Volunteer Academy 2025
September 5, 6, and 7
Join Words Alive volunteers for a weekend of shared learning and skill building as we come together to launch the 2025-2026 school year.
The three-day weekend begins with a social gathering Friday evening, virtual workshops Saturday, and an in-person gathering at our headquarters Sunday morning.
Limited seating available. If you are interested in attending any part of the weekend, please reserve your spot today!
Who Should Attend?
Our 2025 Volunteer Academy is open to all Words Alive volunteers — classroom readers, curriculum writers, service event attendees, workshop facilitators, Board/committee members, Page Turners, and more!
You could be starting your first volunteer assignment this fall or celebrating your 25th year working toward our goal of transforming San Diego into a community of readers.
If you are able to join for one day, or all three, we are thrilled to welcome you to our Volunteer Academy.
NOTE: Youth volunteers are welcome to attend Saturday and Sunday.
The Volunteer Academy is meant to bring the Words Alive community together as we each bring our talents, skills, and passions together to connect children, teens, and families to the power of reading.
Schedule Overview
Words Alive volunteers are welcome to register for any, or all, of the weekend’s activities.
Friday, September 5: Social Gathering, sponsored by molina healthcare (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Pacific)
Join local San Diego volunteers for a casual gathering.
Appetizers provided. Cash bar.
Location: Original 40 Brewing Company, 3117 University Avenue, San Diego (North Park)
Thank you to our Friday Night Social Sponsor, Molina Healthcare!
Saturday, September 6: Virtual Workshops (9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pacific)
Volunteers are invited to participate in large group and small group learning sessions via Zoom. We will be exploring our 2025-2026 theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted: The Stories that Root Us.” Numerous breakout sessions throughout the day will enable participants to customize their learning path.
Although encouraged, you do not need to attend the full day of workshops if you have a scheduling conflict.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Sunday, September 7: In-Person Sessions (9 a.m. - 12:00 noon Pacific)
Following a continental breakfast, participants will continue the exploration of this year’s theme with a panel discussion of San Diego leaders in the field. Small group sessions will follow, deepening our understanding of our work to inspire a lifelong love of learning for San Diego’s youth.
Location: Words Alive Office, 770 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Cost
Attendance is free.
Attendees are invited to make an optional donation, of any amount, to support Words Alive’s mission of connecting children, teens, and families to the power of reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming Soon!
In the meantime, please contact your volunteer supervisor or [email protected] with any questions you may have.
“““I believe in the power of words to change lives, and Words Alive embodies that mission by fostering a love for reading and learning. I volunteer because I want to help create opportunities for young minds to discover the joy of books, build confidence in their literacy skills, and unlock their potential. Words have shaped my journey, and I want to help others experience that magic - one story at a time!””
Sponsorship
To explore sponsorship opportunities for this, or other events, please contact Tracy Dahlkamp at [email protected] or 858-274-9673.
