It’s been months since I wrote about ENGin :) . I’ve committed to doing better in 2025, and I’m hoping that some of you will be willing and able to help me.
Currently I'm working with two buddies in Ukraine — one I was matched with through ENGin, and one who “found” me outside of the program. It’s very likely that I’ll add a third in the spring.
It’s been almost two years since I first got involved, and I’m still loving it!
Milestone
Since ENGin opened its doors almost five years ago, nearly 24,000 volunteers from around the globe have had conversations with over 26,000 Ukrainians who want to improve their English.
See From startup to global phenomenon: ENGin's journey to 50,000 participants for more information.
At present there are thousands of volunteers (13+) actively working with Ukrainians who are currently living in Ukraine, or living as refugees in other places.
However, there is a constant shortage of volunteers — especially adults. At present there are more than 100 students on the waiting list.
Requests
I’m going to be on the road for a week or so, so please forgive me if I’m slow to respond.
If you’re not a volunteer (yet!)
Please consider becoming a volunteer!
If you feel you'd like to volunteer, but have questions or concerns, please make a comment on this diary, or send me a DM, or email me: malcolm.mclean@enginprogram.org and I’ll do what I can to answer questions and resolve concerns.
If you’re already a volunteer
Would you be willing to write an occasional diary (e.g., once a month or so), or even just one diary one time? If so, please email me at malcolm.mclean@enginprogram.org if you might be interested in coordinating publication of our stories.
My hope is that we can arrange a schedule that will keep ENGin visible in DKos. Ideally, I’m hoping for enough interested people that our combined efforts will result in at least one diary per week over the next year.
Update Re: webcam
To participate, you must have a camera. From the Volunteer FAQ:
Do I need to use videochat? Can we just speak by phone?
Yes - to make sure sessions are effective and safe, we ask participants to have their video on.
If something happens after you start that prevents you from having a video chat (as in the case of Foreign Agitator ) I don't know what you are expected to do. I expect that any temporary arrangement is ok, but that's just my opinion.
Update Re: mmclean
Who is this guy, and why does he have an ENGinprogram email address?
Mostly I'm just a regular volunteer. But I've agreed to help with recruiting and so have an organization email address. However, that does not give my opinion any special weight, or allow me to speak for ENGinprogram.
Note: This diary contains my own perceptions and opinions: these writings
should not be considered as the official views of ENGin. Except if I actually quote ENGin docs or officials.
Diaries with ENGin content will appear with the tags #ENGinprogram, #TutoringEnglish and #Ukraine
WHAT ENGin DOES
ENGin is a nonprofit organization that connects English-speaking volunteers aged 13+ with motivated young Ukrainians aged 9 and above for online speaking practice and cross-cultural exchange.
See https://www.enginprogram.org/volunteer
Слава Україні!, 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒂 𝑼𝒌𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊! Героям слава!, 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒂!
