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Volunteering with RIF
Over 450,000 volunteers support the work of RIF programs nationwide. Without the help of our volunteers, we would not be able to give away the 16 million books we do each year.
 Who is a RIF Volunteer?
RIF volunteers are as diverse as the programs and the kids they serve. Our volunteers are:
- Parents of children in RIF programs;
- Teachers;
- School administrators;
- Librarians;
- Reading and media specialists;
- High-school and college students;
- Senior citizens;
- Members of service clubs, such as Kiwanis, Junior League, Rotary, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Altrusa, and the American Association of University Women;
- Employees of national corporations and local businesses that contribute to or "adopt" RIF programs; and
- RIF alumni — adults who grew up reading in RIF programs and want to provide the RIF experience for a new generation of young readers.
What Do RIF Volunteers Do?
RIF volunteers do many things, including the following:
- Select and order books. RIF's national headquarters provides information about book suppliers to local programs. Volunteers can request catalogs, familiarize themselves with children's literature, compare book costs and services, and select and order books for distribution.
- Organize or participate in book events. Volunteers devise themes, create activities, decorate event areas, make refreshments, and encourage children to select their own books.
- Read books aloud and tell stories. Some volunteer readers dress as storybook characters; others attend reading events wearing their hats as civic leaders, professionals, community activists, and business owners, among others.
- Plan or conduct reading activities. With help from RIF's national office and other local RIF programs, volunteers plan and conduct reading motivation activities.
- Bring the community to RIF programs. Volunteers might include local celebrities, children's book authors and illustrators, or community members, invited to talk to children about the importance of reading.
- Raise awareness of RIF and children's literacy. The more visible a RIF program is, the more support it generates. Volunteers create fliers, posters, and newsletters, and invite local media to events and celebrations.
- Raise funds. Volunteers hold fundraising activities, write grant proposals, and solicit funding and in-kind contributions from local businesses.
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Volunteer with your Local RIF Program!
Volunteers of the Year
Read about the incredible roles these volunteers have played in helping children find a love for reading.
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