At Memphis Striving Readers, we believe in the power of literacy to transform lives. Our community-driven program offers various initiatives, including tutoring sessions, engaging family reading nights, and comprehensive volunteer training. We are committed to fostering a love for reading among children and families in Memphis.

We encourage you to reach out and connect with us. Whether you have questions, want to get involved, or need assistance, we are here to help. Here are some ways to stay in touch:

Thank you for your interest in Memphis Striving Readers. Together, we can empower individuals through literacy and create a brighter future for our community.

Photos, Privacy and Sharing Reading Moments

Many families and volunteers like to capture the moments that happen during tutoring sessions and family reading nights: a child finishing a first chapter book, a parent reading aloud, a group gathered around a picture book. Photos can be a wonderful way to celebrate progress and encourage young readers, but they also come with responsibilities, especially when children are involved.

Ask before you take or share

Before photographing a child who is not your own, always ask the parent or guardian first. Some families have good reasons for keeping their children's images offline, and a simple question shows respect. Even with your own child, consider whether other children appear in the background before posting anything publicly.

Practical tips for families and volunteers

  • Keep it private by default. Share reading-night photos in private family messages rather than on public profiles.
  • Avoid identifying details. Leave out school names, full names, home addresses or location tags that reveal where a child spends time.
  • Focus on the activity. Pictures of hands turning pages, a stack of finished books or a handmade reading chart tell the story without showing faces.
  • Respect a "no." If a child or parent doesn't want a photo taken, put the camera away without fuss.

Turning photos into reading motivation

Used thoughtfully, photos can support literacy at home. Some families print pictures of a child reading and add them to a simple scrapbook, writing a sentence underneath each one together. Others create a "books I've read" photo wall. Asking a child to describe what is happening in a picture builds vocabulary and storytelling skills, the same skills tutors work on in sessions.

Volunteers should follow any guidance given during volunteer training about photography and children's privacy. For more ideas on supporting reading at home, browse our family resources, and if you have a question about photos at a specific event, please get in touch before the day.