Multilingual Mainers relies on a team of multilingual volunteers, both Bowdoin students and Brunswick community members.
Classroom partnerships are sustained by students enrolled in Professor Boyle’s Teaching and Learning Languages and Cultures Course. Lunchtime sessions are sustained by volunteers working with small groups of PreK-2 students. These programs provide exposure to elementary pedagogy with mentorship from classroom teachers. Alumni teachers from this program have gone onto obtain Fulbright grants and other post-graduate teaching positions.
Requirements:
Intermediate or above level proficiency in a language other than English (able to read a children’s book fluently)
Available weekly during at least one 30 minute time-slot Monday through Friday. [COVID-19 note: As of 2022, the teacher/ staff vaccination rate at Kate Furbish is 95%]
- New volunteers will be contacted for an info session before their first shift
- Before your first shift, fill out the school’s volunteer application and read the volunteer handbook
Student FAQs
I’m not sure I speak my language(s) well enough to volunteer.
We recommend those with experience at an intermediate level or higher in their language(s) to participate. Would you be comfortable reading a children’s book proficiently in your language(s)? We encourage volunteers to share their personal experiences with learning language and their family or community contacts with languages.
What if I don’t have a lot of experience working with kids?
Volunteers will often work in pairs, and they receive mentorship from current teachers. Enthusiasm and practice will go a long way.
Do I get one of those cool t-shirts?
Yes! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt when volunteering for the program. We also invite our volunteers to community meals and celebrations at Bowdoin and local schools.
What is the weekly time commitment for volunteers?
At least one 30 minute slot a week, with a 10-week commitment.
I have conflicts with the lunchtimes at Kate Furbish, but I still want to volunteer.
Contact us to learn more about our classroom partnership program and other ways to be involved.
Do you provide Bowdoin students support with transportation for accessibility or harsh weather?
Yes, we can offer taxi vouchers if necessary.
What if there are no books available at the school library in my language or I need more resources?
Please let us know! We have resources available, and we’re excited to expand our collection.