become a volunteer

Our dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of Words Alive and our ability to deliver our essential literacy programs and services. More than 250 volunteers contribute more than 5,000 hours every year in support of our mission. Please click on the links to the left for more information about available volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Steps

Attend a Volunteer Orientation

The first step to volunteer is to attend a 1-hour Volunteer Orientation. The Volunteer Orientation will review the history, mission, values and key services of Words Alive as well as existing volunteer opportunities.

At this time, Words Alive is at full capacity in our Early Literacy and Teen Services programs and will not start recruitment for those aforementioned programs until March 2012. We are, however, accepting volunteer applications and contacting individuals about upcoming volunteer orientations and trainings. Here are the upcoming volunteer orientations for Spring 2012:

• Monday, March 12 from 10:30-11:30am
• Friday, April 13 from 11am-12pm
• Thursday, May 3 from 11am-12pm

Please contact Chrissy Green Califf at Chrissy@wordsalive.org if you are interested in registering for the Volunteer Orientation.

Complete a Volunteer Application

The second step is to complete a Volunteer Application.
The Volunteer Application should be submitted at the Volunteer Orientation.

Complete a TB Test Screening

The California Education Code requires all persons working with students to be free of tuberculosis.  A TB screening is valid for four years from the date of the test. Every Words Alive volunteer working directly with program participants must have proof of a current negative TB test on file at the Words Alive administrative office before the start of their volunteer experience. Words Alive will reimburse up to $8.00 for TB screening. Please click here to learn about available clinics.

Interview for a specific volunteer position

Complete a 15-minute phone interview with a Program Staff Member, regarding your specific interest.

Program Site Visit/Attend a Committee Meeting

Visit one of our program sites or attend a committee meeting.
This will be based on your area of interest.

After placement, attend the required training and scheduled volunteer meetings.