Volunteer with Children, Teens & Families
Words Alive volunteers bring books to life: leading family literacy experiences, guiding teen readers, and building a love of reading in classrooms across San Diego.
There are three ways to volunteer directly with the children, teens, and families we serve. Start by learning about each one, then we will guide you through the steps to get ready. Questions along the way? Contact the volunteer team.
Learn About Our Volunteer Opportunities
There are multiple ways to make reading come alive, but every new youth-facing volunteer begins with our pre-recorded volunteer orientation. It is the best way to learn more about Words Alive, hear about our programs, understand the volunteer experience, and decide which opportunity is right for you.
Watch the Volunteer Orientation
Get the big picture on Words Alive and see what each program is really like before you choose.
Orientation password: P1D11V.uFamily Literacy Program (FLP)
Help families build joyful reading routines together. You will facilitate a six-session experience with children and their caregivers, in person or virtually.
- Your commitment 6 sessions over 6 weeks, once a week
- Setting In person or virtual
- You'll work with Children and caregivers
- Good to know English- and Spanish-speaking volunteers especially needed
Adolescent Book Group (ABG)
Lead teens through the experience of discovering a great book together, guiding conversations, activities, and creative responses throughout the school year.
- Your commitment Weekly, throughout the school year
- Setting School or community setting
- You'll work with Teen readers and a partner volunteer
- Good to know You will not be leading the group alone
Read Aloud
Become a familiar reading role model for one classroom. You will be matched with a dedicated classroom and return throughout the school year to read aloud and share books.
- Your commitment 30 sessions throughout the school year
- Setting One dedicated classroom
- You'll work with The same classroom all year
- Good to know Substitute coverage is available for known absences
Not sure which opportunity is right for you?
That is okay. The orientation will give you a closer look at all three programs and what it means to volunteer with each one. You are also welcome to join a live info session to ask questions and hear more before you decide. After watching orientation, email the volunteer team and we will help you identify the right next step and send you the volunteer application.
Complete Your Volunteer Clearance
Once you have decided to become a youth-facing volunteer, you will complete a few requirements designed to help keep the children, teens, and families we serve safe. We will help you through the process. You do not have to figure it all out at once.
Volunteer application
After you watch orientation, email volunteer@wordsalive.org and the volunteer team will send you the application and help you take the next step.
Live Scan background check
California requires a fingerprint-based background check for volunteers working directly with youth. Here is what you will do:
- Download the Words Alive Live Scan form and complete the applicant information.
- Bring the form, photo ID, and payment to a Live Scan location.
- Find a Live Scan location through the California Department of Justice.
- Email volunteer@wordsalive.org once you have completed your Live Scan so the team knows to watch for your results.
The cost is a $15 government fee plus an $18–$40 fee charged by the fingerprinting location. Results typically arrive within seven business days.
Please do not send a photo of your Live Scan form. It contains private information. Just let the team know you have completed the process.
Live Scan FAQ
I've had an online background check through another organization. Do I still need a Live Scan?
Yes. Words Alive's Live Scan is specific to our organization.
I've completed a Live Scan for another school or agency. Can Words Alive use those results?
No. Live Scans are specific to the agency that ordered them.
What if I can't afford the fees?
Contact the volunteer team. We can talk through available options.
How long do my fingerprints stay on file?
California maintains the fingerprint record and provides ongoing notifications of new arrests or convictions to authorized agencies. If you stop volunteering with Words Alive, contact the volunteer team if you would like to be removed as an active volunteer.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Training
Volunteers working with youth must complete California's required child abuse and neglect prevention training. Plan for up to two hours. You can pause and return to the training if needed.
Complete the self-paced training →Once complete, send your certificate to volunteer@wordsalive.org. If you have completed similar training within the past two years, contact the team. It may satisfy this requirement.
Training FAQ
Do I need to complete the training if I've done similar training elsewhere?
Maybe. If you have completed similar training within the past two years, send the information to the volunteer team and they will let you know if it satisfies the requirement.
Why is this required?
The training helps volunteers understand their responsibilities when working with children and supports Words Alive's commitment to creating safe environments for the youth and families we serve.
If you're volunteering in person
You will also complete two additional requirements before volunteering at a school or partner site.
ID badge
All Words Alive volunteers must wear a badge while in a school or partner site. Please email the following to volunteer@wordsalive.org:
- A clear photo of yourself from the shoulders up
- The name you would like printed on your badge (for instance, Jo instead of Joanna)
- Your pronouns (she/hers, they/them, he/him, etc.)
- The program you volunteer with (Family Literacy Program, Read Aloud Program, Adolescent Book Group)
Negative TB test
Provide documentation of a negative tuberculosis test from within the past four years. Medical test results are accepted. TB risk assessments are not.
In-Person Volunteer FAQ
How do I get my ID badge?
Your program manager will coordinate with you.
What if I lose my badge?
Email volunteer@wordsalive.org for a replacement.
Can I submit results from my medical portal?
Yes, as long as your name, test date, and negative result are visible.
How often do I need a new TB test?
Your TB test is valid for four years from the date it was conducted.
Train for Your Program & Get Started
Once you have completed the required clearance steps, the volunteer team will provide training specific to your program: the books, curriculum, and role you will be stepping into.
Volunteering with more than one program? You will complete training for each one. Then you are ready to make reading come alive, with the support of the Words Alive team every step of the way.
Questions
Do I need to know which program I want before I start?
No. Orientation is a great place to start. If you are not sure which opportunity is right for you, the volunteer team can help you decide once you have watched it.
Can I volunteer with more than one program?
Yes. You will complete program-specific training for each program you support.
I've volunteered with Words Alive before. Do I have to complete everything again?
Some requirements may need to be updated depending on when you last volunteered. The volunteer team can let you know what is already on file for you.
How long does the process take?
It depends on how quickly you complete your application, training, and background check. Live Scan results typically arrive within seven business days.
What if I have questions or need help with a requirement?
That is what the volunteer team is here for. Email volunteer@wordsalive.org and we will help you figure out your next step.
Ready to take the first step?
Start with the orientation. It is the easiest way to learn about Words Alive, explore the three volunteer opportunities, and decide where you might fit.