Volunteering with the WCLC
The WCLC is always looking for volunteers. We strive to match volunteer tutors with learners from their community. This limits transportation costs and time. In general, tutors meet with their respective learner once or twice a week for 1 hour. The length of commitment depends on the program and interest from the tutor and learner. Typically, we ask for a minimum of 6 weeks. Materials and resources are provided for your sessions. All tutors are expected to attend a 1 hour training session before they are matched with a learner. If you know of someone in your community who wants you as a tutor, we are more than happy to help train you as well.
Why volunteer with us?
The WCLC is a non-profit community-based organization that offers its services to all of the County of Wellington (except the City of Guelph).
We count on receiving the support of county residents as volunteers (tutors, office support, fund raising, and public awareness activities) and as donors (charitable receipts provided).
Our dedicated staff members recruit, train, and support our tutors, assess the needs of our learners, and provide information on literacy issues to everyone in the community.
We are always looking for new and vibrant volunteers including older adults and students.
Volunteer hours can go towards graduation and we are willing to offer references to exceptional volunteers who need them for jobs, school, or other volunteering positions.
Available Positions
- One-to-one tutors: work with youth aged 7 to 9 in local Wellington County areas. Tutoring mainly focuses on literacy skills but can include some math. Hours are flexible. If you are from Guelph please visit Action Read.
- Program tutors: work with youth aged 7 to 9 in our 6-week literacy program. This requires committing to 1 hour on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The next program is in Arthur.
- Literacy Tutors: work with adults in Wellington County on a variety of needed skills. If you are from Guelph please visit Action Read.
- Part-time Instructors: facilitate and teach online programs for those with low literacy. Please contact us to learn about upcoming opportunities and potential collaboration.
Volunteer Tutors
Position: One-To-One Volunteer Tutor for Adult or Youth Learner.
Goal: To work on a one-to-one basis with an adult or youth learner, helping to improve his/her reading, writing and/or basic math skills.
Term: Requires a six-week minimum commitment, which can be extended if both parties are agreeable.
Hours: Minimum one hour one-to-one tutoring and half an hour prep time for a total of 1.5 hours a week.
Scheduling: At the discretion of the volunteer tutor, taking into consideration the learner’s schedule.
Learning: You’ll work through our manual and get trained with staff. We will provide you with tutor materials as well.
Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the learner’s training plan which will be provided by the coordinator upon matching. Work with the coordinator by following suggestions set out in the training plan. Reply to monthly check-ins with the coordinator. Maintain contact with the office (by phone, in person, or e-mail) about any changes that may be happening with your match, e.g. missed appointments, holidays, breaks and possible termination of the tutoring partnership. Ensure that the youth learner’s parent or guardian is ALWAYS nearby. Take adequate precautions for your personal safety when tutoring any learner.
Worksite: The tutoring sessions are held at a location agreed upon by the tutor and learner. The tutor should ensure that the worksite is adequately lit, comfortable, and quiet to promote concentration and learning.
Board Positions
Volunteer with us by being a board member!
Become a Volunteer
Fill out our volunteer contact form to receive more information on our Tutor Training Program and other volunteer opportunities.
You may also email your application to literacy@thewclc.ca
