Periodic News from SitStayRead.
Meet Community Liaison Briana " Bri" McLean
Briana “Bri” McLean, Community Liaison (she/ella)
April 15 SitStayRead welcomed another new member to the team, Brianna "Bri" McLean, she/ella. Bri is co-creating with us, the new part time role of Community Liaison. Bri holds an M.S. in Early Childhood Education and has worked in early education for over ten years as an educator, coach, and program developer. Briana is committed to expanding access to culturally responsive early learning, and believes high-quality early learning is a tool toward liberation. She is also the founder and director of Boundless Early Education. Check it out!
Brianna is working with Volunteer Program Manager Lexsie Hernández in two key realms: 1) establishing a wide base of volunteer recruitment partners and pipelines across the south and west sides of Chicago and its SE and W suburbs and; 2) creating networks of partnerships with literacy organizations in our priority communities. Please reach out t her at bmclean@sitstayread.org if you have ideas about places to help recruit volunteer book buddies or dog teams over the summer or next fall. And also if you are interested in volunteering to help represent SitStayRead at such events.
"I believe high quality culturally affirming early learning is the path toward a brighter and more equitable future for all." Check out Briana's first book Too Fly Not to Fly We have copies in the office.
Welcome to New Interim Executive Director, Deirdre Harrison CFRE
Deirdre Harrison CFRE, Interim Executive Director (she/ella)
Deirdre Harrison, (pronounced DEER-drah), leaped into the SitStayRead family on February 29 as our Interim Executive Director. She brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership, turnaround experience and forward-looking energy to the organization. Previously, she served in leadership positions at Snow City Arts, Eighth Blackbird, the MacArthur Foundation-funded shared fundraising project Creative Partners, Baker Demonstration School and several other education nonprofits. Her consulting practice, Big Dipper Projects, has served nonprofits in Chicago's education, cultural and healing sectors, including recent projects for Young, Black + Lit, NAMI Chicago, and Gateway to Learning.
Deirdre is a graduate of Yale University, The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and earned a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language from Cambridge. She is a dual Eire/US citizen who lived and worked as a performing artist in Europe in the first part of her work life, often developing and premiering new plays. A lifelong learner, she more recently earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an Executive Education Certificate at Northwestern Kellogg' Center for Nonprofit.
Deirdre serves as treasurer for the World Listening Project; performs regularly with jazz and experimental musicians with her children's literacy band, The Lucky Trikes; and is the proud mother of a bicultural, bilingual daughter, a visual artist who lives in her country of origin, Italy. Deirdre's cat Oona is not fond of dogs, but will tolerate sharing a lap with a good book.
"I feel lucky to be joining such a devoted staff, board and volunteer corps at a time when Chicago students and teachers need more support. Sit Stay Read provides the whole, holistic, foundational literacy package: reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Strategic and moment to moment decision making is happening through an evolving and culturally conscious, asset-based lens at all levels of the organization which is hard and imperative.
One might think kids, books, dogs-cute. Yes. And. Sit Stay Read is a radical change agent. Our programs stimulate and nourish the roots of personal agency and voice by supporting individual and interpersonal tools for lifelong learning and living with curiosity, patience, and courage."
Meet Boni & Toby!
Say hello to one of our most loyal Dog Teams, Boni and Toby!
Boni and Toby have been volunteering at SitStayRead since 2021, and they are a classroom favorite! Can we tell you a little bit about them?
Q: There are tons of amazing organizations in Chicago. Why SitStayRead?
A: I think children's literacy is really at the heart of building good communities, and the earlier we start, the better we are. I don't think there's an organization I know of that's doing it in a more fun and rewarding way.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your favorite memory as a SitStayRead volunteer?
A: My favorite memory was when I was first observing a dog team. We were in a classroom, and one group of kids came over; there was one little girl who was quite shy, very timid, and didn't really want to pet the dog. But the next week, Toby and I went back to that classroom, and when she came to the group, she was the last one, and she still seemed timid. But seeing the other kids and having the experience from the week before, she ventured forward and met Toby, and then, really, you could just see a bond. And so allowing her to ease into it and seeing her blossom that way was just, you know, it was so heartwarming.
Q: What's it like being able to volunteer with Toby? Do you think he Likes it?
A: It's really rewarding, and I think it's really rewarding for Toby too! He gets very excited when he puts on his little bandana. He prances down the hallway with his chest out in the school and, you know, very proud of himself and loves all the cuddles from the kids.
Q: Last one, in one sentence, can you tell us why volunteering is important to you?
A: I volunteer because I feel that I've been very fortunate in my life. And now that I can give back, I want to.
If you’ve been following along with our emails this week, you know our goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of this week. With your help, we can ensure students have the individualized literacy support they need.
will you join us in supporting volunteers like Boni & Toby by making a donation of $27, $45, or $72 today?
The SitStayRead "Trifecta"
“You should support SitStayRead because it involves 3 of the best things ever – reading, dogs, and children!”
-SitStayRead Volunteer, Melissa Strum
Melissa is a former Chicago Public School educator who now gives back with her dog Waffles as a SitStayRead Volunteer.
Melissa initially learned about SitStayRead during her time as a 2nd-grade teacher at Fuller School of Excellence. We visited Melissa’s classroom of young readers for 2 years in a row, bringing individualized literacy support and excitement around reading.
Reflecting back on her time with SitStayRead, she describes the experience as "exceptional."
A few years ago, Melissa left the classroom and began to pursue a career in marketing and sales in the literacy sector. Having already seen the impact of SitStayRead, firsthand in the classroom, she felt strongly that it was important to continue supporting young readers one-on-one as a volunteer.
“Volunteering is important to me because I want to be back in the classroom, giving time to students and educators who need it. Providing that really small group instruction with kids, so they get individualized attention is so important."
In honor of National Volunteer Week, SitStayRead is asking you, the SitStayRead community, to help us raise $5,000 by Friday to bring more volunteers and individualized literacy support to classrooms throughout Chicago.
Will you join us in supporting volunteers like Melissa by making a donation of $27, $45, or $72 today?
Blind Date with a Book is Back
There’s nothing more magical than falling in love with a new book.
This spring, SitStayRead is bringing back Blind Date with a Book, a fundraiser that brings an element of surprise to finding your new favorite book.
Here’s how it works:
SitStayRead collects books from amazing local bookstores.
We wrap up the book to hide its identity and create a “dating profile” for each book.
You then pursue the profiles here and pick a date (aka book).
We’ll mail you your date (aka book)
Back at home, grab a blanket, your favorite beverage, and get ready for your date!
100% of the proceeds raised go back to SitStayRead, helping us bring more dogs, books, and confidence to young readers throughout Chicago. We have dozens of books from a wide variety of genres. No matter your preference, we’re sure there’s a book for you.
Swipe right (click below 😉) to find your match!