Start a Literacy Club
If there isn’t a local nonprofit with a literacy team in your area, there are still opportunities for you to make an impact as a literacy tutor in your community. Whether you're an individual, a church, a synagogue, or part of another organization, contact us—we’ll work together to imagine how you can start a literacy movement and inspire change in your community.
Start a literacy club at your School
Here’s how you can organize a literacy club at our school that meets once or twice a week during school hours or after school.
- Talk to other parents at school events, PTA meetings, or via the school’s parent communication channels.
- Share your idea with the principal
- Share your idea on the school’s social media page or parent email list.
- Set up an informal interest meeting—either in person or via Zoom—to discuss ideas and logistics.
Decide on the club’s purpose and structure:
- Will it be a read-aloud group, book club discussions, or interactive literacy activities?
- Will parents rotate leading sessions, or will there be a designated facilitator?
- Will the club be for all grade levels or specific age groups?
- Contact the school librarian or the front office to find an available classroom, library, or multipurpose room for your meetings.
- Decide on meeting frequency (e.g., once or twice a week).
- Work with teachers to ensure that club activities complement classroom learning.
- Enlist support from the school's literacy teachers to identify appropriate curriculum and/or resources.
- Select engaging, age-appropriate books that align with student interests. The library can provide recommendations!
- Incorporate fun literacy activities like storytelling, creative writing, themed reading days, and book-related crafts.
- Invite guest readers—teachers, older students, or community members—to make reading interactive.
- Create a simple flyer or email announcement to invite parents and students.
- Encourage students to share book recommendations and take turns leading discussions.
- Celebrate milestones with reading challenges, book swaps, or a small end-of-year celebration!
Start a literacy club at your Church
Starting a neighborhood literacy club as a church ministry is a wonderful way to serve your community and empower children and adults with the gift of reading. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch and sustain this initiative successfully:
- Pray for wisdom and guidance as you begin this ministry.
- Define your mission: Is the focus on children, adults, or both? Will it include tutoring, book discussions, or ESL support?
- Consider how this aligns with your church’s mission to serve the community.
- Share the vision with your congregation and recruit volunteers with a passion for literacy and education.
- Seek out educators, retired teachers, or college students willing to help.
- Appoint a leader or coordinator to oversee the program’s planning and execution.
- Connect with local schools, libraries, and community leaders to understand literacy gaps.
- Conduct a simple survey in your congregation and neighborhood to gauge interest and needs.
- Determine if there is a demand for specific programs (e.g., phonics for early readers, GED prep, or English language learning).
- Decide on the frequency (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) and duration of sessions.
- Choose a location within the church (a quiet room with tables and chairs).
- Create a flexible curriculum or resource list (e.g., Bible-based literacy lessons, phonics programs, read-aloud activities).
- Establish a system for tracking progress and participation.
- Collect books, learning materials, and supplies (many organizations offer free resources).
- Partner with local libraries, bookstores, or literacy organizations for donations.
- Consider providing notebooks, pencils, and workbooks for participants.
- Announce the ministry during church services and in bulletins.
- Use social media, flyers, and word of mouth to invite families and individuals.
- Reach out to local schools, shelters, and community centers to spread the word.
- Provide training on best literacy practices, tutoring techniques, and working with different age groups.
- Set expectations for volunteers, including background checks if working with children.
- Develop a child safety and behavior management plan.
- Start with a kickoff event to introduce the program and build excitement.
- Encourage relationship-building between volunteers and participants.
- Include a short devotional or prayer time, if appropriate, to connect faith with learning.
- Regularly seek feedback from participants, parents, and volunteers.
- Adjust session times, materials, or methods to better meet community needs.
- Celebrate successes by recognizing student progress and volunteer contributions.
- Apply for grants or seek partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
- Encourage church members to sponsor books or provide snacks.
- Consider expanding to include summer reading programs or literacy-related events like storytelling nights.
By following these steps, your church can establish a meaningful literacy ministry that blesses the community and fosters lifelong learning. Let me know if you need additional guidance!