Literacy volunteers needed

Porter Square Books is assisting Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM) in their effort to recruit more volunteers to provide free, private, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy. LVM, a nonprofit organization founded in 1972, is the largest private provider of one-to-one literacy tutoring in Massachusetts. As a volunteer with LVM you will have an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in someone's life. Currently LVM has many more potential students than it has tutors. We're hoping by reaching out to a wider network of people, and people who are obviously readers, we can help recruit more volunteers for their program.

We at Porter Square Books feel committed to creating a more literate community and to encouraging life long reading skills and passion for the written word. LVM specializes in teaching adults whose literacy skills are below the 6th grade level. Some cannot read street signs, their own mail, newspapers, or a job application, all tasks one takes for granted.

The first step in volunteering is attending an orientation program for tutor training. After orientation, volunteers apply to attend an 18-hour training program. If you are willing and interested in volunteering for at least 3 hours per week (2 hours tutoring and 1 hour preparation time) for a minimum of 9 months call their office at 617-367-1313, or email rlindy@lvm.org. Or email me at janed@portersquarebooks.com, be sure and indicate your interest in LVM, so you don't end up you know where.

We're excited to be able to spread the word about this award winning organization.