Lots of Ways to Help!
Become a Tutor
As a tutor, you help adult learners achieve their learning goals through personalized support and guidance.
- Work with a student for at least 1 hour per week using a learner plan that has been designed based on their goals and the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework. The tutor and learner schedule regular meetings and agree on a time to meet
- Prepare lesson plans to meet the needs and goals of the learner
- Respect the confidentiality and privacy of the learner
- Provide ongoing updates on learner progress to the classroom instructor and keep records of hours spent tutoring, lesson plans, etc.
- Let staff know immediately if an uncomfortable or emergency situation should arise
- Inform the Executive Director or classroom instructor if they and their student are taking some time off (even for a short period of time)
- Attend training sessions as needed
What Skills do Tutors Need?
- An understanding of the needs of the learner and their past learning challenges
- Creativity in developing lesson plans to motivate and engage the learner
- Ability to listen to what the learner has to say and provide encouragement and support
- Patience and flexibility to support individual learning needs, helping learners work at their own pace
- Ability to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Good oral and written communication skills in English
- Teaching experience is not essential. Our tutors come from many different backgrounds; the skills described above are the most important to our learners
Share your Experience
Got a story to share? Participate as a guest speaker or host, and help our learners explore local opportunities and build community connections.
As a speaker you can engage learners by sharing your experiences, expertise, and insights. Additionally, you may want to host an experiential out-of-the-classroom learning opportunity. Our students love field trips!
Contact PELC to discuss these opportunities — a short-term commitment with a big return.
Help Out at One of Our Markets
By volunteering at one of our PEC Fresh Good Food Markets, you help provide accessible and affordable fresh produce for communities across Prince Edward County.
There are opportunities to support our three locations in Picton, Sophiasburgh, and Consecon. Volunteers help out as personal shoppers, cashiers, fulfilling online orders, and making deliveries to help as many people as possible access fresh fruits and vegetables. The market has become a vital resource to establish food security in Prince Edward County.
Volunteer with our Free Tax Clinics
For a fulfilling volunteer experience that significantly impacts people’s lives, help our community members file simple tax returns at our Free Tax Clinics.
Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer experience that makes a big difference in people’s lives? Consider helping people file simple tax returns through our free tax clinics!
Many people find taxes intimidating. When people get behind on filing, they may miss out on benefits for which they’re eligible. Helping people file their taxes can restore these benefits, put money in their pockets and alleviate financial stress.
Our free tax clinics are part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program funded by the Canada Revenue Agency and United Way Hastings & Prince Edward:
- No formal background in accounting is required
- All training is provided
- Volunteers have access to a hotline to resolve any questions with a CRA tax specialist
PELC also provides volunteers with training in benefits screening, allowing staff to help clients access all the programs and benefits for which they may qualify.
As a volunteer:
- You can assist clients in person or virtually from home
- You will receive a PELC email address to use
- You do not have to share your personal phone or email
- You must complete a Vulnerable Sector Check with the OPP
Financial literacy and financial empowerment are critical to our work at PELC. Volunteers are the backbone of this important program. The tax clinics are also an opportunity for our staff to provide more immediate help where appropriate, such as life stabilization supports, or help dealing with bills that are past due.
Join our Volunteer Board of Directors
Apply to become a volunteer board member and help play an important role in shaping the goals and future of PELC.
PELC relies on a volunteer Board of Directors to ensure good governance of the organization. Each June at the annual general meeting, a few new directors are welcomed onto the board. Having directors with a diversity of skills and experiences means a dynamic, engaging, and thoughtful board that is best able to support the PELC staff.
Be an Occasional Helper
If you have a few hours to pitch in at occasional events, we can always use a hand!
Support our Programming
Another meaningful way to create a lasting impact is to make a donation in support of Prince Edward Learning Centre’s programs and community initiatives.
PELC utilizes donations to fund educational resources, student support services, and community outreach programs, ensuring every contribution directly benefits learners and our community. We are a registered charity and can issue a tax receipt for donations. You have the option to apply your donation to the area of greatest need, or direct your donation to support a particular initiative, such as:
PEC Fresh Good Food Market — help ensure continued access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables in our communities.
PELC Learning Fund — support bursaries to recognize learners who have completed important learning goals. We will acknowledge donations made in an individual’s name.
Greater Than County Youth Collective — you can donate through PELC to support this youth-driven collective working to elevate youth voices in Prince Edward County.