JOIN OUR PACK
VOLUNTEERING WITH IMPACT
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 we only serve students in Chicago, in 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.
If you have questions about program volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteer@sitstayread.org or complete the volunteer form below. If you are interested in a corporate volunteer opportunities or supporting signature events like Walkapalooza or Bark ‘N Ball, 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 before being invited to join a class or Family Literacy Event.
Group EffortS
Here are two great volunteer options for corporations and community groups seeking to improve literacy in Chicago.
Keep Reading Celebration
Suggested Donation: $5,000
SitStayRead students from the fall, winter, and spring sessions gather to celebrate their achievements before summer break. During the one-hour event, students receive Summer Reading Fun Packs, comprising reading and writing supplies and books. Group volunteers help hand out the packs and read with students.
Encouragement Cards
Suggested Donation: $100
Help create personalized notes for SitStayRead students that go into their summer reading fun packs. These notes offer words of encouragement to keep students enthusiastic about reading during summer break.
