Facilitate a Book Group for Teens Facing Extraordinary Circumstances

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Do you enjoy reading and discussing engaging literature? Looking for a way to support youth in San Diego? Become an Adolescent Book Group (ABG) Facilitator with Words Alive and bring the love of reading into the classroom! ABG facilitators become reading role models who host thoughtful discussions, guide creative writing exercises, and lead exciting activities to bring the text to life for the students in Words Alive's programs.

Students in the Adolescent Book Group enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills, build self-esteem, and find their voice through engaging with contemporary, diverse, and relevant texts that reflect their lived experiences in the classroom.

The best part? You do not need to have any previous classroom experience to support this amazing program! All you need is a love of reading and a desire to spark that love in others. We're facing a literacy crisis in San Diego, with 60% of teens failing to meet English Language Arts standards, but there is a way that you can help. By serving as a reading role model, you will show their students that their community is invested in their success as readers, learners, and explorers - all by helping them connect to the incredible power of reading.

The ABG program facilitator leads the monthly book group discussions, activities, or writing prompts with teens using the curriculum guides curated by Words Alive to ensure that program goals are met.

Position Responsibilities:

Read designated books and curriculum guides prior to attending the biweekly discussion group

Support an environment where all program participants feel engaged and safe by using inclusive language and practices

Attend all book group sessions and facilitate discussions, activities, and creative writing prompts

Encourage open communication among volunteers and program participants

Attend all Words Alive sponsored in-service trainings and workshops

Communicate regularly with site manager.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Time Commitment: Fall 2022 programming begins the first week of October and occurs biweekly until the end of December.

Location: This opportunity takes place in schools across San Diego.

Onboarding Process:

Submit Volunteer Application

Attend Volunteer Orientation and program training

Proof of negative tuberculosis test (TB) results

Submit background check

Complete online training regarding the identification, prevention, and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

Sign COVID waiver and comply with partner school requirements regarding masking and vaccination.

Required Skills/Experience:

Computer literate and able to correspond with members electronically

Strong communication skills

Ability to work well and collaborate with others

Accountable, dependable and organized

About Words Alive

Words Alive provides essential literacy services to underserved students and families. Their mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.