Volunteer

Volunteers —
Our Most Important Partners in Learning

Volunteers have been core to CVAE’s mission since our earliest days.  Volunteering at CVAE is extremely rewarding, educational, exciting, and fun.  You’ll also become a part of our larger learning community, one that changes lives. Today, 70-100 volunteers work with CVAE each year. Many CVAE volunteers provide direct instruction, and others support the organization’s mission in a variety of other ways.   

What do CVAE Volunteers Do?

Become a volunteer

VOLUNTEER TEACHER:

Teaching volunteers work in partnership with staff Teachers, the Volunteer Coordinator and other volunteers to help our students reach their goals and get ahead. They help students with reading, writing, math, computer skills, and English Language Learning. Volunteer Teachers also support a student’s progress in achieving a high school diploma, equivalent (GED), or transition into career and further education.

VOLUNTEER OFFICE SUPPORT & RECEPTIONIST:

Receptionists help to create a welcoming, orderly and supportive atmosphere for current and potential students, volunteers, visitors and learning center staff. They greet those who come into our center and assist with answering telephones and taking messages. Some may use office equipment and assist with mailings, filing and organizing.

VOLUNTEER OUTREACH SUPPORTER:

The Outreach Supporter works closely with the Outreach Director and other staff to assist with getting the word out about CVBE’s programs to recruit students and inform the community about the work of the organization.

VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER:

Board members are legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the organization and have the ultimate responsibility, stewardship and accountability for the organization.  They are responsible for the employment and evaluation of the organization’s Executive Director.  They take an active role in fundraising efforts, contribute financially to the organization and advocate for the organization’s work. 

VOLUNTEER MENTOR:

Mentors work in partnership with staff Teachers, the Volunteer Coordinator and other volunteers to help CVAE students progress toward achieving their academic and career goals.  Mentors help assure student success and are role models.  Mentors serve as another point of contact, assisting students with: regular participation, ongoing persistence, confidence building, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and other life skills. Mentors may or may not be involved in the academic portion of a student’s learning plan.

VOLUNTEER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTOR:

Professional development instructors work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and other staff or volunteers, as appropriate, to develop and/or provide content or topic specific professional development opportunities for CVAE volunteers and staff. 

VOLUNTEER MAINTENANCE PERSON/CARPENTER:

These individuals assist with learning center upkeep and maintenance tasks. They may paint, put together or repair learning center furnishings, install a white board, shelving, etc., or help with other similar activities.

I was working with one high school student on a Civil War project. Even though I was a US History major in college I learned a lot of new things right along with him. In my time at CVAE my vocabulary has improved, I’ve learned new things, and I’ve relearned lost things.

– Peter Cobb, CVAE Volunteer

WE SUPPORT OUR VOLUNTEERS

Whether our volunteers come to us with professional education backgrounds or not, CVAE offers the support you need to help your student get ahead.

  • Open channels of communication with CVAE staff. Feel free to contact the Volunteer Coordinator or your lead teacher with any questions or concerns.

  • Trainings: CVAE may offer group training sessions on specific topics related to your volunteering. We’ll let you know ahead of time. You can also ask your lead teacher or Volunteer Coordinator for specific training materials, and we’ll provide what you need.

  • Volunteer Meetings: CVAE occasionally has volunteer-specific meetings, where you’ll meet other volunteers, share tricks and tips, and build a professional support community.