English Conversation Facilitator Needed! (Valley Hi-North Laguna Training provided

About the Role

This is a volunteer position facilitating an English Conversation Group for adults at Sacramento Public Library. The group is informal, friendly, and relaxed, centered around a theme or topic for each session with minimal direct instruction. The goal is to create a social space for participants to speak, connect, and practice English in a supportive environment.

Participants come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and may have varying English proficiency levels. The role is not a teaching position—no teaching experience or bilingual ability is required, though cultural competency and facilitation skills are key.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate weekly English conversation groups for adults, focusing on themes or topics.
• Minimize facilitator talk to maximize participants' speaking opportunities.
• Encourage peer interaction and create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
• Incorporate interactive activities (e.g., role-playing) to engage participants.
• Model activities and instructions clearly, even if outside your comfort zone.
• Prepare for sessions (30–60 minutes) based on library staff capacity, participant needs, and your own approach.
• Adapt to participants' interests and proficiency levels, avoiding a rigid structure.

Qualifications & Skills

• Humble, curious, patient, creative, flexible, and culturally competent.
• Comfortable interacting with beginner-level English speakers.
• Fluent in English and able to simplify speech as needed.
• Values participants' needs and interests over your own agenda.
• Excellent facilitation skills or willingness to learn.
• Willingness to model activities (e.g., role-playing) rather than just explain.
• Self-aware and able to adapt to diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Schedule

The group is currently scheduled for Fridays, 4:00–5:00 PM at the Valley Hi-North Laguna library. There may be slight flexibility in timing. The group is expected to start in September, with an exact date to be determined. Preparation time (30–60 minutes per session) should be factored in.

Additional Notes

Training and ongoing support are provided. If you’re more interested in tutoring (ESL or general basic literacy), other volunteer opportunities are available throughout Sacramento County. Bilingual skills are helpful but not required.