JOIN “UNITED WE SERVE” READ TO CHILDREN IN YOUR COMMUNITY

On Monday, June 22, 2009, “United We Serve” will launch a volunteer program focused on community service. NIB is leading an effort to encourage employees and staff at all of our agencies to participate in reading programs through your local community libraries, schools, neighborhoods or social groups.

Our goal is 100 percent agency participation between now and September 11, 2009. Hear what President Obama has to say about UNITED WE SERVE.

Here’s how your agency can sign up to participate in the United We Serve volunteer initiative:

1. 
   Visit http://www.serve.gov/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to the box that says “Register your event or project” and click on this box.
2. 
   Click on “Get started now” and fill out the form to create an organization account with a description of your existing volunteer opportunities.

GETTING STARTED: follow this program or start your own. All volunteering is good!

Identify Local Partners e.g. NIB is working with local libraries to bring in staff to read to children throughout the summer. Your local library probably has a Summer Reading Program with group reading sessions throughout summer vacation. Contact them today!

Build a Team: Put together a group of reading volunteers. It’s a great way to share the fun and reach out to your community.

Set Goals: Think about reading to children once a week, every other week or once a month. Make your goal fun and obtainable.

Serve Your Community: Inspire a child with your favorite story or by reading their favorite story to them. As a person who is blind, you bring a special “can do” perspective to children who are learning to read. Read to children in your neighborhood, at schools or libraries. Invite groups to your agency. They’ll love listening to and learning from you!

Celebrate Success: Track your progress, take pictures, do a video and share your experiences with NIB and other volunteers. Post your comments and experiences HERE! Log on to http://www.serve.gov/too.

For more details, assistance in getting started or registering your NIB-agency program or publicizing your event contact: Ken Murphy, director of Communications, NIB kmurphy@nib.org 703-310-0333.