Volunteer Opportunity

[Munchkins]

I know some of you were looking for a way to give back during your retirement, and I wanted to share something a good friend is passionate about. It only takes one hour a week, online only.

A former colleague and good friend, Tom DeMuro, was classroom teacher and then became our guidance Counselor in Summit NJ. Tom Is coordinating the teaching of conversational English to persons in Ukraine. (They already learned English but need to practice using it.) He is conducting an information session on January 22 at 7:30.

Interested? Email t.demuro@enginprogram.org by Thursday and he will send you a Zoom link a few days before the session. In a nutshell you get matched up with a young Ukrainian citizen who has already learned English but needs practice with conversing in English. All Tom does is have a conversation with his person once a week for an hour, and it will help them get a job, and gives them hope. I’m going to the ZOOM session to see exactly what’s involved. If you can’t make this one, Tom has a session online every few weeks.

 

[twinmom95]

That sounds interesting. Thanks for the info.

 

[Ruby tunes]

Munchkins, I am interested but I will wait until you attend the Zoom session and please let us know a bit more about what is involved. I would really like to hear about your experience doing this after you have done a few conversation sessions. I would feel more confident hearing details from someone I “know” even if only online.

 

[luvmycat]

I am also curious to hear your take on this experience. Thanks for the info.

 

[Munchkins]

Munchkins, I am interested but I will wait until you attend the Zoom session and please let us know a bit more about what is involved. I would really like to hear about your experience doing this after you have done a few conversation sessions. I would feel more confident hearing details from someone I “know” even if only online.

I totally get that! I’ve been friends with Tom for years, and we tend to like the same things. He was hesitant to take it on, but he says it’s extremely rewarding and not stressful at all. The tricky part was figuring out a good time to zoom with the time difference. But no prep work needed, just have a conversation. There’s just a 12 week commitment. And if either of you can’t make it one week, you can reschedule or skip that week.

I’ll definitely let you know how it goes! Thanks!

 

[Teach 5]

Yes, please do keep us updated. It sounds intriguing but I’m having hand surgery on Thursday and will not be able to participate at this time.

 

[Linda/OH]

Thanks for posting this. It sounds very intriguing. I'll be interested to hear more details after your session too. Please keep us posted.

 

[Cat woman]

I would be interested also but (embarrassingly) have only done Zoom a few times so I am not real sure about that platform.

 

[amiga13]

I’d love to help as I love language, but I hate Zoom. I used it a lot during the pandemic and it’s just too much hassle for nontechy me. Sorry.

 

[annie_g]

Please post after your meeting. I might be interested in doing this. Thanks!