Read Manchester has been active in Manchester since 2016 working in partnership with Manchester’s Libraries. Your role as a volunteer Literacy Champion will be to improve literacy in communities across the city. You don't have to be studying literature to be involved as this opportunity is open to all students, regardless of your academic background. You just have to be passionate about making a difference in your area! We have dedicated a Literacy Champion project manager in Manchester who will work with volunteers and community-based partners to support the development of your ideas that will help improve literacy across the district. You may be working individually or as a group, but you’ll all be working towards the same rewarding goal. At the same time, you’ll be learning about Read Manchester and how you can further get involved with the amazing work they do.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering as a Read Manchester Literacy Champion is a great way to apply the skills and lessons you’ve been learning at university and give something back to your community. You’ll be fully trained, and you’ll develop new skills while taking part in one of the most rewarding things you can do: volunteering!

How will it work?

Read Manchester are looking for a diverse range of volunteers who want to work on different ideas and initiatives across the city. You’ll attend a short welcome session that will give you some practical ideas and inspiration. You’ll also get a free resource pack to help with your ideas. You’ll be provided with ongoing support to help develop your ideas to ensure they’re practical and achievable. Your work as a volunteer might involve attending events or assisting in the implementation of new and exciting ideas in local communities all across the city.

What do Literacy Champions do?

• Work in your local community with a school, community centre, library, children's centre or elsewhere to develop ideas that help improve literacy.
• Encourage people you are working with to make reading a part of their everyday lives and something they enjoy.
• Develop an idea for a literacy project that you think could make a difference in your community.
• Report back on what you do and how it's going.
• You will be supported by the rest of this process, you wont be alone!

What does it take to be a Literacy Champion?

You don’t need to have any experience, you simply need to have the passion to make a difference, plus some ideas to try out! You can become a Read Manchester Literacy Champion if you:

• Have some time to commit to the volunteer role to fit around your life and commitments.
• Are keen to learn ways to help promote literacy in your community. 

Note about your involvement and further points:

For now, Rise will award points for turning up to the welcome session on the 26th May. However, more points may be made available as your involvement with Read Manchester progresses.