At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy within our community. Whether you are looking to improve your reading skills, engage your family in literacy activities, or volunteer your time, we are here to support you.
There are several ways to connect with us:
- Tutoring: Our dedicated tutors are ready to assist individuals of all ages in enhancing their reading abilities.
- Family Reading Nights: Join us for fun and interactive events designed to promote reading among families in Memphis.
- Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome volunteers who share our passion for literacy. Training sessions are available to equip you with the necessary skills.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are always eager to help you on your literacy journey!
What Makes a Literacy Program a Great Place to Give Your Time
People often ask what it is like to spend time with a community literacy program, whether as a volunteer, a tutor or a family member who comes along to reading nights. The honest answer is that the best part is rarely dramatic. It is the small, steady moments: a child who finally sounds out a word without help, an adult who reads a letter from school on their own, a parent who discovers that reading aloud at bedtime does not need to be perfect to be worthwhile.
Seven things that make the work rewarding
- Progress you can see. Reading growth shows up in real ways, from confidence at the start of a session to the willingness to try a harder book.
- Training before you begin. New volunteers learn practical strategies, such as phonics support, guided reading and how to encourage without correcting every slip.
- Flexible ways to help. Some people tutor weekly, others help set up family events or prepare reading materials.
- Working alongside families. Literacy grows fastest when home and learning time support each other.
- A mix of ages and backgrounds. Volunteers include students, retirees and working professionals, and learners range from early readers to adults.
- Patience as a shared value. Nobody is rushed, and mistakes are treated as part of learning.
- A connection to Memphis. Every hour spent reading together strengthens neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces across the city.
Getting started
If you are thinking about joining in, a good first step is to look through our programs to see which activities match your schedule and interests. Those ready to commit time can learn more on the volunteer page, including what training involves. Families looking for books and activity ideas to use at home will find helpful starting points among our reading resources.
You do not need a teaching background to make a difference. Reliability, warmth and a genuine interest in helping someone else feel capable with words matter far more than any formal qualification.