Get involved

There are four ways to be part of this, and all of them start with the same short form. Pick the one that fits and we'll write back within two business days.

How can I help?

Volunteer as a conversation partner

Who it’s for
Adults and students 16 and up. No teaching experience needed, and you don't need to speak another language.
What you do
Meet with one learner for about an hour a week at a set time and place. You have a conversation — about work, family, a phone call they're dreading, whatever they want to practice.
Time it takes
One hour a week, plus a two-hour training before your first session.
Training
A two-hour training on how to listen, how to correct gently, and what to do when a conversation stalls. Ongoing support from a program lead.
Volunteer

Bring a lesson to your school

Who it’s for
Teachers, counselors, and administrators at elementary, middle, and high schools in San Diego County.
What you do
Book a single class period. We send the lesson plan ahead of time, arrive prepared, and leave you with a discussion guide for the following week.
Time it takes
One class period. Booking takes one email.
Training
Nothing required of you. We complete any visitor or background-check paperwork your district asks for.
Book a visit

Host sessions at your business

Who it’s for
Employers in San Diego County whose workers want to practice speaking English.
What you do
Offer a room and a predictable hour — before a shift, after one, or during a break. We bring the volunteers and run the sessions. You don't organize anything.
Time it takes
One hour a week of room time. No staff time required.
Training
We give you a one-page flyer to post, in the languages your team reads. We never ask your employees for personal information, and we don't report anything back to you about who attends.
Host sessions

Support the work

Who it’s for
Anyone who wants to help but can't give time.
What you do
We need printing, meeting space, translation help, and folding tables more than almost anything else. Tell us what you have and we'll tell you honestly whether we can use it.
Time it takes
One email.
Training
None needed.
Offer support

Send us a message

Or write to us directly

Some people would rather send an email than fill in a form. That's completely fine.

Questions people ask first

Do I need any experience?

No. Most of our volunteers have never done anything like this. The training covers what you need, and you're never left on your own with a situation you haven't practiced.

How much time does this really take?

For a conversation partner: an hour a week, plus travel. That's it. We'd rather you commit to one hour and keep it than promise more and disappear.

Can I volunteer remotely?

Some matches meet by phone or video when that works better for the learner. Say so on the form and we'll see what we can arrange.

Is there a background check?

Yes, for anyone volunteering in a school, and for adult volunteers matched with learners. We'll walk you through it.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Not yet. We're a young organization and we haven't completed the nonprofit registration process, so we won't tell you otherwise. Right now the most useful things you can give are time, space, and supplies.

What do you do with my information?

We use it to reply to you, and for nothing else. It isn't sold or shared. See the privacy page for the full detail.