Volunteer FAQs
Q: How do I know if this is the right volunteer opportunity for me?
Literacy volunteers thrive when they possess most or all of the following characteristics: adaptable, committed, compassionate, consistent, curious, flexible, friendly, fun, genuine, kind, great listener, love to learn, open-minded, patient, relaxed, team player, trustworthy, and understanding.
Volunteers with our high school programs must also be: VERY flexible, as many days are spent listening and learning from youth as they direct the flow of the programs; thick-skinned; genuine and understanding; secure in their sense of self; and emotionally intelligent. It’s a bonus if you’re up to date with pop culture and niche trends (or have enthusiasm for learning quickly!)
Volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering on the same day, at the same location, at the same time for at least 6 months.
We strongly encourage people to volunteer with the Writers’ Exchange who shared lived experience with the kids and youth we serve, especially those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Colour, Muslim, and/or from English Language Learner newcomer families. If you are a member of any of these communities and would like more information about becoming involved, or face barriers to volunteering, please contact Liz Ellis, Volunteer & Development Coordinator, eellis@vancouverwe.com.
Literacy volunteers thrive when they possess most or all of the following characteristics: adaptable, committed, compassionate, consistent, curious, flexible, friendly, fun, genuine, kind, great listener, love to learn, open-minded, patient, relaxed, team player, trustworthy, and understanding.
Q: What is the Writers’ Exchange doing to keep kids, volunteers, and staff safe and healthy during the COVID pandemic?
A: We have created a COVID-19 Health and Safety plan to make sure we are doing everything that we can to keep our staff and everyone we work with as safe as possible.
Q: Do I need to have experience working with kids and youth?
A: No!
It is most important for you to be enthusiastic and fully committed to learning from the Writers’ Exchange kids and youth themselves how to be a supportive volunteer.
“Volunteering with the Writers’ Exchange made me remember how magical reading and writing can be. It was a joy to work with these fun and imaginative kids.”
Q: How do I become a volunteer?
A: It’s pretty easy!
1. Add your email to the volunteer application alert.
2. When applications open:
complete a Criminal Records Check
submit a volunteer application form
attend a three-hour orientation session—where you'll learn about the cool activities we do, what a typical shift looks like, safety stuff and some tips to make you a great volunteer
If you face barriers completing any of these steps, please contact Liz Ellis, Volunteer & Development Coordinator, eellis@vancouverwe.com.
Please note: If your Canadian work or study permit states, "Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health field occupations." you must complete a medical exam and change the conditions of your work or study permit before volunteering with kids/youth at the Writers' Exchange.
Q: When do programs run?
A: Our general program schedule looks like this:
After-School (Sept – June)
Weekdays
2:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Summer (July – Aug)
Monday – Friday
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Q: What are programs like?
A: During after-school programs for Elementary-aged kids, they may play board or card games, read their favourite books, do some reading on a computer, get a start on homework, or work on a self-directed project.
In high school programs, youth work on creative projects, chat over snacks, play board games, cook, and talk about what's going on in the world.
In all programs, we integrate reading and writing into fun, kid- and youth-approved activities that, along with volunteers’ support, boost kids’ and youths’ self-confidence. The tasty nutritious snacks we serve in programs are legendary throughout East Vancouver. To see past program activities, check out our Instagram page!
Q: Okay, so it’s all fun all the time?
A: We wish we could tell you that every minute volunteering will be super fun, but the reality is that some days are tougher than others. Our 2015/16 Volunteer of the Year said it best:
“Many of the kids we work with face tremendous challenges. I know that just by being there and offering them kindness, a continual fresh start and enthusiasm for reading and writing, you can yield really inspiring results.”—Joe
Q: Do I have to plan and lead programs?
A: Nope.
The kids and youth dream up the activity, the staff team prepares the program, and you show up and have fun while helping the kids and youth complete the day’s activity to the best of their abilities, providing plenty of positive feedback and encouragement along the way.
Q: How many kids or youth will there be in each program?
A: There will be between 10 and 20 kids or youth in the program, and you’ll work in small groups with the kids or youth, alongside other volunteers who are working with groups of their own.
Q: I have a million things going on and I can’t commit to the same time every week. Is that ok?
A: It is important for the kids and youth we work with to have consistent, committed adult role models in their lives. If you can't fit Writers' Exchange into your life right now, please tell your friends and family all about us and encourage them to volunteer.
Q: All of your programs happen during the day and I work 9 - 5. Can I still help out?
A: You'd be surprised how many bosses are cool with you taking a few hours off a week to volunteer if you work up the courage to ask. If you'd like us to help convince the higher ups, please contact Anna Forst (aforst@vancouverwe.com).
Q: I'm not super creative. Or a writer. Or really outgoing. Is that OK?
A: No problem!
Our staff creates wacky activities for the kids and youth every day, and all you need to do is show up fully committed to supporting and learning from them. Trust us, the kids and youth will help you discover that you are much more creative than you think!
Q: This program sounds awesome for the kids and youth, but what will I get out of it?
You will (with time, patience, and commitment) develop a strong relationship with awesome kids and youth, and in the process build the kids’ and youth’s self-esteem, confidence, and literacy skills. That’s an amazing feeling!
You’ll learn from the kids and youth--not just fun facts and current trends, but about their cultures, social justice, and other things that matter to them.
Through hands-on experience and specialized training sessions, you will learn about how to work effectively with kids and youth from a variety of backgrounds
You will build your creativity and communications skills
You will give back to your community in a very concrete way
You will connect with other fantastic volunteers
You will receive your very own Writers’ Exchange tote bag after completing three terms (nine months) of volunteering
And yes, of course, after volunteering with us for at least two months, we’ll write you reference letters to make all of your career dreams come true
Oh yeah, and snacks
Q: When should I apply to volunteer?
A: We accept applications four times a year - August/September (fall term), November/December (winter term), February (spring term), and May (summer term). The entire process from application to being placed in a program can take up to two months. Sign up to receive an alert when applications open.
Still need more info?
Please contact Liz Ellis, Volunteer & Development Coordinator, eellis@vancouverwe.com.
Want to know when you can apply? (We hope so!)
“I love spending time with the kids and other volunteers. It’s a stark reminder about what’s important in my life—friendship, curiosity, patience.”