The central goal of the VOCAL—Volunteer Outreach for Community Action in Literacy—program is to expand the volunteer base of community and faith-based adult literacy programs by recruiting, placing and training AmeriCorps members to serve in adult literacy programs throughout the state.

AmeriCorps members serve as one-to-one and small group tutors and are involved with volunteer recruitment and retention activities and help to secure other resources for their host site, including books and program materials. Members are also involved in special events to generate awareness and support.

The VOCAL program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (SERVE Illinois).