organization, of the families we work with, and of your volunteer role. If you decide to volunteer, you will need to do a background screening. Prior to getting started, you will receive additional skills training and support.
Step 1-Apply and register to attend an Information
Session. |
Step 2-Clear a background
Screening |
Step 3-Get skills
training |
Step 4-Start your volunteer assignment
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Receive ongoing
support & training |
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COVID-19 Update–due to the pandemic all volunteer opportunities are conducted remotely/online. |
Current volunteer opportunities
Tutor an English Learner
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Who can volunteer? Adults 18 or more.
SHC tutors play an important role in the English language acquisition and in the social and cultural adjustment process for students. Tutors may be the only English interaction students have during the week, and many of our tutors and tutees build meaningful relationships with each other. SHC staff facilitates the introduction and the first tutoring session. SHC offers different types of tutoring engagement (Conversation Partner, Literacy Tutor, and Tutor). All tutors must complete a background check ($20 fee). We ask tutors to commit to volunteer for a minimum of 4 months in order to provide students with consistency and stability. How to Volunteer as an Adult Tutor? Step 1: Read the descriptions of different tutoring roles on this page. Step 2: Fill out the volunteer form. In the comments section, please indicate the tutoring roles that you are open to doing. Step 3: Attend an information session to learn more about SHC and our students’ needs. Step 4: Complete a background check. (There is a $20 fee.) Step 5: Complete training and privacy agreements. Step 6: Get matched with and introduced to a tutee. Step 7: Begin tutoring. Step 8: Check in with SHC for support and to report tutoring. Typical Onboarding Timeline
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Conversation Partner Provide an opportunity for high-beginner to high-intermediate level students to practice speaking English in a friendly and relaxed environment. Just having conversations is very beneficial for students who have limited opportunities to interact in English. Students enrolled in SHC’s group English language classes are matched with a tutor. Students practice using the language that they are learning in classes. Although not much preparation is required, tutors may review the theme and language that students are learning in their classes. Tutors may also have conversations on other topics that tutors and students are interested in. Training requirements: SHC new tutor training. Time Commitment: 1 or 2 times a week for 30-minute sessions Literacy Tutor Work with SHC’s beginning-level students to help them gain basic survival language skills, read using phonics, read common sight words, and write in English. Most students at this level are also developing oral English skills and benefit from consistent practice. Some students are more proficient in speaking English but need individualized support in their emerging reading and writing skills. Important qualities for tutors working with beginning-level students are patience, awareness of one's speech, and having fun with the little things. Use of pictures is almost always necessary. Tutors should be comfortable or willing to learn how to use technology in lessons. Training requirements: SHC new tutor training, and SHC literacy tutor training. Time Commitment: 1 or 2 times a week for 15-20 minute sessions. Tutor Help high-beginner to high-intermediate level students work towards specific learning objectives and goals. Some students are unable to attend SHC’s group English classes so practicing with a tutor may be the only English interaction students have during the week. Some tutors may work with students on workplace-related vocabulary, interview skills, or preparing for a specific test. Tutors use SHC’s curriculum and materials (accessible online). Training Requirements: SHC new tutor training. Time commitment: 1 or 2 times a week for 30-minute sessions. |
Tutor a school student
(SSL credits for high school volunteers)
(SSL credits for high school volunteers)
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Who can volunteer? High school and college students from age 15. Qualifies for student service learning credits (SSL hours).
As local schools continue remote learning, Homework Helpers provide online support to students whose parents may not be in the position, due to work schedules, limited English, or limited education to assist them with homework. Homework Helpers are high school or college-aged students who assist K-10th grade students from refugee and immigrant families. This program is only for high school and college-aged students. Volunteers 18 and over must complete a background check ($20 fee). Currently, tutoring takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm via Zoom. Tutors sign up for dates on which they would like to tutor. Tutors can sign up for as many slots as they like, and tutors are not required to attend every week. Each K-10th grade student who joins the Zoom meeting is paired off with a Homework Helper. Homework Helpers may not meet with the same student from session to session. |
How to volunteer as a Homework Helper? Step 1: Read the volunteer description on this page. Step 2: Fill out the volunteer form. Step 3: Attend the Homework Helper orientation on Zoom. Step 4: If you are 18 or over, complete a background check. (There is a $20 fee.) Step 5: Sign up for Homework Helper tutoring slots. Step 6: Log in to Homework Helper sessions to assist students. |
Citizenship coach
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Citizenship Tutors help high-intermediate to advanced-level students prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam. Tutors drill civics-related questions, practice interview questions, and practice reading and writing tasks.
Training requirements: SHC new tutor training, and SHC citizenship tutor training. Time commitment: 1 or 2 times a week for 30-minute sessions. |
Typical Onboarding Timeline
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"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.”
