If you can commit at least one hour a week, you can help a child who’s falling behind in reading. Parents, students, seniors, business people — anyone willing to give time to read to a child, and to listen to a child read can be a tutor. Our America Reads program in the Monadnock Area will match you with a child in your community to read with them at their school. You will receive training, materials and guidance to make your tutoring experience both rewarding and effective.

Children in tutoring programs benefit twice: first, from individualized support tailored to their own strengths, interests and needs; second, from the undivided attention of an older role model who provides them with encouragement and motivation.

How Do I Become An America Reads Volunteer?
Make an appointment to speak with the coordinator of the program. You will be asked to fill out an application, including three references and submit to a criminal background check.

Attend The 4 Hour Training Session
Go on the school tour where you will meet the teacher you will be working with and agree on a schedule for your tutoring sessions.

Attend In-Service Trainings during the school year where topics of interest will be covered and you will be able to discuss your work with other tutors

The Serve America Act requires RSVP to narrow their volunteer focus to the following six areas of service in 2014 and beyond: Economic Opportunity: Provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to the improved economic well-being and security of our community.

Healthy Futures: Meet the health needs in our community including access to care, aging in place and addressing childhood obesity and hunger.

Education: Support or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for children. The program that will be our main Focus area is America Reads.

Environmental Stewardship: Direct services that contribute to increased energy and water efficiency, renewable energy use, or improving at-risk ecosystems, and support increased citizen behavioral change leading to increased efficiency, renewable energy use, and ecosystem improvements.

Disaster Services: Help individuals and communities prepare, respond, recover, and mitigate disasters and increase community resiliency.

Veterans and Military Families: Veterans and military family members share a common bond and culture that is unique. RSVP is currently seeking volunteers, age 55 and over, who have served in the U.S. Armed Services to help fellow veterans who are experiencing a variety of challenges with maintaining their quality of life and independence in their homes by providing companionship and assistance with non-medical tasks of daily living through.

Volunteers are also needed to provide transportation to local and long-distance medical appointments in White River Junction, Manchester and Boston through local transportation programs.