Two upcoming events will let area residents learn about volunteer opportunities at one local not-for-profit.
Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County needs tutors to help with English as a second language and reading lessons. Speaking with Finger Lakes New Radio, Executive Director Elisa Hunt said that the only qualifications to become a tutor being at least 18 years old and possessing a high school diploma.
“We provide all of the training and all of the supplies,” said Hunt. “We give them all of the tools that they’re going to need to improve someone’s life by either helping them to read better or to speak English.”
Following the free training, volunteers are asked to provide two hours of tutoring a week. This can either be done through one-on-one tutoring sessions or in small group sessions. Hunt added that the sessions can be done in public places throughout the county, such as the Literacy Volunteers office, public libraries, or churches that allow the organization to use their spaces.
If you’re interested in volunteering, there are two upcoming information sessions to learn more about what tutoring entails. The first session will be Monday at 10:00a at the Literacy Volunteers Office at 125 Genesee Street in Auburn. The second will be May 4 at 10:00a at the Weedsport Free Library at 2795 E Brutus Street.
Those interested in volunteering but cannot attend either session are asked to call 315-253-5241.
Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County offers free tutoring services to adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and English speaking skills in Cayuga County and the Jordan-Elbridge and Skaneateles areas of Onondaga County.
Hunt estimates that 19% of Cayuga County adults are considered illiterate, meaning they read below an 8th-grade level or can’t speak English at all. 12% are estimated to lack a high school diploma.