OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are essential to the delivery of SitStayRead programs and our ability to impact more students. Whether you want to volunteer solo, with your dog, or as part of a group, there are several ways to make a difference.
Please note that SitStayRead only serves young Chicago students. Our current priority neighborhoods are Archer Heights, Auburn Gresham, Belmont Central, Gage Park, Galewood, Little Village, Pilsen, and South Austin. We prioritize Chicago Public Schools when possible, and offer fee-based Family Literacy Events to a wider range of Chicago organizations.
In 2024-25 SitStayRead begins a new partnership with the Chicago Public Libraries. SitStayRead will provide one-off intergenerational Family LIteracy Events after school in local branches who are part of the Jump Into Reading initiative, with a focus on K-2nd grade level readers, regardless of age, and their adult family members. Teens and other children are welcome to attend, and we expect many to be staffed with bilingual Program Staff and volunteers. Stay tuned for more information, but sign up now!
If you have questions about program volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteer@sitstayread.org
If you are interested in a corporate volunteer opportunities, help running a book drive with your group, or participating in a signature events as a Reading Team for our fall Readapalooza challenge, please contact deirdre@sitstayread.org.
Book Buddies
Don’t have a dog? Become a Book Buddy! You’ll work with a small group of students in the classroom. During each one-hour visit, you’ll help with reading and writing activities. Prospective Book Buddies must attend an orientation and pass a background check. A 15 minute check in and debrief make each session a 90 minute commitment. Committing to a classroom for a full 6 or 8 week program is ideal for everyone involved.
In 2024-25 car pools will begin operating to assist with getting volunteers to our schools that are challenging to reach by public transportation.
Dog Teams
You and your certified reading assistance dog provide some of the most unique and valuable components of our programs. Dog - human teams meet with students in the classroom only after the students have had an introduction to dog safety and preparation for these special visits by our Program Managers. During each one-hour visit, dog teams welcome students to read aloud with confidence, while also building trust in and experiencing the benefits of proximity to a calm, live animal. Prospective Dog Teams must attend orientation and pass a dog certification and human background check, as well as be certified as a Book Buddy before being invited to join a class or Family Literacy Event.
Group Efforts
SitStayRead has a variety of meaningful ways for corporate employees and community groups to participate in our mission to improve literacy in Chicago youth. Opportunities include: run a book drive; create a team to participate in our fall reading challenge, Readapalooza; run a fundraiser or participate in your employee match or employee giving programs. In addition, you are invited to be our champion by recommending SitStayRead for corporate sponsorships and “give back” award programs.
One of the most rewarding ways cohorts of colleagues or other community groups have supported SitStayRead is to adopt a classroom for 6-8 weeks and volunteer as Book Buddies together.
For more information about how your company or group can get involved in one of these efforts or if you have another way you would like to support our mission, reach out to info@sitstayread.org. We’re happy to help you find the best fit for the time and gifts you have to offer.
