Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of Delaware

Reading Angels/Angeles de la Lectura 

Why?

Children who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than those who read proficiently. Please help us improve our kids' literacy scores and their reading capabilities.

Reading to children is one of the most important things you can do to prepare students with a foundation for academic excellence. At United Way of Delaware, our Reading Angels are making a difference. Like them, you too can experience the satisfaction, friendships, and joy volunteers discover at reading sessions. It is a grain of salt that you will contribute by reading to a classroom. Collectively, we can build a solid future for all Delawareans. All you need is the willingness to give a little of your time.

How?

Commit to reading to students for 30 minutes. We'll help schedule a convenient date, time, and location – you will help inspire a love of reading in local children!

Requirements

Willingness to volunteer for a 30-minute reading session Transportation Profile in U-Volunteer

Process

Create your profile in the UWDE U-Volunteer Portal. Our staff will assist your team. Sign up for the in-person Reading Angels initiative: https://volunteer.uwde.org/need/detail/?need_id=1111422. Notify your UWDE POC, Wanda Barrett, wbarrett@uwde.org, or Ken Livingston, at klivingston@uwde.org, for location, date, and time. Let the reception at the location know you are representing UWDE/Reading Angels (they will notify the school staff that you have arrived) Remember, at all times, you are representing our organization when coming in. We will provide books you can select from (School Library).

 Remember – Books have the power to benefit children in a myriad of ways.

Enjoy your reading sessions and share your experience with other colleagues.

For additional information, don't hesitate to contact Wanda Barrett at wbarrett@uwde.org or Ken Livingston at klivingston@uwde.org.

Thank you so much for joining the Reading Angels!

Ballard's Reading Buddies is named in the memory of Corporal Stephen J. Ballard, a Delaware State Trooper, killed in the line of duty on April 26, 2017. 

Ballard's Reading Buddies is a component of UWDE Reading Angels which is a part of a larger grade level reading strategy that also is intended to impact school readiness, chronic absenteeism, and summer learning loss. Additional UWDE programmatic tools include home libraries for students (through UWDE's My Very Own Library Program), student library cards social emotional learning and unique family engagement opportunities.

There is also required volunteer training and the training location is based on the school you select. The Schools included are:

Southern Elementary School - Colonial School District (9:00am-10:30am)

Keene Elementary School - Christiana School District (9:00am-9:30am or 2:45pm-3:15pm)

Harlan Elementary School - Brandywine School District (9:00am-10:30am or 2:35pm-3:15pm)

If you are registering for Harlan Elementary, please see the attached document for completion.