Achieving Literacy Across the Lifespan

Volunteers and Volunteering

Print Resources

Training Tip Sheet - "Giving Clear Task Instructions" - Four simple guidelines for helping volunteers learn as much as possible in orientation and training sessions. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Training Tip Sheet - "Interesting Introductions" - Activities to consider building in to the introduction process. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Training Tip Sheet - "Leading a Brainstorming Session" - Learn more about generating and evaluating new ideas. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Training Tip Sheet - "Making Presentations More Participatory" - Tips for engaging and involving prospective volunteers by incorporating these tips into your volunteer orientation session. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Training Tip Sheet - "Preparing for a Training Session" - Use this checklist to ensure your training is successful. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Training Tip Sheet - "Setting Up the Room" - Suggestions for setting up your volunteer training sessions. This document was developed by AARP Volunteer Resources. Download

Some Questions to Ask When Interviewing for a Volunteer Literacy Position - Things to think about and questions to ask when you interview with a literacy organization. Download

Volunteer Opportunities in Adult Literacy Programs - Lists kinds of opportunities for potential adult literacy volunteers in the areas of instruction, awareness, program support, policy making and governance, and donated goods and services. Download

Volunteer Opportunities in Family Literacy Programs - Lists kinds of opportunities for potential family literacy volunteers in the areas of instruction, awareness, mentoring, program support, and professional development. Download

Media Resources

Energize, Inc. - www.energizeinc.com/ - Topics designed especially for leaders of volunteers.

Links to Other Web Sites

Volunteer Today.com - www.volunteertoday.com/default.htm - Volunteer Today.com is an e-newsletter for those who manage the work of volunteers in nonprofit, government or corporate programs. Its aim is two-fold: 1) build the capacity of individuals to organize effective volunteer programs; 2) enhance the profession of volunteer management.

Volunteer20 Report - www.volunteer20.com - Although this survey was conducted in the Central New York area, the information is applicable to volunteers and volunteer programs everywhere. The report provides details about individuals’ past volunteerism, willingness to help, willingness to volunteer and motivations for volunteering. The report also contains volunteer profiles and ways to motivate each type of volunteer. There are planning grids for involving each type of volunteer as well as blank grids to use for your own program.

Volunteering in the United States, 2005 - www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/volun.pdf - This U.S. Department of Labor report is full of statistics on who volunteers, how many hours they volunteer, in what organizations, and what activities they perform. Perhaps useful in writing proposals and grants.

Youth Volunteer Network - http://www.networkforgood.youthnoise.com/ - This cool site encourages youth to volunteer

Verizon Foundation

Our mission is to help solve serious social issues and to effect positive change in the communities where we live, work and do business. Our focus is 21st Century education and literacy, and on safety and health.
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