University Retirees Volunteer Center

Partners in English Conversation Circles

Seeks Conversation Facilitators 

Program Overview:

• Partners in English (PIE) is seeking volunteers to serve as conversation facilitators for its English Conversation Circles.
• English Conversation Circles is a free program for adults whose first language is not English. Participants gather weekly to practice and improve their spoken English in a casual, non-academic setting. Volunteer facilitators help lead informal conversations on a variety of general topics, including American events, culture, everyday experiences, and participants’ interests.
• The program is scheduled to resume in September following a temporary hiatus. No pre-registration is required for participants, and group size varies from week to week.

🌐 English Conversation Circle

Volunteer Opportunity:

• When: Thursday afternoons, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
• Commitment: Facilitators are rotated regularly, with a once-monthly commitment requested.
• Where: St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
  (Como Avenue & Carter Avenue, adjacent to the St. Paul University of Minnesota campus).

Volunteer Duties:

Conversation facilitators are responsible for:

• Maintaining an active, enthusiastic, and inclusive conversation among participants.
• Encouraging participants to practice their English in a comfortable, informal setting.
• Helping create a welcoming environment for adults with varying levels of English fluency.
• Submitting a brief report to the PIE coordinator after each meeting, including the names and contact information of session attendees.

Groups are small and attendance varies from week to week, providing facilitators with an opportunity to engage directly with participants and learn about different cultures and experiences.

Volunteer Requirements & Orientation:

• Strong English listening and speaking skills are required.
• Familiarity with teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and Minnesota Literacy Council standards is helpful but not required.
• New facilitators will be scheduled with another facilitator for orientation during their first Thursday.
• Attire: Business casual
• Parking: Free parking is available in the library lot.

To register, select the date/shift below; check the box in the column on the right.

Or, contact University Retirees Volunteer Center

by email at URVC@UMN.EDU (preferred) or by phone at 612-625-8016