Volunteering for the PVLA

For many, the thought of being a volunteer sounds like a huge commitment. Not only do you have to invest your time, but also effort. If you already work a full-time job and have a family, adding one more thing to your plate might seem impossible.

However, there are benefits to being a volunteer.

Yes, you will have to make a commitment, but what you get out of your time and effort can pay off in the long run. Here are some of the benefits that come with becoming a volunteer:

1. The Ability to Make a Difference

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact, then becoming a volunteer for a nonprofit organization should be on your list. You’ll have the opportunity to impact individuals and the larger community. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you made a positive impact on others.

2. Improve Your Professional Skills

Whether you’re looking to advance your professional career or just want to be the best in your current position, being a volunteer can improve your skillset. As a volunteer for the PVLA, you'll learn how to communicate and interact with individuals from different countries and help them gain skills and knowledge that will make them successful in the classroom and in life. 

You'll also learn how to convey information to others in a way that's easy to understand. This can increase your knowledge in a variety of subjects and help you learn new things.

3. Gain Insight and Exposure

Serving as a volunteer gives you insight into the operations of an organization, as well as exposes you to other industries, markets, and business strategies. Having this information can help you think about your own business differently or help you transition to another company or industry.

4. Find Inspiration and Motivation

If you feel like your life or career has hit a dead end or you’re stuck in a rut, then serving as a volunteer can be inspirational and motivating. Becoming a mentor or knowing that the decisions you’re making are having an impact on the lives of individuals and the community can be incredibly gratifying. You’ll feel like you have a purpose and can support a cause that you are truly passionate about.

Increase Your Visibility and Do Something Good

Making the decision to become a volunteer shouldn’t be taken lightly. It does involve time and effort, and you have to be willing to dedicate both. However, you aren’t just giving without getting in return. There are many benefits to being a volunteer.

If service to others is something you’ve been thinking about, and you’re passionate about literacy and adult education, then you might want to consider volunteering for the PVLA.

Volunteer Opportunities at the PVLA

Conversational English

These volunteers will work one-on-one with students to help them with their conversational English skills. This might include helping them introduce themselves or have a conversation about the weather. Students may request to speak about certain subjects, but if they are open to anything, the tutor may use “conversation starters” or other materials to encourage students to converse in English. Curriculum is available at the PVLA.

Computer/Digital Literacy

Having computer experience is necessary to ensure that students are learning the skills they need to navigate the digital world. Sessions may include one-on-one or small group lessons. The tutor may need to begin with the basics, including showing students how to turn on and log in to a computer. 

Then, lessons may expand from there and include creating an email address and learning how to navigate the internet. Students will direct the tutor in the skills and knowledge they need to become computer literate.

Laptops are available at PVLA for student and tutor use. Some curriculum is also available at PVLA, but tutors will need to be aware of current trends and technological information.

Outreach Classroom Assistant

Outreach classroom assistants will accompany instructors to businesses in the city of Columbus and help with lessons. An outreach class session lasts for 12 weeks and can be anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours long per day (typically, tutors are not needed more than 2 days per week). The Outreach instructor will provide instructions and details as to what type of help they will need in the classroom each week.

Citizenship

USCIS materials are incredibly beneficial in ensuring that students have the knowledge they need to pass the naturalization interview and test; however, there are other resources available as well. Non-USCIS materials may be used if they have been reviewed and approved by the PVLA executive director. 

Some students will be looking to practice for the citizenship interview, so knowing what questions are asked about the N-400 is beneficial. Students will direct tutors as to what they want and need to focus on to be ready for their testing appointment. Citizenship materials are available at the PVLA and online.

Want to know more about the process? Fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.