How Volunteers Impact AALEAD
By: Vi Bui, Youth Mentoring and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Photos courtesy of AALEAD Staff
April was National Volunteer Month and offered AALEAD an opportunity to reflect upon and share out how volunteers are an integral part of executing AALEAD’s mission to support low-income & underserved Asian Pacific American youth throughout the year!
How do community members contribute to AALEAD’s work?
Across the DC metro area in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia, there are opportunities for adult community members to mentor youth in a one-on-one capacity through our Youth Mentoring and College & Career Mentoring Programs.
Community members in high school, college, and beyond may also support AALEAD after school and summer programs by committing to volunteer as a program aide on a weekly basis. We are currently looking for college students and older to support our summer programs in DC and Rockville!
Individuals and small groups may also volunteer one time as guest workshop facilitators, event volunteers, or office volunteers.
What do mentors typically do with their mentees?
Mentors work with youth in the 10-18 or 18-24 age bracket to build up skills and experience new things relevant to their stage of development. We recently held individual check-ins with a handful of our mentors and they shared that they have recently done the following activities with their mentees: visiting local college campuses, catching up over bubble tea or lunch, watching movies, going to museums, cooking, walking/hiking, community service, supporting educational endeavors, listening and offering advice around relationships as well as conflict resolution.
What do youth appreciate about after-school program aides?
At our recent Volunteer Appreciation Party, youth shared their favorite things about volunteers working with them during AALEAD After School programs:
“…When she did a lesson about Hanukkah, it was really informative and I still remember the content till now.”
“She would always make sure we finish our homework in time and she made sure we are always focused.”
“She helps second graders with homework and fourth graders with Spanish and our essays.”
Program aide Hannah T at the Bancroft ES Volunteer Party 
Program aide Hannah F at the Bancroft ES Volunteer Party 
Group picture with youth, volunteers and AALEAD staff at the Bancroft ES Volunteer Party
How can you get involved as a volunteer?
Sign up to attend an upcoming Volunteer Information Session to learn more about AALEAD and current volunteer opportunities. Afterward, apply to the opportunity you are interested, get interviewed, and attend training!
Please contact Vi Bui, Youth Mentoring & Volunteer Programs Coordinator with any questions at vbui@aalead.org.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who engage at every level of the organization!