ELC Volunteer Opportunities - Our Saviour's Community Services

You make a difference

Volunteers are the foundation of the ELC

Our classes are taught by dedicated volunteers who come from many different backgrounds. Having volunteers who bring a variety of experiences, histories, and accents to our classes helps our students enjoy a more diverse learning experience. Our volunteers also help us provide small class sizes that allow for individualized attention for students. Whether you’re looking for a regular volunteer opportunity, to complete service learning hours for school, or you’re not sure where you want to start at the ELC, our team will work with you to find an opportunity that fits your needs. Join us, and you will share your students’ joy as they meet goals and pursue dreams.

“I like to volunteer because I think the U.S. can be a hard place to learn about, and I want people to feel that it’s a positive experience to be here. The students are so kind and eager to learn…even when I make mistakes!”

– Mary, ELC Volunteer

“I like to volunteer because I think the U.S. can be a hard place to learn about, and I want people to feel that it’s a positive experience to be here. The students are so kind and eager to learn…even when I make mistakes!”

– Mary, ELC Volunteer

Basic Info

Why become an ELC volunteer?

People just like you volunteer at the ELC for many different reasons:

Desire to make a real impact in the lives of adult English language learners who immigrated to the United States
Passion to learn about diversity of cultures in your neighborhood
Interest in language learning and education
Opportunity to gain experience for a future career or to just try something new
New friends and a fun, vibrant community

The list could go on and on, but don’t take our word for it. We’re happy to put you in contact with one of our current volunteers to give you the inside scoop on volunteering at the ELC!

What do you look for in an ELC volunteer?

ELC volunteers come with diverse gifts, backgrounds, and experiences. However, we have found that these qualities can help ensure a good fit and positive experience for everyone:

Ability to build relationships with people from an exceptionally diverse range of backgrounds
Commitment to being reliable and dependable
Strong verbal and impersonal communication skills
Self-motivated with a high degree of initiative and flexibility
Personable and enjoys spending time speaking with others

What are the time commitments and other requirements?

Volunteers can choose to either commit to a regular schedule, or may help out as a drop-in teacher or assistant. You can also sign up to be on our sub list to help out when we need a teacher to fill in.

With daytime and evening, online and in person classes, the ELC has many options to fit your schedule and interests. Our team will work with you to find the best fit possible and will provide the tools you need to be successful in your role.

To lead in a classroom, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers ages 16-18 are welcome to serve as assistant teachers.

Volunteers must pass a background check. Prior criminal offenses, however, do not automatically disqualify you from participating at the ELC.

Do I need to have teaching experience?

No. Volunteers do not need to have prior teaching experience and our students benefit from learning from volunteers who come to the ELC from a variety of backgrounds. Our staff will provide you with orientation, opportunities to shadow current volunteers, and any support needed to be successful in this role. Curriculum will be provided to all volunteers – you will not need to come up with lesson plans or activities.

All ELC volunteers receive training and ongoing support.

How do I become a volunteer?

To get started, fill out our online application or email our Volunteer Coordinator if you have questions about volunteering. You can also call the ELC at 612-874-9963 for help getting started.

Volunteer Opportunities

In Person Volunteering

Volunteer at the English Learning Center mornings or evenings and help our adult students build skills. We have classes Monday through Thursday and will work with you to choose a class level that works best for your interests. Volunteers can choose to teach on a set schedule or sign up for a drop-in teaching or assisting role. You can also sign up to sub and help out when we need a teacher to fill in. The ELC is also happy to help service learning students complete needed hours for their programs. To get started at the ELC, fill out our online application.

Group Volunteering

Because the ELC has small class sizes where students can receive individualized attention, we cannot accommodate large volunteer groups. If your group is interested in volunteering with Our Saviour’s Community Services, please consider opportunities at Our Saviour’s Housing. Groups can cook and serve meals, host fun social activities, and so much more.

Online Volunteering

Volunteer online and help the ELC provide flexible learning opportunities for students with busy schedules. We have classes Monday through Thursday and will work with you to choose a class level that works best for your interests. Volunteers can choose to teach on a set schedule or sign up for a drop-in teaching or assisting role. You can also sign up to sub and help out when we need a teacher to fill in. The ELC is also happy to help service learning students complete needed hours for their programs. To get started at the ELC, fill out our online application.

Ready to Volunteer?

Apply Here

As a certified Service Enterprise organization, we align the passions and skills of volunteers with meaningful volunteer positions that achieve our mission and increase the impact in our community. We are proud to join this top 11 percent of organizations in volunteer management and organizational performance.