Neighbor to Neighbor

Welcome to the "Neighbor to Neighbor" English Volunteer Project, a volunteer literacy program designed to help our state's newcomers learn English by speaking with their neighbors!

What is it?

This exciting program matches English learners and native speakers to practice conversation and learn together. Neighbor to Neighbor is part of the We Want to Learn English initiative, a partnership with the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services to create a coherent, strategic, and proactive state government approach to English education that arose from the 2005 Illinois New Americans Executive Order.

Why is it important?

The Neighbor to Neighbor" English Volunteer Project will help our state's newcomers learn English and talk with their neighbors while enabling them to share their lives and build bridges, bridges between immigrants and local neighbors.

How do volunteers change communities?

The Neighbor to Neighbor program is unique because it brings English to people. Volunteer tutors are paired with English learners and placed in "English Clusters" to learn and build community, creating a culture of literacy and learning that benefits families for generations to come. English Clusters are located at community organizations, schools, libraries and businesses. There are currently three tutoring tracks that one can take part in: traditional English tutoring, language exchange and English for citizenship.

Where are the Neighbor to Neighbor offices?

• Instituto del Progreso Latino
• Erie House
• Heartland Human Care Services
• Association House of Chicago

What kind of commitment would I need to make?

There are a wide variety of tutoring arrangements available. Tutors are asked to commit to meeting a minimum of 2 hours a week with each student for a four month period.

What kind of skills do I need?

No previous experience is required as training will be provided, however tutors must demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to this program and must be sensitive to the student's needs.

What would a Volunteer do?

Volunteers would be assigned to an office nearest them that provides N2N services. Once a tutor is assigned to a specific office, they will be asked to go through a background check, orientation and English tutor training. After completion, they will be matched with a student for weekly tutoring.

How can I play a role?

Right now ICIRR is looking for people interested in becoming English tutors! Tutors will either work one-on-one or with a small group of students.

For more information about the Neighbor to Neighbor program, please contact

Laura Garcia
Volunteer Literacy Program Manager
312.332.7360 ext. 243
lgarcia@icirr.org