What to expect as a WLC Volunteer

The World Languages Cafe is a community centered and volunteer lead program. WLC strives to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open to all. Please review our volunteer roles and expectations below.

Upon arrival and departure, Program Hosts will:

• Arrive at WLC location site (either Miller or East 50+ Center) no later than 6:45pm.
• Place language signs on tables.
• Place material boxes on tables.
• Provide friendly reminders to table hosts to have participants sign in.
• Begin collecting table signs and materials at 8:45pm. Please do not rearrange furniture or tables without Library staff oversight.
• Store signs and materials in allocated closet or office space.

Program Hosts will support Howard County Library Systems & Columbia Association staff and Table Hosts by:

• Noting the total number of attendees on each table (including table host volunteers). Begin this process around 7:45pm.
• Visiting each language table periodically to check if they need more supplies.
• Restocking table supplies if needed.
• Emailing a brief report of the night’s activities to HCLS and CA staff. This will include:
  • The total headcount at each table for the night (including table hosts).
  • Any absences of table hosts.
  • Any questions that arise from participants or other unexpected inquiries.
  • Refer people to HCLS and CA staff with questions, suggestions, or concerns that cannot be addressed by Table Hosts or Facilitators.

Program Hosts will act as ambassadors of the WLC by:

• Actively encouraging participants to return.
• Encouraging people to become table hosts.

*Program Hosts will be expected to attend the annual volunteer refresher / appreciation event*
*Program Hosts will be expected to inform either HCLS or CA staff when they cannot attend or if there is an emergency conflict last minute*

Upon arrival and departure, Table Hosts will:

• Arrive at WLC no later than 6:45pm.
• Greet participants in a friendly manner.
• Ask table participants to sign in using QR Code on the table, or paper sign in form.
• Have each participant write their name on nametags.
• When there are new participants, briefly review updated ground rules of WLC.
• Set an alarm on their phone (or provided timer) for 8:40pm. Wrap up table conversation by 8:40pm.

While facilitating dialogue, Table hosts will be expected to:

• Speak clearly.
• Be mindful of participants’ different learning abilities.
• Encourage participation regardless of language level.
• Keep the conversation positive.
•  Keep English at a minimum.
• Listen carefully and resist the urge to overcorrect as people speak.
• Provide grammar and pronunciation support sparingly.
• Be aware of people’s reactions and feelings and respond appropriately.
• Lean on conversation starter list when the conversation slows down or feels stuck.

Table Hosts will maintain an inclusive, positive environment by:

• Providing everyone with an opportunity to speak regardless of skill level.
• Discouraging one, or a small group of individuals, from dominating the conversation.
• Committing to being aware of their own biases by trying not to make assumptions about people’s language abilities based on their appearances, name, culture or demeanor.
• If someone is quiet and just wants to listen, that is permissible; however, assure them that they are welcome to join in whenever they are ready.
• If a side conversation develops, kindly request that they continue the conversation outside of the room.

*Table Hosts will be expected to inform either HCLS or CA staff when they cannot attend or if there is an emergency conflict last minute*

*Table Hosts will be expected to attend the annual volunteer refresher / appreciation event*