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The Oasis

The Oasis is your trusty compilation of volunteer resources, training materials, inspiration, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer looking to expand your knowledge and skill set or a new tutor preparing for that first volunteering shift, this page is for you.

Each month on the Oasis, we’ll feature a topic that we believe is integral to creating a more inclusive community, advancing our tutoring skills, and supporting our students. Learn more about this month’s topic below!

Quick Links for Volunteers

Volunteer Calendar

Registered volunteers, sign up for shifts here!

VOLUNTEER CALENDAR
Tutor Trainings

We offer several trainings a semester to keep your skills ship-shape.

826 EVENTS
Meet Our Volunteers

Learn from your fellow volunteers, who have wisdom and insight to share.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
The Oasis Facebook Page

To connect with other 826 volunteers.

JOIN FACEBOOK GROUP
Volunteer Newsletter

Subscribe to and catch up on past issues of our bi-weekly newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE
Map of Tutoring Locations

See everywhere we are in the city on this map.

Explore
Our Tutoring Values
These are the principles that will guide you as you work with students.
We believe that all students have the capacity and desire to learn. We set and maintain high expectations for growth.
We believe that every student is inherently worthy and deserving of respect. We honor their assets, backgrounds, interests, and life experiences.
We believe in the importance of meeting each student’s unique needs. We adapt our approach for diverse learners.
We believe that tutoring (like writing) is a practice. We commit to self-reflection, receptivity, and continuous improvement.

Learning Tools

As we prepare to support students in the transition to post-pandemic education, we’re reflecting on how that last year has impacted mental health, especially in youth.
Learn more from the assets below!
How Schools Can Help Kids Heal After a Year of Crisis and Uncertainty

An article and audio story that examine how COVID-19 is affecting students’ mental health and well-being, and what we can do to better support them.

Back to Work: Calm Body, Calm Mind

A podcast on the exploration of what post-pandemic life might look like for those in the workforce. Dr. Christine Runyan, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and co-founder of Tend Health, discusses the ways we can calm our fight or flight response to anxiety, and why self-care really does matter.

Trauma Informed Practices Backed by Science

In this video, Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris talks about tried and tested methods to reduce stress for students.

More resources

A living document for further reading on these and other topics for our 826 community.  

"Not sure if you’re aware, but children are hilarious. Yet, tutoring is hard. The kids are the walking/talking, sometimes dancing or doing karate, embodiment of hope, so I keep coming back for the laughs, for the satisfaction of helping kids grow, for the lessons I learn, and for my hope fix."

— Annie Norris, former 826 Valencia Volunteer of the Month

Resourcesfor the journey

Training
826 Valencia tutor training tools, which we recommend brushing up on periodically
The 826 Valencia Volunteer Handbook

Your comprehensive guide to the logistics of volunteering and tools and tips for success along the way.

The Map

How to Get Where We Are Going: our handy guide to the six traits of strong writing and meeting students where they are.

Candy Galaxy

A sample first draft of student writing, and some questions to help you prepare for a tutoring session.

Language Matters

Who are our students? This framework illustrates our asset-based view of the amazing students we serve.

A first draft is like a lump of clay. It’s not a sculpture yet, not complete. The art is in the editing, but you need that lump of clay first. Get the writing down, get it out, as much as you can. After six years of volunteering, I still fumble, I still ask questions and look for advice, too. I’m still the clay. But that’s what 826 is here for. It’s where students and teachers come together to share and experiment and try. Just dive in and listen.

— Liam Curley, former 826 Valencia Volunteer of the Month
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