Question 1

What is the volunteer commitment?

Accepted Answer

Tutoring: We ask tutors to commit to working with a student for at least six continuous months. This allows you to really get to know your learner and develop a good working relationship which greatly benefits a student’s capacity to learn and will be a more valuable experience for you as a volunteer.

Class Assistants: We ask for a commitment of 2 terms (approximately 6 months). Teaching any new class has an introductory period and it will take at least a term or two to feel confident with class and curriculum. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar and class schedule.

Question 2

Are there volunteer opportunities that require less of a commitment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Volunteering as a Conversation Partner requires an online commitment of one hour, once per week. during term time. As a Citizenship Practice Interviewer you volunteer as needed, either in-person or online, once or twice a term for approx. an hour.

Question 3

Are your volunteer opportunities remote or in-person?

Accepted Answer

We offer both remote and in-person opportunities. Please attend a New Volunteer Orientation to find out more.

Question 4

I have never taught before, what training do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Literacy Source provides online training to all volunteers. Depending on which position you are interested in we ask you to complete 8-12 hours of required training before starting. We encourage you to participate in many other training opportunities throughout your volunteer service with Literacy Source. All trainings are free and are open to all current Literacy Source volunteers. Check our Volunteer Trainings page for a list of online trainings.

Question 5

What is the process for getting matched with a student?

Accepted Answer

After your orientation, interview, and pre-service training, when a suitable student becomes available you will receive an email with information about the prospective student match. Students are selected based on shared availability, the interests and preferences you indicated during your volunteer interview, and the student priorities and needs. The student’s advisor will schedule a match meeting during which you and the student will get acquainted, set a schedule, agree on a tutoring contract, and begin discussing what you would like to work on together.

Question 6

How much support will I receive as a tutor?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the foundational trainings, when you are matched with a student you will meet with their instructional advisor who teaches their class. The advisor will provide you with teaching materials and be your main resource and support while you are tutoring. You will be invited to observe the class and to a class tutor cohort meeting once a term. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet with the class instructor and fellow tutors to discuss ideas and receive support. Literacy Source advisors are always available as a resource for help with lesson planning, library materials, and online resources.

Question 7

How long are Literacy Source terms?

Accepted Answer

We are on a quarter system; terms are usually 10 - 12 weeks long with a 2 - 3 week break in-between, when we register new students. Check the Literacy Source Class Google Drive for the current term calendar.

Question 8

How big are the classes at Literacy Source?

Accepted Answer

Class sizes vary but usually they are around 20 students for both in-person and online classes.

Question 9

Can I observe classes before I start volunteering?

Accepted Answer

Yes! After attending an orientation and interview, we encourage you to observe any class you are interested in. You can view the current class schedule on the Literacy Source Google Drive.

Question 10

What happens if I want to go on vacation or need to take a day off?

Accepted Answer

If you are tutoring, you will manage your schedule with your student giving as much notice as you can about upcoming breaks. If you are assisting in a class we ask that you try to arrange your vacations to align with our term breaks but realize this is not always possible. For this reason, we have often have two class assistants in the class to cover days off and vacations.

Question 11

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

There is a free parking in the lot behind the AKIN building, (enter from 32nd Ave NE). You may also park in any of the angled spaces on the south on the building (please do not park in the Jalisco lot).

Question 12

Is there an age limit for volunteering?

Accepted Answer

As our students are all adults, we ask that our volunteers be over the age of 18.

Volunteering with Literacy Source

Volunteer Highlights

...during the 2025-2026 school year

196

Volunteers

8,592

Hours

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

What is the volunteer commitment?

Are there volunteer opportunities that require less of a commitment?

Are your volunteer opportunities remote or in-person?

I have never taught before, what training do you offer?

What is the process for getting matched with a student?

How much support will I receive as a tutor?

How long are Literacy Source terms?

How big are the classes at Literacy Source?

Can I observe classes before I start volunteering?

What happens if I want to go on vacation or need to take a day off?

Where can I park?

Is there an age limit for volunteering?

Online Volunteer Trainings

Required Training for all Volunteers

Tutor Trainings

Citizenship Volunteer Trainings

Teaching & Tutoring Basic Skills Trainings

Volunteer Newsletter Archive

2026

2025

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