At Memphis Striving Readers, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to enhance literacy. We are dedicated to providing tutoring, organizing family reading nights, and offering volunteer training throughout Memphis.
We encourage you to connect with us in various ways:
- Email: Reach out to us at [email protected] for inquiries or to learn more about our programs.
- Social Media: Follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on events, volunteer opportunities, and literacy tips.
- Volunteer: Join our team of passionate volunteers who help make a difference in our community. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved.
Your support and engagement are vital to our mission of promoting literacy across Memphis. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and families.
Ways to Stay Involved Throughout the Year
Literacy grows through steady, repeated contact with books and caring adults, so the most useful support is often the kind that continues over months rather than a single afternoon. If you have already reached out or followed along online, here are some practical ways to deepen your involvement and help Memphis children and families build lasting reading habits.
Choose a role that fits your schedule
Not everyone can commit to weekly tutoring, and that is fine. Some volunteers work one-on-one with a young reader, while others help set up a family reading night, greet families at the door, or sort donated books by reading level. If you are unsure where you fit, look through our programs to see how each one works, then mention your availability when you get in touch.
Bring reading into everyday routines
Parents and caregivers play the biggest part in a child's progress. Short, regular habits make a real difference: reading aloud for ten or fifteen minutes before bed, pointing out words on signs and menus, letting children pick their own books, and talking about stories afterwards. Asking simple questions such as "What do you think happens next?" builds comprehension as well as vocabulary. Our resources page collects tips and activities families can use at home.
Share what you know
Teachers, librarians, retirees and bilingual community members bring skills that can strengthen volunteer training and help families feel welcome. Even if you have no formal background in education, patience and a willingness to listen are the qualities young readers respond to most.
Spread the word
Many families who would benefit from free tutoring or reading nights simply have not heard about them. Telling neighbours, sharing event announcements with your congregation or workplace, or passing information to a school counsellor helps connect more children with support. If you would like to help in other ways, you can learn more about volunteering and how your time can make a difference across the city.