Want to Be Involved? We've Got a Few Possibilities! Sign-up today!
For more information about any of the opportunities listed, email volunteerservices@commonbond.org,
phone 651-291-1750, or fill out the Volunteer
Application and mail it to: Volunteer Services, CommonBond Communities,
328 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
We need
Volunteers for:
Youth Services | Adult
Education | Teens | Technology
Team
Youth Services
Change lives by being a part of the new Learning Circles program! This fall, CommonBond will be launching an innovative new way for you to help resident children learn. Learning Circles is a youth mentoring and academic support program that connects mentors like you with up to four residents in 4th to 12th grade and an AmeriCorps member. These groups meet for 1½ hours twice a week throughout the school year, providing the youth with academic assistance and group support. Designed to be fun, challenging and life-changing, Learning Circles focus on building deep relationships in the group to support youth academic achievement. During the summer these connections continue with occasional group events and contact through email and letters. As a Learning Circles volunteer, you can make a tremendous impact on the lives of young people, not only helping them with their homework, but also becoming a role model that the kids can count on.
To become a Learning Circles volunteer, please email Jessica Solem at Jessica.Solem@commonbond.org. Volunteers must be 16 years or older, able to speak, read and write in English and have access to reliable transportation. Opportunities are available at St. Paul communities only.
Study
Buddies
Study Buddies is a one-on-one academic mentoring program. Spend
one to two hours a week helping a child with homework assignments,
special projects, academic skills, and more. Locations are available
throughout the metropolitan and surrounding area, September through
May.
OVER 90% of school-age children who participated in Study Buddies (one-on-one academic mentoring program) raised their reading skill by one grade level.
Homework
Center
Homework Center tutors team up with CommonBond staff to assist
groups of students with homework assignments and strengthen academic
skills. Help youth learn in a fun, productive environment and
make a positive, lasting impact on their lives. Locations are
available throughout the metropolitan and surrounding area, September
through May.
“The Center has been really helpful in teaching me skills that will be important in the future. You don’t find this kind of help in other housing.” - Tsedenya, student.
Reading
Corps
Reading Corps volunteers work with children Kindergarten through 3rd
grade in reading readiness. Spend one to two hours per week working
with children helping them to read at their age appropriate level. Volunteers
are trained in the curriculum. Volunteer opportunities are available
in St. Paul
Through Reading Corps, CommonBond offers a love of reading and learning to the more than 700 children under the age of five who live in CommonBond housing.
Preschool Program
Preschool Program volunteers will assist in the preschool program by
supervising children who may be preparing for Kindergarten or learning
social skills. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to volunteers
who enjoy working with young children. Volunteer opportunities are available
throughout the metropolitan and surrounding area.
Kid Fun
Kid Fun is a recreational program for youth living at CommonBond Communities.
As part of the Kid Fun Volunteer Team you will plan and lead activities
for children living in CommonBond housing. Spend three hours a week
playing games, completing craft projects, and having fun! Volunteer
opportunities are available in Edina.
Camp Fire
Come share the fun of being a Camp Fire kid! Camp Fire's mission is
to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. Camp Fire volunteers
will assist by leading small Camp Fire groups in fun activities. Volunteer
opportunities are available in Minneapolis.
"I've seen a lot of kids grow up in this community. They are where they are because of the programs that are run here. They don't get in trouble because they are here at summer fun, they don't get in trouble because they are part of the girl scout program. I don't know where I would be if I didn't get the leadership and the role models." - Mai, college student and former CommonBond resident
Adult Education
English
Language Learners
English Language volunteers will work either one-on-one or in small
groups with adults who are learning English as a second language. Students'
needs range from beginners who need help in basic English to advanced
for those who want to fine-tune their skills. This is a great opportunity
to learn more about other cultures! Volunteer opportunities are available
in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
GED Instructors and Tutors for Adult Learners
GED Instructors assist residents to complete their GED in preparation
for job readiness or college. Tutors for Adult Learners team with CommonBond
staff and adults to assist with adult education and academic skills
and support. Volunteer opportunities are available in Minneapolis and
St. Paul.
Citizenship Instructors
Citizenship Instructors assist residents to prepare for their citizenship
exam. Volunteers can take real pride in knowing they assisted someone
in to become a citizen. Volunteer opportunities are available in Minneapolis
and St. Paul.
"There is a lot of room to choose your own volunteer opportunities. If you want to be hands on with people, or behind the scenes organizing, CommonBond staff and residents are wonderful to be with." - Nancy, CommonBond volunteer
Teens
Teen
Scene
Teen Scene volunteers will assist with teen programs. Help teens to
learn job readiness, social skills and how live a productive life. Our
programs boost confidence, engage teens with their communities and families,
and offer a fun alternative to hanging out. Volunteer opportunities
are available throughout the metropolitan area.
I was really a quiet kid. I never came out of my apartment. Once I started going to the programs, I got to know other kids in the building. Right then, it boosted my confidence...The programs help all the parents talk to each other about their kids and so our parents got to know each other better too. - Bibi, college student and former CommonBond resident.
Technology Team
Computer
Instructors and Lab Assistants
Computer Instructors teach basic computer skills to residents. If you
know Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, or other products
and computer skills, this is the opportunity for you! Computer Lab Assistants
provide technical support to youth and adult residents using Advantage
Center computers during open computer lab hours. Volunteer opportunities
are available throughout the metropolitan area.