New Haven Reads is a local organization that helps promote literacy and celebrates the power of reading. See below to find out how you can become involved with this organization as a member of FLY, and be sure to check out our Community Partnerships page for other local volunteering opportunities.
Tutoring
One of New Haven Reads’ main programs is one-on-one tutoring, and many students who would greatly benefit from a tutor are currently on a waitlist to participate in this program. Tutoring sessions take place Monday through Saturday for one hour each week, and involvement in this capacity can make a tremendous impact on the students. If you are interested in volunteering but cannot fulfill the weekly time commitment, another option is to become a substitute tutor.
Administrative Help
If you are interested in learning more about how New Haven Reads functions on an organizational level, volunteering for an administrative role might be a good option for you. Web design and maintenance, data management, and newsletter creation are just a few of the opportunities available that can help sharpen your administrative skills. If event planning is something you might like to be involved with, there are also opportunities for volunteers to help plan networking events for NHR tutors to connect outside of their tutoring hours.
Spelling Bee Planning Committee
Event planning takes place on a larger scale for the annual fall spelling bee hosted by New Haven Reads. A planning committee organizes this entire event, and volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks such as researching sponsors, forming teams, determining a venue, and creating promotional materials. This group meets every month.
Student Club Teacher
If you are interested in volunteering during the summer, another excellent option is to become a student club teacher for six weeks. This opportunity allows you to teach activities such as chess, art, engineering and web design, and offers flexibility since teaching is based on your availability and on your interests.
Student Event Host
If you are interested in interacting with students but don’t have much free time to offer, you may consider hosting a one-time event. Some possible opportunities include a pre-Halloween costume making party or a poetry slam. This role allows you to put your skills to use, but in a shorter time frame if you can’t commit to teaching an entire 6-week course.
More Information
If you would like more information on becoming a summer tutor for New Haven Reads, feel free to attend an information session being sponsored by the Yale WorkLife Program.