Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteers
We hope the answers to some of these frequently asked questions about being a volunteer with the VICTORY Tutorial Program will help you make a wise choice in being a volunteer with us. For additional information, please contact the Program Supervisor at 512-974-7317. We can't have VICTORY without VOLUNTEERS!
1. What is the application process?
You can get an application from our website or at any of the VICTORY libraries. That application may be mailed, faxed, or turned in at the library of your choice.
2. How do you place volunteers?
When we receive your application a Program Specialist will contact you to schedule an interview time and match you with a student based on the information you provide on your application.
3. What is the minimum and maximum number of hours that I can volunteer?
The minimum number of hours that one can volunteer is one hour per week. You will come to the same library at the same day and time each week and work with the same student each time. There is no maximum number of hours you can volunteer with our program-we will take you as often as you want to come. We can't have VICTORY without VOLUNTEERS!
4. I've never worked with children before. Do I need experience?
No, you do not need experience working with children or with tutoring. We provide an orientation and on-going training throughout the year. A Program Specialist is always on-site to assist you.
5. Can I choose the library, grade, and/or subject that I want to work with?
Yes, we will try to match you at a library with a student that fits your needs as well as the student's.
6. I prefer to volunteer at a library near work/home. Is this possible?
Yes, we try to place you at the library as close to the location/neighborhood you have requested. In some rare cases we may have a higher need at another library and may ask you to be somewhat flexible about the location where you volunteer.
7. I have recently had a criminal background check. Do I need to have another? Is there a cost? How long does it take to get it back?
Yes. Our program is funded by the City of Austin and directed by the Austin Independent School District. Both require a CBC for all volunteers. There is no cost to you. Most CBC's are returned to us within 2 days, sometimes sooner.
8. Do you accept volunteers who have been court-ordered to do community service?
No. Most community service mandated for legal purposes has either a number of hours or a deadline which we cannot meet with our requirement of a semester commitment.
9. I can't decide whom to use for my references. Can I use a family member?
No, please provide names of people with whom you have worked, volunteered, or who know you well. For example, you may use a friend of the family. a pastor, a teacher, or a co-worker.
10. Why do I need an interview and orientation?
This process provides us an opportunity to know you better so that we may make the most appropriate match between you and a student. It also gives you a chance to learn more about VICTORY.
11. How long will it take for me to be placed in a library and start working with a student once I have passed by criminal background check and attended an interview and orientation?
We make every effort to have you working with a student within a week of your interview. Sometimes it may take a little longer depending upon your schedule and student availability for that day, time and subject.
12. I need to fulfill an observation or service requirement for a class or organization by a certain date. Can I complete all my hours right away or within a short period of time?
Since we have a minimum requirement of one hour per week for a full semester, we ask that you fulfill your requirement over the course of the semester or fulfill your requirement and then continue to volunteer until the semester is complete.
13. I am going to be unavailable for a few weeks during the semester. Is this OK?
This is something to be worked out with your Program Specialist and is usually not a problem. Please give us a much advance notice as possible so we can provide tutoring for your student during you absence.
14. My schedule is erratic and I cannot commit to specific hours each week. Can I still volunteer?
A weekly commitment provides consistency and builds rapport with your student. If you feel your schedule is too erratic to make that kind of commitment, you can still volunteer to be put on our list of substitute tutors whom we call on an as-needed basis, to assist with special projects, or to help in other ways beside tutoring.
15. I work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! Our program provides tutoring from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays so we can use you after your work hours.