Proposal Guidelines and Details
Volunteer Literacy Tutor Conference 2026
April 11, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus
The Portland Literacy Council (PLC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993. The Portland Literacy Council focuses on supporting volunteer tutors who serve in free or low-cost literacy programs for adult learners. Our activities include delivering volunteer tutor training programs throughout the metro area, hosting an annual literacy tutor conference, publishing the LiteracyLINKS newsletter, and providing scholarships to support adults in completing their GEDs, covering the cost of testing. In the last few years, we have been working to expand our programs. Learn more about PLC.
Our Mission
The Portland Literacy Council supports and promotes adult literacy in order to foster a thriving and equitable community.
Proposal Guidelines:
The Portland Literacy Council invites proposals for 75-minute sessions featuring practical and creative strategies for working with adult learners. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on clear and basic practice-based, participant-centered strategies that will help even the most novice volunteer tutor to gain confidence. Experienced tutors and mentors are encouraged to submit proposals. The proposal should include a description of your workshop for the printed program (100-word limit.)
-
Presentations should have specific learning objectives, be interactive, and be relevant to a diverse audience (volunteers working with adult native-born Americans as well as immigrants who are working to master the basics of English communication).
Below are a few suggestions to consider in your proposal:
-
Cultural competency skills for tutors working with ESL (English as a Second Language) and ABE (Adult Basic Education), and learners with disabilities
-
Sample activities or lesson plans that address literacy issues but also cover the four language skills
-
Creative instructional techniques such as lessons that use drama, role-play, chants, etc.
-
What do you do when all your teaching strategies are not working?
-
Strategies for motivating and retaining adult learners
-
Techniques that require minimal resources
-
Using technology to motivate learners
Questions? Contact Linda Rountree: linda@portlandliteracy.org
The status of proposals will be confirmed by February 6, 2026.
