How to Be a Literacy Volunteer

Literacy is defined by a person's ability to read, write and speak and starts at an early age. In an effort to combat a growing illiteracy problem in the US, a number of literacy initiatives train volunteers to work with adults and children. Donations of books, money and time all serve to increase literacy. Here's how you can help a worthy cause.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Support First Book, a literacy project that donates books to low income children. Check with local bookstores that participate in First Book to learn how donations can be made.
2. Join Jumpstart, a global reading program that promotes reading and literacy awareness in low income populations. Be among an impressive list of authors, musicians, politicians, celebrities and several hundred thousand readers around the country. Commit your time and resources on behalf of Jumpstart.
3. Be a sponsor in the Dictionary Project to build a better vocabulary. Donate a dictionary to one of two million children who benefit from the program annually.
4. Ask the public library what adult literacy programs are offered and what volunteer opportunities are available. Call the National Institute For Literacy NIFL Hotline at 800-228-8813 to ask about local programs and for referral information.
5. Donate books for literacy programs. Visit the Education Resource Organization Directory of the Department of Education for a list of contacts by state.
6. Arrange to spend time as a "Book Buddy" through the "Sit Stay Read" program. Attend three training sessions with or without a dog, then commit to a one hour reading session with a grade school child for eight weeks.