Join our team
Volunteers are excited, engaged and committed to what we do! Listen to some of our audiobook samples to hear the work our volunteers produce. Be sure to bookmark our Volunteers page and check back often to stay connected.
Apply to become a volunteer using our online application form.
A number of volunteer opportunities are available, and vary by studio location. Basic or advanced computer skills are helpful, however, we can train you to use our fairly simple systems.
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Directing: Directors monitor volunteer readers for accuracy and ensure high quality recordings. It includes following along with readers while the material is being recorded and stopping them when mistakes are made. All volunteers are trained to direct and to read.
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Editing: Editors review the work of our Readers and Directors to ensure that our listeners receive high quality materials.
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Reading: You must enjoy reading and feel comfortable reading aloud. Readers are assigned directors who follow along while the material is being recorded to ensure absolute accuracy. All volunteers are trained to direct and to read. It generally takes several months to become a full-time reader.
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Specialty Reading: We especially have a need for readers with either a degree and professional experience or enough aggregate life experience to read upper-level text books in mathematics, science, medicine and law.
Interested in volunteering with us? Please fill out our online application form.
Subject areas (specialties)
Learning Ally needs volunteers specializing and proficient in the following areas. Don’t worry if your background isn’t within one of these areas. We can still use your expertise in several other ways within the organization. Tell us more about yourself and feel free to share details in the "questions/comments" box.
- Accounting/Finance
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Computer (end-user)
- Computer Programming
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Medical/Alternative Medicine
- Microbiology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Theology
... and many more! Please contact a studio near you to find out what subject areas are needed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I volunteer?
Learning Ally currently has nearly 6,000 active volunteers nationwide who help bring textbook and literature titles to life. The work you do will ultimately help a listener who can’t see or struggles with reading the text receive a complete book experience. Some of our volunteer roles include Directors, Readers, Editors and Specialty Readers.
Individual or Family
There are many opportunities for volunteers to participate as a critical part of the Learning Ally team. We all have special gifts and talents to give. We want to hear from you and chat more about how your special talents can help touch the lives of families across the nation.
School or Community Project
Volunteering strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. Learning Ally offers a variety of opportunities, likely right within your very own school or community.
The Drucker Experience Volume 17 from Kevin Lyons on Vimeo.
Tell us if you belong to a school group, team or community organization and are looking for an extremely rewarding experience that you’re likely to remember for years to come!
Where can I volunteer?
We have studio locations across the country.
What if I don't live near a studio?
Want to volunteer but don’t live or work close to a studio? You can still lend a hand and maybe even work from home.
V-Text is an online tool so you’ll be able to volunteer at home, at the library, at the coffee shop… virtually anywhere you have internet access.
Interested? Take a moment to tell us a bit about yourself and we will contact you when remote trainings are scheduled to begin.
How can my company volunteer?
Learning Ally can help companies connect their employees with rewarding volunteer opportunities.
Learning Ally Ambassadors.
- Help produce our audiobooks:
- In-studio production (Director, Editor, and Reader Training)
- Remote production (Volunteer Text Editor Program)
- Custom production (Fully Accessible Electronic Materials)
- Help us spread the word:
- Share our story with colleagues at your company and throughout your community
- Attend special events and host Meet Learning Ally events
- Help us continue our mission:
- Submit donated hours and select Learning Ally to receive an individual company contribution
To learn more about creating a corporate volunteer team, please contact Leontyne Anglin, Director, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships at 609-243-5860 or lAnglin@LearningAlly.org.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Learning Ally volunteers must be at least a junior in high school (including the summer months leading up to the junior year). High school seniors may audition to become a reader. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.