United Way recognizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes for lack of educational success, poor health, risky behavior and the impact of poverty. One such major cause that is a deterrent to achieving our goals is lack of a broad base of knowledge our children must have in order to build confidence enhances self-esteem, improve academic performance and secure employment. The United Way of Greenbrier Valley (UWGBV) launched a Literacy Initiative in 2015. The focus is increasing the literacy, knowledge and confidence of our youngest citizens by increasing: access to traditional books and e-books; awareness of the importance of reading on a community level; support of increased reading; and grade-level reading skills essential to a child’s continued growth and success in school.
Service Activities
• Support UWGBV to strengthen literacy programs in Greenbrier County schools and assist in the coordination of community events
• Assist coordinators to recruit, train, and monitor literacy volunteers and mentors to support students and families
• Establish a rapport with the literacy program leaders and volunteers, students, and their families, keeping in close contact with the student’s parent or guardian and mentor throughout the year
• Plan and coordinate widely accessible programs that address identified and stated goals
• Consistently follow UW guidelines for reporting and recordkeeping
• Assist UW staff with community events and promotional activities
Community Need Addressed
The focus is increasing the literacy, knowledge and confidence of our youngest citizens by increasing: access to traditional books and e-books; awareness of the importance of reading on a community level; support of increased reading; and grade-level reading skills essential to a child’s continued growth and success in school.
Position Outcomes
• Increased attendance
• Increased academic performance
• Improved in Grade-Level Reading
• Increased access to summer learning programs
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance
Skills you will gain
With support coordinating programs, networking and relationship building in the community, timekeeping, working with volunteers
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment