Share Your Passion for Reading: Become a Community Volunteer
At DES MOTS ET MERVEILLES, our public initiatives are brought to life through the generosity, patience, and enthusiasm of civic volunteers. Whether you can dedicate two hours a month to read illustrated tales to toddlers, or offer weekly mentoring to an adult learner in Vion, your presence creates life-changing connections.
Volunteer Onboarding Framework & Civic Ethics
A supportive, structured path ensuring every volunteer feels prepared, valued, and integrated into our non-profit community.
Orientation & Shadowing
Every new applicant begins with a friendly, informal orientation at our registered office at Place de la Mairie in Vion. You will meet veteran facilitators, explore our book catalog, and shadow two active workshops to observe our non-judgmental pedagogical rhythm in action.
Methodological Guidance
We provide practical modules on storytelling vocalization, handling questions from shy children, respecting adult confidentiality, and managing group dynamics. No prior teaching degree is required—just empathy, active listening, and a genuine love for human connection.
Ethical Charter & Safeguarding
All volunteers sign our Ethical Volunteer Charter, committing to absolute confidentiality regarding adult literacy learners, equal treatment of all participants regardless of background, and adherence to child safeguarding protocols mandated by French law.
2026 Civic Service (Service Civique) Opportunities
In addition to our traditional benevolent volunteers, DES MOTS ET MERVEILLES welcomes applications from young people aged 18 to 25 eligible for the French national Service Civique program. These 8-month missions provide a formal monthly state indemnity while allowing young citizens to acquire tangible skills in non-profit project coordination, cultural mediation, and rural community outreach.
Our 2026 Service Civique mission, titled "Ambassadeur de la Lecture en Milieu Rural," focuses on driving mobile book crates to secluded hamlets, recording oral history interviews with village seniors, and assisting in early childhood story hours. It offers a transformative foundation for careers in education, public administration, cultural management, and social work.
Volunteer Time Commitment Matrix
We believe volunteerism should harmonize with your personal, family, and professional life.
| Volunteer Role | Estimated Time Commitment | Location & Format | Key Responsibilities | Profile Sought |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storytime Facilitator | 2 to 4 hours per month | Salle Communale, Vion | Reading illustrated tales to children, organizing drawing crafts | Warm presence, expressive voice, patience |
| Adult Literacy Tutor | 2 hours per week (Thursday evening) | Centre Polyvalent, Vion | Individualized reading coaching for adult learners, document deciphering | Empathy, discretion, structured listening |
| Hamlet Crate Steward | 2 to 3 hours per month | Mobile drop points (Hamlets) | Inspecting book crates, swapping titles, restocking paperbacks | Reliable vehicle, autonomy, community spirit |
| Event Logistics Assistant | Occasional (Festivals & Book Picnics) | Parc Municipal & Village Halls | Setting up tents, arranging book display tables, welcoming visitors | Dynamic, friendly team player |
| Civic Service Ambassadeur | 24 hours per week (8 months) | Vion & surrounding territory | Intergenerational mediation, crate distribution, community documentation | Ages 18–25, motivation to serve public interest |
Submit Your Volunteer Candidacy
Fill out the form below to join our volunteer family. Our secretariat will review your message and contact you within 48 hours for a welcoming conversation.
Thank You for Your Application!
Your volunteer candidacy has been successfully registered with the coordination secretariat of DES MOTS ET MERVEILLES. We are thrilled by your commitment to community literacy in Vion. A volunteer mentor will review your details and contact you shortly.