Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE) Volunteers

Join Kansas City Public Library's team of RISE volunteers to help KC immigrants and refugees learn English or become citizens! Commit just 2 – 4 hours per week to help patrons increase English proficiency, study for the Naturalization Civics Test, practice for the Naturalization Interview, and so much more.

Already a volunteer? Log into your portal here.

group of people at citizenship ceremony

RISE volunteers primarily serve as tutors in our English classes, which generally take place at the North-East Branch.

Our next 8-week class session runs from July 7-August 29, and we are seeking tutors for the following classes:

  • English for Citizenship May 26-August 15 | Thursdays, 12:30-2 p.m. or Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
    We study the questions on the naturalization test. Tutors work 1:1 with students to reinforce vocabulary and practice reading and writing.
  • English Basics 1 | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
  • English Basics 2 | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. OR Wednesdays & Fridays, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
    Our basics classes focus on speaking practice, phonics, high-use vocabulary, and simple grammar. Tutors work 1:1 or in small groups with students.

We are also recruiting tutors for the following classes, which are taught offsite on behalf of our community partners. Locations are mostly in the Historic Northeast and will be shared only with tutors who are placed in them.

  • English Basics 1 | July 14-September 3, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, send us an email or call 816.701.3766

Qualifications

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Proficient in English
  • Patient, kind, and passionate about refugees & immigrants
  • A flexible team player, willing to work with students of many different skill levels
  • Experience working with non-native English speakers a plus
  • Experience with tutoring, language learning, or literacy coaching a plus

The Process

Interested volunteers should reach out to rise@kclibrary.org to apply. Volunteers must complete a short orientation and pass a background check.

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