At Memphis Striving Readers, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. By volunteering with us, you can make a significant impact in the lives of children and families throughout Memphis.
As a volunteer, you can choose to become a reading tutor or assist with our community programs. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Reading Tutor: Work one-on-one with students to improve their reading skills through personalized tutoring sessions.
- Program Helper: Assist with organizing and facilitating family reading nights and other literacy events.
- Volunteer Training: Participate in our training sessions to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to support literacy development effectively.
Whether you have experience in education or just a passion for helping others, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Your time and dedication can help foster a love for reading and learning in our community.
Ready to make a difference? Join us in our mission to promote literacy and empower families in Memphis. Sign up today!
What to Expect as a New Volunteer
Starting as a literacy volunteer can feel like a big step, especially if you have never taught before. The good news is that effective reading support depends far more on patience, consistency and encouragement than on a teaching background. Here is a practical look at what volunteering usually involves and how to get the most out of it.
Consistency matters more than hours
For a young reader, seeing the same friendly adult week after week builds trust and confidence. A regular, modest commitment, such as one session a week across a school term, often does more good than occasional long sessions. Before signing up, look honestly at your calendar and choose a schedule you can keep through busy seasons.
What a tutoring session often looks like
- Warm-up: a few minutes of conversation or rereading a familiar book so the student starts with success.
- Focused practice: work on a specific skill, such as letter sounds, blending words, sight words or reading fluency.
- Shared reading: reading a new text together, taking turns and talking about what happened.
- Wrap-up: noting progress and celebrating effort, not just correct answers.
Simple habits that help readers grow
Give students time to work out a tricky word before stepping in. Praise strategies ("You went back and checked that sound") rather than only results. Let children choose books when possible, because interest is a powerful motivator. Keep a light, positive tone. Many struggling readers have already learned to feel anxious about reading, and a relaxed session can start to change that.
Helping at family events
Program helpers at family reading nights might greet families, set up book tables, lead a read-aloud or show parents easy ways to read with children at home. These roles suit people who enjoy meeting new faces and are a good fit for teens, groups and anyone who cannot commit to a weekly schedule.
You can learn more about how tutoring and events fit together on our Programs page. Our Resources section has reading tips you can explore before your first session. If you have questions about getting started, please get in touch.