VOLUNTEER
When you volunteer your time at iWRITE, your investment changes students’ lives.
Find the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you!
Be our Mascot!
“i” The Guy Makes Writing Fun
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Because “i” The Guy is TALL, you’ll need to be a bit tall and thin to fit in the costume. If you’re at least ____ tall and no more than ___ pounds, you can do it! He doesn’t talk, so both men and women are welcome.
Q: When do you need me?
A: Most “i” The Guy appearances are scheduled at Houston schools during the school day, roughly between 9 am and 2 pm. He also makes appearances at after-school programs, summer camps, and special events, so the schedule is flexible.
Q: How does it help?
A: There’s nothing more fun and rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference in a child’s life. Children are much more likely to open up and share their writing with “i” The Guy, which gives teachers and writing coaches a chance to listen and identify areas where students can improve.
Help Staff Fun Events
Join Us for Our Annual Luncheon or Bubbles & Bingo!
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: iWRITE hosts two major events during the year. One is the annual luncheon and book signing, celebrating newly published anthology authors. The other is the spring “Bubbles and Bingo” fundraiser. We always need help from anyone who’s high-school aged or above with set-up (which can involve some lifting and moving of boxes), as well as registration, greeting, seating, and activity stations. Regardless of how brawny you are (or aren’t), we’d appreciate the help.
Q: When do you need me?
A: The luncheon is in November each year, and Bubbles and Bingo is usually held in April. There are tasks to fit any schedule, but most people are available the day before and the day of the event.
Q: How does it help?
A: Both events provide critical funding that enables iWRITE to deliver its writing programs in Greater Houston Area schools and online. And both are FUN for everyone who attends!
Be a Writing Coach
Help Students Discover the Power of their Imaginations
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Our high-school aged Youth Club members and college students studying education most often serve as writing coaches during our workshops. But if you’re interested, please talk to our program staff!
Q: When do you need me?
A: iWRITE hosts after-school programs, workshops, family literacy nights, and summer camps all year long. There’s sure to be a program that will fit your schedule.
Q: How does it help?
A: The coaches help guide students as they create stories, poems, and illustrations. You’re there the first time students say, “I did it!”
Work Behind the Scenes
Help With Critical Office Tasks
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: If you have experience with commonly-used software programs and understand office processes, we’d love to talk to you.
Q: When do you need me?
A: Office-based assignments are often project based. Sometimes, they need to be completed at our offices during business hours; others can be done virtually, from home. We’ll tailor your task to fit your schedule.
Q: How does it help?
A: By donating your time to support office tasks, you’re freeing up our program staff to collaborate with teachers, librarians, and parents, so we can help even more students every day.
Special Delivery!
Help Deliver Journals to Schools in the Greater Houston Area
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: If you have a driver license and a good driving record, you’re in!
Q: When do you need me?
A: Whenever teachers begin working with us, implementing “i” The Guy in their classrooms, they’ll need a printed journal for every student. You’ll need to be able to deliver the journals to selected schools during the regular school day. We also deliver newly-printed, student-written anthologies to libraries every fall. Those can be delivered any time the library is open.
Q: How does it help?
A: Teachers and students are always excited to receive their printed journals, which offer students a creative space to begin writing. And, in libraries, published students are always motivated and encouraged when they see their work on the shelves alongside their favorite authors.
Create Your Own Role
Want to Help in Your Own Way?
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: If you have a passion for literacy and the skills to help iWRITE achieve its mission to build student confidence, let’s talk about how you’d like to help.
Q: When do you need me?
A: We’d like to be able to communicate and collaborate with you during regular business hours, but it’s entirely possible that your assignments can be done virtually.
Q: How does it help?
A: One of our favorite sayings is that literacy is about more than writing and reading – it’s about quality of life.
