At Memphis Striving Readers, we are dedicated to fostering literacy in our community. Whether you are a parent, volunteer, or simply interested in supporting literacy initiatives, there are numerous ways to engage with us.
Our programs include:
- Tutoring: We provide personalized tutoring sessions to help children improve their reading skills.
- Family Reading Nights: Join us for fun and interactive evenings that encourage families to read together.
- Volunteer Training: Become a part of our mission by training to be a volunteer and making a difference in the lives of young readers.
We welcome your involvement and are always ready to assist you in any way possible. For more information, please reach out to us through our contact page or visit us at our events. Together, we can make a significant impact on literacy in Memphis.
So What's the Next Step? Finding Your Way In
Knowing that tutoring, family reading nights and volunteer training exist is one thing. Deciding where you fit is another. The right next step depends on who you are and how much time you can realistically give, so here is a practical way to think it through.
If you are a parent or caregiver
Start by noticing how your child feels about reading, not just how well they read. A child who avoids books, guesses at words from pictures, or gets frustrated with homework may benefit from one-on-one support. Before you reach out, jot down a few observations: what grade they are in, what their teacher has mentioned, and what kinds of stories or topics they enjoy. That information helps match a child with the right kind of help. In the meantime, reading aloud together for even fifteen minutes a day, letting your child choose the book, and talking about the story afterwards all build skills that carry into the classroom.
If you want to volunteer
You do not need a teaching background to help a young reader. What matters most is patience, reliability and a willingness to learn a few simple techniques, such as giving a child time to work out a word before stepping in, or praising effort rather than speed. Consistency is especially valuable: a tutor who shows up week after week becomes someone a child trusts. Our volunteer page explains what the commitment involves and how training works.
If you want to support from a distance
Not everyone can give time on a weekday afternoon. Sharing information about reading nights with neighbours, donating gently used children's books, or contributing through our donation page all help keep programs running. Spreading the word to schools, churches and community centres in your part of Memphis can connect families who might never otherwise hear about free reading support.
Small actions add up
Literacy grows through ordinary moments: a bedtime story, a library visit, a patient adult sitting beside a child. Whichever path you choose, browse our reading resources for ideas you can use at home or in a tutoring session starting this week.