Volunteers and potential volunteers are becoming increasingly aware of the nation's alarming literacy challenges.  Before they connect with volunteers, though, programs need to be prepared to utilize this valuable resource.

Volunteering in a literacy program can be a complicated, even intimidating proposition, both for volunteers and for staff.  Many families that participate in literacy programs face multiple barriers to success including economic instability, low-level English skills, and low self-esteem. Programs frequently face challenges in finding and managing volunteers who are equipped to work with families trying to overcome tremendous obstacles.

Over the past few years, NCFL has collaborated with program staff, national organizations and corporate partners to develop several resources for programs to help them maximize their capacity to work with volunteers.

Thinkfinity Literacy Network (TLN) is managed by NCFL and ProLiteracy Worldwide, with generous funding from Verizon Communications. This free, online platform offers self-paced courses and literacy resources to help prepare staff, community partners and volunteers to play an important role in adult and family literacy programs. More than 40 courses offer strategies for working with adult learners, English language learners, children and families. Free learning tools in Spanish are available in the library to help programs engage Latino immigrant families in the world of reading.

With funding from UPS, NCFL developed the toolkit, Engaging Family Literacy Volunteers, Tutors & Learners. This free resource offers programs the necessary tools to recruit and assess potential volunteers and incorporate them successfully into the family literacy environment.