YourWords STL

Join Us.

By sitting next to each other and learning each others’ ways of speaking, writing, and thinking, we can change each other’s lives.

Become a Tutor

 

We believe tutor-student relationships can bridge divides. YourWordsSTL seeks tutors from a wide variety of backgrounds who have an enthusiasm for reading and writing, a compassion for under-served youth, and the ability to commit to weekly sessions for at least one full school year.

Experiences vary, but tutors generally provide 30 minutes of general homework help according to students’ needs, followed by a 45-minute writing exercise led by one of our published authors. Tutors do not need to be experienced writers or teachers. Because of our focus on emotional health, we’re interested in tutors with a variety of skill sets and educational and occupational backgrounds.

YourWordsSTL will provide tutor orientation and free optional continuing education opportunities throughout the year. We also offer free transportation for college students who tutor if needed. We are also happy to provide documentation of your service hours if needed for a school requirement.

 

QUALIFICATIONS and CONTACT FORM 

EXPLORE TUTOR OPPORTUNITIES

Become a Volunteer

 

We welcome volunteers interested in fundraising, event planning, grant writing, marketing, copywriting for our newsletter, helping us publish student work in our year-end chapbook, and more.

We’re particularly interested in fundraising volunteers who can commit to long-term partnership involving tasks including annual planning and event management. The person in this position can work remotely as needed.

 

EXPLORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

"I want to help, but I don't have enough time."

 

We understand! If our mission speaks to you, but you're simply too busy to commit to a full school year, consider a donation.

We would also love to hear from you if you're interested in filling in for our regular tutors when they're unable to attend sessions.

 

Bessel van der Kolk. M.D.
Language gives us the power to change ourselves and others by communicating our experiences, helping us to define what we know, and finding a common sense of meaning.
Rebecca Wallace-Segall
Human beings yearn to share, reflect, and understand one another, and they use these reflections to improve the state of things, both personal and public.
Kathryn Feldt
YourWordsSTL gives young people a way to find and use their authentic voices, to process their emotions, and to feel hope and confidence in the future.
Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Feeling listened to and understood changes our physiology; being able to articulate a complex feeling, and having our feelings recognized, lights up our limbic brain and creates an a-ha moment.