When making the decision to become a volunteer you may discover ways it can contribute to your overall development.
At Alta, volunteers are given the opportunity to learn and teach while expanding their range of skills, all in exchange for their time in the classroom. Here are some reasons why the best volunteers get the most out of their volunteer experience:
Commit
There is a misconception that because time is being volunteered there is no obligation to commit. But every successful volunteer describes their volunteer position in the same way as a job—work.
The most committed tutors aren’t usually counting the hours or the days they spend volunteering, but making each hour count. Not every person is able to fully commit their lives to volunteer work, and so Alta has provided a very clear structure for volunteer efforts which awards certificates to committed volunteers who teach for an academic year.
Alta is strengthened by the commitment of its volunteer base. Thanks to these volunteers, there is a reliable support system which our students can depend on to keep them committed to their literacy goals. Committed volunteers remind students that there are people who care, and who are equally committed.
Build relationships
A chain is as strong as its weakest link and Alta’s network of volunteers form a strong chain at every class in every community where there is a venue. In Alta there is a familiarity that brings together persons from all walks of life, forming relationships across social and cultural barriers.
Tutors, trainers and staff converse on a first-name basis. New and experienced volunteers are paired up to share teaching duties and responsibilities and also respond to the needs of students. Teaching in a team reduces the ratio of students to tutors and over time, wins students’ trust and confidence.
Students willingly recommend a class to a friend or relative based on the experience and relationship they’ve built with tutors, and keep attending for the same reason. Volunteers who successfully cultivate strong relationships with students by investing time see the rewards as their students become more engaged and responsive in the classroom.
Add value
Alta volunteers build relationships within the classroom and also within Alta’s larger network of tutors at annual events like the Tutor Training Course, Tutors’ Meeting and Annual General Meeting. These are excellent ways to get insight into other areas where volunteer skills and resources are utilised. Many of the innovations and ideas that have taken shape as the present day Alta Programme started out as suggestions and contributions from volunteers who took the time to share their activities in the classroom. Over the years, a core of experienced tutors have added value by mentoring and training new volunteers, becoming class coordinators, interviewing volunteers and assisting with programme management of Alta classes and projects. By communicating what is happening ‘on the ground’ in the classroom through student attendance, class and end-of-level reports, volunteers give Alta administrators valuable information when reporting to funding agencies and partners.
Share the experience
Passion and drive are contagious. Volunteering can be a relay or a marathon based on someone’s life goals. In the case of a relay, sharing the experience is one way to pass the baton. If you have been a volunteer at Alta in the past but are unable to commit at this time, share the experience with a friend or colleague. Adding a real face or name to Alta may be what it takes for another person to “Get In” and “Get Through” to become a volunteer.
Alta needs volunteers to teach at classes across Trinidad for academic year Sept 2015-June 2016. Call 624-ALTA (2582)/ 653-4656/ 664-2582 to schedule an interview and begin the process of becoming an Alta tutor. Volunteers are unpaid. Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor a student. Like us on Facebook: Alta Trinidad.