Our Story
The Lingo Project was born from a simple calling to serve. After visiting Columbus Bilingual Academy North, Lina and her family saw a deep need to use language as a bridge for dignity, connection, and hope.
Born in Cali, Colombia, Lina came to the U.S. without speaking English and understands the challenges immigrant families face. In 2022, she stepped away from her corporate career to follow God’s call to serve those in Columbus who face language barriers. In 2023, her daughter Melanie joined the vision, and together they launched The Lingo Project—believing God’s heart for the nations begins right here at home.
Orientation
Thank you for choosing to serve with The Lingo Project!
We are thrilled to have you join our community of volunteers who help people learn English, build confidence, and grow in faith and connection.
Mission
Building stronger communities through language education, guided by faith and a spirit of unity
Vision
We empower individuals by providing language classes that opens doors to greater opportunities and builds cross-cultural connections
Values
We value community and communication as essential elements of growth and connection. We strive to be the light of the world, embracing diversity and honoring every voice.
Core Values
COMMUNITY
Matthew 28:19
COMMUNICATION
1 Corinthians 14:9
LIGHT
Matthew 5:16,17:8
DIVERSITY
1 Corinthians 14:11
VOICE
Psalm 142:1,1 Corinthians 14:2
The Run Down
Every night at The Lingo Project looks a little different, and we understand that you may only be available to serve once or twice a week. Regardless of your schedule, we want you to feel confident and prepared for what to expect during the evenings you spend with our adult students and your volunteer family.
6:00 PM Huddle time: We are intentional about seeking the Lord before every class
6:25 PM Grab your supplies and Wear your lanyard: The lanyards are necessary to clearly differentiate between school personnel, visitors, and volunteers for security.
6:30-8:00 PM: Follow the curriculum we provide
8:00 PM Reflection Time: This is the most important part of the class
8:30 PM Class dismissal
8:35 PM Post huddle: Share wins and opportunities of the night
Classroom Guideliness
These guidelines apply specifically to classroom and learning environments.
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Follow The Lingo Project curriculum and lesson structure.
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Political discussions are not permitted.
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Please show up on time and let us know in advance if you expect to miss a class so we can fill your spot.
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Please review the calendar for your location and let us know in advance which dates you will be unable to attend.
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Please come to class prepared to give your full attention to our students, and let us know right away if you don’t feel that your time is being well spent.
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Please dress appropriately for a classroom environment. Because our students come from diverse cultural backgrounds, we ask all volunteers to avoid clothing that may be considered provocative, revealing, or distracting.
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Please use your cell phones only to follow the curriculum and make sure your phone is on silent during class to avoid interruptions. If you must answer a call, please step outside the classroom.
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Students should never be pressured or forced to speak, read, or participate.
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Silence does not indicate lack of interest or engagement.
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Corrections should be made gently, respectfully, and without embarrassment.
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Avoid interrupting students while they are speaking.
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Effort and progress should always be affirmed.
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Never ask a student’s immigration status.
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Accents, cultures, and lived experiences are to be honored.
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Speak slowly, clearly, and use simple language.
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Avoid raising your voice to communicate.
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Instead of offering personal advice, point students to the Word of God.
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Rather than asking for details about their personal lives, invite them to pray.
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Private conversations should remain appropriate and visible to others. Include a third party whenever possible. Using phrases such as “I feel better if we invite ___ to join this conversation” helps maintain healthy boundaries and protects both the student and the volunteer.
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All of our Lingo Sites are smoke-free.
Program Guideliness
As a volunteer with The Lingo Project, you have a leadership position in our sites.
Please help us to make all of our classes successful by keeping in mind the following requests.
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All students, volunteers, and staff must be treated with dignity and respect.
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Harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
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Please refrain from giving medical, legal, financial, or immigration advice.
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Do not promise resources, employment, housing, transportation, or personal assistance.
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All communication with students, staff, and fellow volunteers.—whether via WhatsApp, text, email, or any other channel—must remain professional, respectful, and aligned with The Lingo Project’s mission.
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Photos or videos of students may only be taken with prior approval.
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Please refrain from posting student images, videos, or stories on personal social media accounts without asking their adult students first.
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Student information and personal stories must remain confidential. However, volunteers are encouraged to share student experiences, successes, and stories during Lingo huddle times or staff meetings, where information is shared safely with leadership and fellow volunteers. This helps celebrate progress, build community, and improve our programs while maintaining student privacy.
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Do not lend money or provide personal financial assistance to students or fellow volunteers. If a student asks to borrow money or requests personal financial help, inform your site coordinator or leader immediately.
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Volunteers may not use The Lingo Project spaces, classes, or communication channels to promote personal businesses or services.
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The Lingo Project may not be used to solicit personal donations, church donations or other organizations.
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The Lingo Project does not tolerate gossip or speaking negatively about others. Gossip can harm trust, relationships, and the safe environment we strive to create for students and volunteers.
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Talk to your program leader if you need to step away from serving.
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If you begin teaching any language with another organization, church, school, college or in a personal setting, we ask that you notify your coordinator.
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The Lingo Project is an independent nonprofit and does not receive government funding. To cover program and operational expenses, we charge a low monthly fee to our adult students. This fee does not generate profit. This practice is allowed by the IRS for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. You can visit the IRS website or direct any questions to your coordinator.
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The Lingo Project curriculum is copyrighted and may only be used by approved volunteers for Lingo programs. Sharing, copying, or distributing curriculum materials outside of The Lingo Project is illegal.
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If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about the classroom environment, student behavior, or the direction of The Lingo Project, please reach out directly to your leaders first and before discussing them with fellow volunteers.
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Please reach out directly to your leader if the Lord gives you a vision, idea, or dream for The Lingo Project, we are open and excited to receive it. We welcome guidance and direction from God in shaping our mission and programs.
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Failure to follow these guidelines may result in additional training, reassignment, or removal from the program.
Signatures
Volunteer Adults: Please read every tab on this page before signing this document. You may print it for your records and bring a signed copy to our site, or you may sign it online.
Minors: If you are under 18 years old, or if you are bringing a child to our site, this link must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian before participation. This ensures that all youth volunteers and participants have proper consent to serve with The Lingo Project.
Check Out Additional Resources
We understand that volunteering for the first time can feel overwhelming or even a little anxiety-inducing, especially if you are planning to serve as an ESL teacher or assistant teacher. That’s completely normal!
To help you feel confident and prepared, we encourage you to take the time to explore the resources provided here.
Volunteer Appreciation 2025
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Whitehall
TBA
TBA
441 S Yearling Rd, Columbus, OH 43213