January 15, 2020

Reading Partners helps remote workers get plugged into community

Do you remember how you first heard about Reading Partners?

Chances are, you might have been referred by a friend or trusted organization. Referrals are a primary source of new volunteers for Reading Partners—making it possible to impact 1,700 students across Tulsa with individualized literacy instruction.

When volunteers and supporters share their experience with their connections it can have an incredible reach, ensuring more students in Tulsa receive the literacy support they need. 

Brittany Conley works in consumer research and has the flexibility to work remotely. She had previously heard of the Remote Worker Grant Program in other parts of the country and after a quick online search, she discovered open applications for Tulsa Remote—a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. 

When she was accepted into the program, Brittany wasted no time researching the kinds of opportunities she felt would bring her closer to the Tulsa community. Brittany was determined to find a volunteer opportunity that would provide consistency so she could have an ongoing impact on her new community. 

I was already looking to volunteer, and I heard about Reading Partners at a really good time. I was looking for something to do that was consistent, so when Reading Partners came to one of our Tulsa Remote dinners, I signed up right away. It was really easy to get started!

One way Tulsa Remote workers communicate with each other is through Slack, which is a collaboration software that brings people, information, and tools together to get work done. Brittany uses this platform to share about her experience with Reading Partners.

“I’ve become one of the people who other people will come to when they have questions about getting started. I’ve been able to tell other people how flexible the program is, and how easy it is to schedule a make-up session if they can’t make it because of work or traveling,” says Brittany.

As somebody new to town looking to make friends and get connected, Brittany uses social media to make connections with organizations, brands, and other people who are part of the Tulsa Remote program. Now that she is involved with Reading Partners, she is harnessing the power of social media to encourage her friends and fellow Tulsans to become volunteer tutors. 

“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy volunteering for one-time events. But with Reading Partners, I’m able to see the progress week after week. I come here each week and I work with the same student every week, and being able to see something develop and be a part of that progression is what has drawn me in and made me feel connected. It’s a great feeling to serve, regardless, but being part of the growth over time is something that really ties you in!”

Reading Partners is still in need of 500 volunteers this year. Please consider sharing your story about how working with students has impacted you. It will help others understand the important work that you are doing with Reading Partners and how they can join you in making a difference.

With only 14 weeks of tutoring left this school year, new volunteers can contribute 14 hours to make a difference in the life of a student. 

“I’m having a great time at Reading Partners, especially as someone new in the community. Like with Tulsa Remote, this is a great program because of the consistency it creates, and the one-on-one aspect working with kids. We meet a lot of people but with a kid, it’s different. A kid is someone who is usually from here and lives here and is probably going to be here for a long time. They represent a part of the community that you wouldn’t get to interact with otherwise. For people looking to get involved, Reading Partners makes so much sense – so get involved. It is so easy to get started and make a lifelong impact.”