My Nonprofit Reviews

I volunteered at the SWB Baltimore branch throughout the summer of 2019. I spent about half the day helping coach student participants in soccer and half the day as an assistant teacher in an eighth grade class. Soccer practice was a great way for players to connect and build relationships regardless of language proficiency or duration in the SWB program. It was clear that many players considered fellow SWBers their closest friends. In the classroom, we worked on writing practice and discussed leadership skills - the eighth grade group was preparing to be coaches for the next year's Summer Academy. I thought the training and use of student-coaches really showed SWB's commitment to creating sustained relationships with program participants. They not only provide education, social, and soccer tools; they also encourage students to be leaders and role models in SWB's organization and in their broader communities. My fellow volunteers and SWB staff all taught me about restorative teaching practices, demonstrating the organization's value of mutual respect and open discussion when resolving conflict or issues. Overall, I had a great experience with SWB Baltimore. I look forward to visiting the cheery, energetic, and supportive community I got to know during my summer as a volunteer.