Your time is our most valued gift
Our volunteers are passionate, inspired, and making a difference in the lives of those facing educational barriers in the capital region. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or can make a more significant time commitment, please consider becoming a Reading People volunteer.
Getting started is easy!
The first step is to attend a new volunteer Tutor Training! It’s a quick training designed to give you enough info to get started with a student. To schedule a tutor training, use this link to select a session. We try to host three sessions a month! You can use the calendar to view which dates and times we’ll be offering them for the upcoming months.
Want to learn more before diving in? Book a time to meet with staff for a Volunteer Program Overview in person, over the phone, or virtually. Learn about what volunteering with us looks like and get signed up to start helping.
Learn about different volunteer opportunities
At the Reading People, there are many ways to get involved. Most individuals help as tutors in the areas of adult basic reading, GED preparation, and ESL/EFL (English as a Second Language, English as a Foreign Language). Others volunteer as part of our in-school children's programs. In addition to tutoring, other volunteer opportunities include helping in the office and organizing donated books.
Capital Area Literacy Coalition welcomes volunteers 16 and older. Individuals aged 15 and younger may be permitted to volunteer with CALC. This is to be determined on a case-by-case basis and requires a guardian/parent to volunteer alongside the child.
Children's Program Volunteers
Our Children's Program helps students in grades K through 5 build reading skills in small-group after-school sessions at the Book Building. Volunteers work alongside our Children's Program Coordinator to read with students, support activities, and help each child feel confident and encouraged.
Sessions run Monday through Thursday afternoons during the school year. Volunteers choose the sessions that fit their schedule each month.
Who can volunteer: Children's Program volunteers must be 18 or older.
How to get started:
1. Attend a Children's Program Volunteer Orientation. This is required before you volunteer with children. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/CPxypxJssa?origin=lprLink
2. Complete screening. All Children's Program volunteers must complete a background check and our child safety onboarding before their first session.
3. Sign up for sessions. Once you're cleared, we'll send you the monthly sign-up form so you can choose your dates.
Questions? Contact VolunteerCoordinator@TheReadingPeople.org or call (517) 485-4949.
What does volunteering with us look like?
For just two hours a week, you can change a life.
Volunteering with The Reading People is fun, flexible, and rewarding. Volunteers are trained by staff specialist and then matched with a student in one of our programs based on the volunteer's preference.
Volunteers meet students one-on-one or in small groups to help the learner meet their individualized goals through support and tutoring. Meetings can take place whenever and wherever the tutor and student agree upon. Our only requirement is meeting at a public location. We also allow for meetings to take place via zoom or facetime.
This opportunity is great for anyone who wants to share the joys of literacy, build connections within their community, and empower others to reach their goals. No prior experience necessary.
Questions? Contact Meredith McDonnell, Volunteer Manager,
volunteercoordinator@thereadingpeople.org or (517) 485-4949 x105.