2 of 19

Welcome to Ladies Let’s Talk!

This orientation provides you with an overview of LLT’s history, the programs we offer, and how you can get involved!�
Virtual orientations are held via Zoom on the first Monday and Wednesday of each month. Watch for an email invitation to attend an orientation where you can meet a member of our team and have your questions answered in real time. �
Want to watch the orientation on video?

Just click here to launch the video!

3 of 19

History of Ladies Let's Talk (LLT)

Founded in 2018: Started as an in-person meetup for women of all language proficiency levels.
Non-Religious Affiliation: Independent organization not affiliated with any church or religious institution.
COVID-19 Response: Transitioned to Zoom during the pandemic to continue programs virtually.

4 of 19

LLT Today

Expansion of Programs: Today, LLT offers four comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of refugee and immigrant women.
Nationwide Engagement: Over 1,000 learners and 500 volunteers have registered in our programs from all across the U.S.A.
Volunteer-Led: Our operations and program delivery rely heavily on the dedication and contribution of volunteers
Leadership Reflecting Our Community: Our board of directors include women from the very populations we serve—immigrants and dedicated volunteers.

Women Empowering Women: LLT was founded by women, is run by women, and serves women, embodying a powerful model of women supporting women.

5 of 19

LLT PROGRAMS

Conversation Sessions (online): English-speaking volunteer women meet on Zoom with refugee and immigrant women who are learning English for conversation and friendship building.

90-minute session on Thursday evening at 7pm CST and Friday morning at 10:30am.
Weekly sign ups
Sessions are 5 weeks followed by a 5 week break.

6 of 19

Requirements for Participation in LLT Conversation Sessions:

Must live in the United States
Must be 18 years of age
Be flexible
Like to learn about new cultures
Comfortable carrying on a conversation
No men on the screen
Re-register every calendar school year (August)

7 of 19

Who are our English Learners?

Intermediate to advanced level of English
Different statuses (UN Refugee, Asylum Seeker, SIV, Humanitarian Parole, Student Visa, etc.)

Where are our registered learners from?

Brazil, Ukraine, Colombia, Mexico, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, Morocco, Russia, Egypt, Venezuela, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar to name a few!

Where do they live now? All over the U.S.A.!

8 of 19

What to expect in a conversation session:

Introduction Presentation(10 min)
Breakout Room I- 5 conversation questions (30 min)

1 Volunteer - 2 Learners

Sharing
Breakout Room II- Topic Discussion w/ 5 conversation questions (30 min)
Announcements (10 min)

How much grammar/English correction should I do? Minimum.

9 of 19

Example of Past Topics

Personal Growth

U.S. School System

Weddings across cultures

U.S. National Parks

Jobs/Careers

The Concept of Beauty

Wellness/Mindfulness

Shopping/Clothes

U.S. Holidays & Traditions

Love & Valentine’s Day

Winter Holidays

Music

Manners

Food Across the U.S.

Back to School

Summer Reading/TV

Summer Fun

In the Garden

10 of 19

More ways to help with English Conversation Sessions

Become a copilot!

Facilitate the group introduction portion while we do the zoom breakout rooms in the background.

If you have mastered zoom then you could help organize the breakout rooms which would allow us to have even more sessions!

11 of 19

Women’s English Conversation

Schedule 2025

Volunteers and learners receive a weekly text on the Monday before the next week’s session. Follow the instructions in the text to receive the zoom link and reminder.
Zoom link is sent on Thursday for that week’s assigned section
Signups close on Wednesday at midnight for that week’s sessions.

12 of 19

English Practice Partners

A volunteer and a learner are paired for 5 weeks for a weekly 30 minute to 1 hour of conversation (online or in person).

-Volunteers and Learners are matched according to schedule and location

- Meet at least 3 times for conversation

-Tips for conversation topics provided

-Online or in person

English Practice Partners Dani Aceituno (left) and Mimi Yoshimura share a smile during their conversation meetup in Seattle, WA. Through LLT, each has made a new friend, and Mimi has now been introduced to Mediterranean food and had her first lunch in a U.S. restaurant.

13 of 19

Pronunciation Workshops: 4 volunteers who are retired speech therapists help advanced Learners improve their pronunciation of English so they can be better understood.

Mondays & Tuesday evenings 6-7:30pm CST
12 students
4 teachers (with more being added soon!)

14 of 19

Basic English Program for Afghan Women Refugees (in person in Austin TX):

English reading and writing classes are held 6 hours/week

Afghan women with little to no formal education and who cannot read or write in their native language (Pashto or Dari).

2 teachers/22 students/12 children in childcare

Special curriculum: ABC English

15 of 19

In-person volunteering in Austin, Texas

For Basic English Program for Afghan Women Refugees: Classroom Assistant

support teacher with classroom activities
work 1:1 with students under direction of teacher
set up items for tea break
drive students to/from class

Classes meet Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 10am-noon

Volunteers generally attend 1 day/week.

School is at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf St. (by I-35)

17 of 19

Boundaries

Cultural Sensitivity: Respect and understand the cultural differences of the refugees you are working with. Always ask if you are unsure about any aspect of their culture.

Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the personal information and stories shared by the refugees. Upholding confidentiality builds trust and a safe environment for refugees to open up.

Ask for Help: If you are partnered with someone who asks you for help, contact one of our co-founders: Laura Erickson, laura@lltaustin.org or Chichi Armstrong, chichi@lltaustin.org.

Your job is to be a conversation volunteer, and our job is to connect women with the help they need.

18 of 19

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

You will learn about other cultures and realize that there are many different answers to the problems of life.
You’ll make new friends who have had very different life experiences – and may be of a very different age.
You can provide very appreciated help to women who are eager to learn English and participate in our American community.

At the heart of LLT is the goal of building friendships and a welcoming community. We believe that social integration goes beyond language acquisition and practical support; it is deeply about feeling a sense of belonging.

“I often feel that I am alone here, and sometimes, I feel like I am the only one struggling. But when I see other immigrant women like me and realize that we share the same difficulties, I feel like a part of a big whole. These feelings distract me from judging myself and create a sense of love for myself and the society I live in. In addition, the fact that you do this work voluntarily, that you spare your time, which is the most precious thing, and that you try to help us arouses great respect in me and encourages me to do voluntary activities. I want to say that bringing good feelings into someone's heart is one of the most blessed things in this world.”

Sevde - Turkey

19 of 19

Thank you for your interest, and we hope you can join us as a volunteer or supporter.

If you have any questions, ideas, etc.

call/text Laura Erickson at 512-965-9174

or email laura@lltaustin.org.

1 of 19