Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re interested in volunteering, complete an application form and someone from our staff will then reach out to schedule an interview.

Upon arrival and departure, Program Assistant will:

• Arrive at World Languages Cafe no later than 6:45pm at 50+ Senior Center Location. (Arrival is 5:45pm at Miller Branch Location).
• Place language signs on tables.
• Place material boxes on tables.
• Provide friendly reminders to table facilitators 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 Assistants will support Howard County Library Systems & Columbia Association staff and Table Facilitators by:

• Noting the total number of attendees on each table (including table facilitators). 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 CA staff. This will include:
  • The total headcount at each table for the night (including table facilitators).
  • Any absences of table facilitators.
  • Any questions that arise from participants or other unexpected inquiries.
  • Refer people to CA staff with questions, suggestions, or concerns that cannot be addressed by Table Facilitators or Program Assistant.

Program Assistants will act as ambassadors of the World Languages Cafe by:

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

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

Upon arrival and departure, Table Facilitators will:

• Arrive at World Languages Cafe no later than 6:45pm at 50+ Senior Center Location. (Arrival is 5:45pm at Miller Branch Location).
• 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 World Languages Cafe.
• Set an alarm on their phone (or provided timer) for 8:40pm. Wrap up table conversation by 8:40pm.

While facilitating dialogue, Table Facilitators 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 Facilitators 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 Faciltators will be expected to inform CA staff when they cannot attend or if there is an emergency conflict last minute*

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