Opportunities From: Connect Central Oregon

Can You Give One Hour a Week to Make a Difference for a Child?

SMART Reading is looking for volunteer Readers and substitute Readers to spend one hour a week reading one-on-one with children across Central Oregon. SMART pairs adult volunteers with preschool through third-grade students for fun, child-guided reading sessions and books to keep. The goal of the reading sessions is to have fun with books and help kids foster a love of reading. Joining SMART as a volunteer is a great way to get involved in your local school community! Learn more about this special role here or call 541-797-7726.

You’ll have the opportunity from October through May to:

Read one-on-one with children at the same time each week. Work alongside the Site Coordinator (the lead volunteer) to provide a positive environment for students. Attend Reader training and receive ongoing support. Complete required documentation during the reading sessions. Follow all SMART Reading safety policies. Network with other community members around early childhood literacy. Assist children in taking books home to build their own libraries!

Most programs operate during the school day; SMART reading days and times vary depending on the individual site.

Sign up online here to be part of our SMART Reading team!

SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: one-on-one reading time and access to books. We mobilize volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. 

SMART Leadership Council Members are individuals who help SMART flourish in their local communities through fundraising, friendraising, and volunteer recruitment.

 Organizational Liaison: SMART Area Manager

 Key Responsibilities:

Represent SMART to stakeholders and to the community at large Provide assistance with fund development Assist with planning and implementing events Support the organization’s efforts with volunteer recruitment Raise SMART’s profile in the local community Attend monthly Leadership Council meetings – 2nd Tuesday of each month 1:00 – 2:00

 Skills and Qualifications:

Capacity and desire to make connections within the Central Oregon community Willingness to leverage resources by cultivating current and new donor, volunteer, and community relationships Ability to maintain confidentiality Must pass a criminal history check

 Impact:

Enhance SMART’s ability to continually improve and expand its program to serve more local children with reading support and books to keep Contribute to the vitality of the community’s future work force by creating stronger, more confident readers today Help inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in local children

 Benefits:

Become part of the solution to help children develop skills for success in school and life Hone professional, networking, and fundraising skills Explore the importance of early childhood education Form relationships with staff and other volunteers

Orientation: Orientation is provided for Leadership Council members prior to their first meeting and includes information about the SMART program, finances, and organizational goals.