By becoming a volunteer tutor, you can open a new world for an adult learner. Basic Literacy Tutors work one-to-one with adults who are learning to read and write English. English as a Second Language tutors work one-to-one with adults who are learning to read, speak and understand English and want to develop basic survival skills. Following a training workshop, tutors are matched with a student. They meet in the community for a couple of hours each week. The schedule is flexible. No teaching or foreign language experience is required. Ongoing support and training are provided. Click here to see the upcoming tutor workshop schedule.

ESL Computer Lab Aides provide assistance to students working with software that teaches English. Training is provided. No teaching or foreign language experience is required. The schedule is flexible, but a minimum commitment of a two-hour time slot is requested. There are locations in Alexandria and Falls Church. Click here to view computer lab hours.

ESL Class Aides work with small groups of adult students under the supervision of an experienced instructor to help them develop basic English skills. Training and materials are provided. No teaching or foreign language experience is required. There are locations in Alexandria, Bailey's Crossroads, Falls Church, and Springfield. Click here to view class locations and times.

Family Learning Project Volunteers work as an adult ESL class aides, adult literacy/GED tutors, children's homework helpers, preschool instructional volunteers, or computer instructional aides. The Family Learning Project serves Head Start parents and their children, providing a supportive environment for families to work together to promote mutual learning.

By becoming a Special Projects Volunteer, you or a group (civic associations, corporate groups, church groups) can help by providing extra volunteer assistance for fundraisers, fairs, book sales, and other activities. We need you to help spread the word about our organization.  We also need office support and assistance with the preparation of mailings.

We invite you to attend an optional volunteer orientation to help with your decision. We are always in need ot tutors and volunteers. Click here to view the schedule of orientations. 

The demand for literacy and ESL instruction continues to grow. We need your assistance now more than ever. By making a tax deductible donation, you can help the Literacy Council reach more students or provide educational materials for those already enrolled. An investment in the Literacy Council is a good one: last year only 6 percent of funds went toward administrative and fundraising costs, the remainder went toward program expenses.  We estimate that every dollar contributed to the Literacy Council is tripled in value by volunteer services.

Online contributions can be made at helping.org. You can also support our work by contributing to the following charitable campaigns: United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, or the Fairfax County Combined Charitable Campaign (designate #8356).

There are many advantages to estate and gift planning for the future. By providing a planned gift to a designated charity you can provide yourself with an income tax deduction. Depending on your circumstances, you can arrange for increased income for your family, capital gains tax avoidance, tax free income, estate tax savings, and a hedge against inflation. 

The Literacy Council has information and resources available to help you take advantage of these giving opportunities. With over 90¢ of every dollar going to provide direct program services, your gift to our programs can make a substantial difference in many lives. 

Listed below are a few of the available giving opportunities: 

Join the exciting ESL Training Team! Due to several trainers moving out of the area, we are in particular need of apprentice tutor trainers. Trainers work in a team to run the ESL Tutoring Workshops for new tutors. Contact Shirley Frisbee at ext. 106 for more information about this unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity.

The Council is currently forming an ESL Testing Team. This new team will administer pre and post standardized tests to the students in our ESL classes in Falls Church, Springfield, Culmore, and Alexandria. Tests will be administered every 10 weeks. Daytime and evening hours are available. Contact Paula Luu at ext. 110.

Become an ESL Interviewer in the Annandale, Springfield, and Burke areas. Interviewers screen and pre-test prospective students. Contact Shirley Frisbee at ext. 106.

We are looking for volunteers to help with telephone interviews for our annual tutor/student survey. This is a great opportunity that you can do without leaving the comforts of your own home! Call Sharon Donovan at ext. 111 to sign up.

ESL Tutor needed to co-teach a small group Tuesday mornings at the Gateway at Buckman Road in Alexandria. An ESL tutor is also needed to teach a small group at the Lorton Community Action Center. Contact Greg Smith at ext. 102.

ESL Tutor needed to teach a small class Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Kingstowne Library in Fairfax County. Please contact Greg Smith at ext. 102 for more information.

Volunteer with our Family Learning Program! At our Seven Corners Children's Center we need ESL Class Aides, GED Class Aides, and Childcare Workers Monday and Wednesday nights from 6-8PM. At our Springfield location we need Childcare Workers Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-11AM. Please contact Rebecca Kisloff at ext. 108.