This document provides information about volunteering with Arlington Reads, a literacy program coordinated by Arlington Public Library. It discusses Arlington Reads' mission to increase literacy in the community through adult, youth, and family programs. It highlights their success in helping over 500 students with GED preparation and English language learners. The document outlines various volunteer opportunities in literacy programs, GED preparation, and computer classes. It addresses frequently asked questions about requirements and time commitments. Volunteers describe finding the experience rewarding and seeing students' growth. The document promotes volunteering with Arlington Reads to make a positive impact.

1. Volunteer Information Session

2. About Us
Our Mission
Arlington Reads' mission is to increase
literacy rates in the Arlington community
by providing free and low-cost literacy
programs for adults, youth, and families.

3. About Us
Who We Are
Arlington Reads coordinates the literacy programs of
Arlington Public Library. Staff members are Arlington
Public Library employees and Americorps Vistas. We
rely on volunteers to serve as classroom teachers and
tutors.

4. About Us
Arlington Reads has provided GED preparation
classes for over 500 students. English as a Second
Language classes have helped students speak to their
child's teacher, understand utility bills, apply for jobs,
and be promoted in their place of employment.
Arlington Reads is an accredited member of
ProLiteracy, an international nonprofit organization
that supports literacy programs.

5. About Us
Grants continue to fund the majority of literacy
programs, and volunteers continue to be the backbone
of our programs and success!

6. A National & Local Perspective.

7. Literacy by the Numbers

8. Literacy by the Numbers

9. Literacy by the Numbers
50%
Number of children
born to illiterate
parents who grow up
to become illiterate
adults.

10. Literacy by the Numbers
The economic impact of
low literacy rates in terms
of: non-productivity in
the workforce, crime, and
lost tax revenue due to
unemployment.

11. Literacy by the Numbers
The cost to Texas
taxpayers when a
person drops out
of school.

12. Literacy by the Numbers
21%
The percentage of
illiterate adults in
Dallas county.
14%
The percentage of
illiterate adults in
Tarrant county.

13. Arlington Reads / GED

14. Arlington Reads / GED

15. Making a Difference in Your Community!

16. Volunteer Opportunities in…
Literacy Programs GED Programs
 Adult Literacy (ABE)
 Texas Scottish Rite (TSR)
 English as a Second Language
(ESL)
Computer Classes (CyberCoach)
 Introduction to Computer
Basics
 Microsoft Office
 Typing
 Resume Creation
 Pre-GED (5th – 8th grades)
 Fundamental Mathematics
 Science
 Language Arts
 Social Studies
 GED (9th – 12th grades)
 Math
 Science
 Language Arts
 Social Studies

17. Arlington Reads

18. Volunteers Ask…
Q. Do I need to be a teacher or have teaching
experience?
A. No, teaching experience is not required
to volunteer in our programs.

19. Volunteers Ask…
Q. Do I need to speak Spanish in order to
teach ESL?
A. No, our students come from
countries all over the world. It is
better if you speak English so they
are immersed in the language!

20. Volunteers Ask…
Q. What is the minimum age to volunteer with
Arlington Reads?
A. 18 years old, is the minimum age for
most Arlington Reads programs. Persons
as young as 16 may be able to volunteer in
certain CyberCoach positions.

21. Volunteers Ask…
Q. What level of education is required to
volunteer with Arlington Reads?
A.
 Our ESL, GED, and Adult Literacy
(ABE) programs require at least some
college (usually 1 – 2 years).*
 Students still in High School may
volunteer in our CyberCoach program.*

22. Volunteers Ask…
Q. What sort of time commitment is required?
A.
 12 weeks – ESL, GED, Pre-GED.
 Ongoing – ABE & TSR.
 Ongoing/2x a month – CyberCoach.
We schedule classes according to
volunteer availability!

23. Volunteers Ask…
Q. Do you provide training and support for
volunteers?
A. Yes!
 In-person or online orientation.*
 Curriculum & syllabus.*
 Access to computers and printers.
 On-going training opportunities.
 Volunteer networking opportunities.
 Volunteer recognition.

24. Why Volunteer?
Let our volunteers tell you why!
“I think a lot of people underestimate their own ability and
what it means to others. It's gratifying to discover how a
part of me that I take for granted enriches the lives of
others in surprising ways.” – Dave P. (ESL)
“I was attracted to this program because the participants
are genuinely motivated and working hard towards
improving their lives with specific goals. My time is my
most valuable resource, and in this program I can measure
the impact of every hour I invest.” – Richard L. (Pre-GED)

25. Why Volunteer?
Let our volunteers tell you why!
“Volunteering with Arlington Reads has allowed me to gain
ESL classroom experience. Watching my students grow as
they become more confident using English is truly
rewarding.” – Maris R. (ESL)
“I've learned so much from my student…seeing that we are
both about the same age we could relate to each other and
that made learning fun.” -Megan C. (Pre-GED)

26. Why Volunteer?
Let our volunteers tell you why!
“Arlington Reads is a marvelous program with
dedicated personnel (staff and volunteers). Their
impact will not only benefit individual lives but
will significantly impact the Arlington
community. – David L. (ABE)
“Volunteering is something I look forward to every
week…” – Krystal C. (GED)

27. www.arlingtonlibrary.org/volunteer