Volunteer

Volunteering

Volunteers are at the core of how we serve students. You don’t need to be an expert writer. You do need a deep belief in the students we serve and an eagerness to learn together. The majority of our students are youth of color, and we especially seek volunteers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

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While students are distance-learning due to COVID-19, we have pivoted all of our programs online to deliver our unique model of writing support and  tutoring remotely. While the tools are new, the goal is the same: to build skills, confidence, and pride, and to amplify their voices for the world to hear. And on the plus side, you can now tutor without braving BART at rush hour.

To get started, what kind of volunteering are you interested in?  

 

Working with students

Our greatest need for volunteers is for folks to tutor in our programs! We provide all the training and support you need.

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Professional services

We also need illustrators, designers, photographers, and audio editors to help amplify our students’ voices.

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Other ways to get involved
Groups

Bring a group of colleagues to volunteer in our programs.

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Under 18

If you’re in high school and want to volunteer, we also have opportunities for you.

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Internships

As an intern, you’ll work directly with students and teachers.

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Already a volunteer?
Check out the calendar to sign up for a shift!
Volunteer Calendar

WeWhy Need You

We know that great leaps in learning happen when our students have the one-on-one attention of people like you.
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9K
Students
served each year
1:2
average
tutor:student ratio

From Tom Koren
Dedicated volunteer in After-School Tutoring

Above all, be flexible. Honor individuality and independence. Remember names. Consistently validate students and their work. Figure out ways to bring out their best. Focus on progress, not perfection. Share some things about yourself. Bask in the joy, laughter, curiosity, and energy all around you!

From Reina Takahashi
Design volunteer

I couldn’t pick just one favorite moment from volunteering! Working on the book cover for the Young Authors’ Book Project was a different kind of rewarding. I have a Graphic Design background, and it was exciting for me to be able to combine my love of design with my now full-time job of making art out of paper. There’s something so amazing about seeing your work in print.

From Henry Roark
Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteering is a journey and an adventure! Some quests will be immensely gratifying, others will be frustrating, still others will feel like a total failure, but they’re not! Just being there for our students is enough, it shows them that we care. If you can come all the time, great! If not, take some time for self-care (but come back later!)

GiveOther ways to Back

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