Volunteer Opportunities
If you want to learn how memes can get kids and youth excited about reading, writing, and their own potential, and enjoy supporting kids and youth during scavenger hunts, and other fun and silly activities, then join our team of volunteers!
We integrate reading and writing into creative activities motivated by the kids' and youths’ interests that, along with your support, boost self-confidence and engagement with literacy.
The Writers' Exchange encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, LGBTTIQQ2SA, a newcomer, an English Language Learner, a person with a disability, or any other community that has experienced patterns of discrimination.
Who can volunteer? Anyone who is:
16 years of age or older
fully committed to attending the same weekly 2.5-hour shift for at least six months (terms run from September to December, January to March, April to June, and July to August). Please note that during the summer term, we require a minimum commitment of 6 weeks of the 8-week term.
able to volunteer during program hours, 2:45 to 5:15 pm (or approximately 9:30am - 12:00pm, 12:30pm - 3:00pm in the summer).
passionate about kids’ and youths’ literacy and not afraid to be wacky!
able to provide the contact info of one personal or professional reference who can talk about why you would be an amazing volunteer (for example, a former supervisor, co-worker, teacher, or close friend). We may or may not contact your reference.
willing to complete a provincial Criminal Record Check (checks can be completed online using a BC Services Card, or using a paper form if you don’t have a BC Services Card).
adaptable, committed, compassionate, consistent, flexible, friendly, fun, genuine, kind, love to learn, open-minded, relaxed, team player, trustworthy, and understanding.
How do I become a literacy volunteer? You must complete:
a criminal record check (free for anyone with a BC government-issued ID)—this can take up to six weeks to process, so we’ll help you get started on this right away
the application form
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
The entire process from application to your first shift can take up to two months. If you don't meet these requirements right now but still want to get involved, please contact our Volunteer & Development Coordinator, Liz Ellis, at eellis@vancouverwe.com to learn about other volunteer opportunities outside of programs, or to be added to our e-newsletter.
Need more info? Check out our FAQs, or contact Liz Ellis at eellis@vancouverwe.com.
