Volunteer opportunity: Reading pals

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Written By: Callan Donovan

Position, Member Since: General Member, Joined Fall 2024

Major & Track: Psychology, Pre-Med

Current Year: 3rd year

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Do you enjoy working with kids? Are you passionate about early literacy? Do you feel called to make an impact in the Gainesville community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I’d like to share a nonclinical volunteering opportunity that may be right up your alley.

ReadingPals is a literacy initiative that provides mentors for kids who may need extra help. This early intervention and individualized attention builds the students’ confidence and reduces behavioral problems, giving them a greater likelihood of success. As a volunteer, you’ll work one-on-one or in small groups, helping kids to develop social-emotional and literacy skills—no prior tutoring experience required!

What does volunteering look like? ReadingPals offers both in-person and virtual volunteering options, which makes it an excellent opportunity for students with busy and ever-changing schedules. Since I primarily volunteer virtually, I’ll dive a bit deeper into that now.

For virtual volunteering, all you need is access to Discord, a microphone and camera, and a stable internet connection. Sign up through the Google Sheet at least 24 hours in advance. Time slots are only an hour long, so I highly recommend signing up for at least two slots per session. Students have access to RAZ (Reading A-Z) Kids, which is a digital library containing hundreds of books with accompanying quizzes that assess reading comprehension.

Here is what my typical session looks like: I log in to Discord 5 minutes before the scheduled time and turn on my microphone and camera. When the student enters the channel, I greet them, and we chat for a bit while they share their screen and log in to RAZ. Next, we select a book and begin reading, taking a 5-10 question quiz afterwards. Following the completion of 2 books, the student and I get to play games!

That’s right, Discord contains free-to-play games ranging from drawing, to spelling, to cards, to battle tanks. By playing games with their Pal (you!), these students get to build a consistent, meaningful relationship, increase their empathy and self-awareness, and foster an enjoyment of reading.

At the end of our time together, we say goodbye, and the student logs out. Shortly after—if you are signed up for more than one time slot— a new student will enter the channel.

How do I get started? Simply head on over to the ReadingPals website (www.unitedwayncfl.org/readingpals) and submit a volunteer interest form. Once your form is processed, you will receive an invitation email with next steps to begin your application, conduct a background screening, and complete training.

Helpful Tips Frequent praise of good behaviors is key to establishing a trusting relationship with your Pal. This can be verbal (e.g. “You sounded the word out perfectly!”) or nonverbal (e.g. thumbs up, Discord applause button).

If your Pal is having trouble getting engaged with reading, take the time to learn about them and their interests to find books that will better hold their attention. Some students prefer alternating student and mentor readers every other page, which allows you the opportunity to model reading habits.

Discord’s whiteboard game is a great tool for breaking away from the monotony of letters on a page, instead processing the story elements through coloring or typing. Brain breaks like these (followed by redirection back to the book) go a long way in increasing engagement.

Final Note Volunteering with ReadingPals isn’t just about literacy—it’s about building meaningful connections, fostering empathy, and developing essential communication skills that will serve you in your future career. As a pre-health student, this opportunity allows you to make a real impact on a child’s life while honing your ability to engage, educate, and support others—skills that are invaluable in patient care. If you’re looking for a rewarding, flexible way to give back to the community, consider becoming a ReadingPal :)