Needs From: United Way Volunteers

United Way of the Coastal Empire is seeking caring, reliable volunteers to serve as Read United Buddies, one-on-one reading tutors who help second-grade students strengthen foundational literacy skills and build confidence as readers. Just 30 minutes, twice a week, can make a lasting difference in a child's future.

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Too many children in our community are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade, placing them at greater risk for future academic challenges. Read United Buddies addresses this need by providing students with individualized reading support during the school day using evidence-based instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading. Volunteers expand the capacity of our local schools by giving students additional time, encouragement, and practice beyond classroom instruction. Working alongside teachers and school staff, volunteers help students develop phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and, most importantly, confidence.

What Volunteers Do

Meet with one assigned second-grade student twice each week. Conduct 30-minute reading sessions using program-provided lesson plans and decodable texts.Encourage, motivate, and celebrate student progress.Build a positive, supportive relationship that helps students develop a love of reading.

No teaching experience is required. United Way partners with the school district and GSU to provide training, curriculum, materials, and ongoing support. Sites include Otis Brock Elementary School, Butler Elementary School, and Windsor Forest Elementary School.

Time Commitment

Volunteers commit to meeting with one assigned student for two 30-minute sessions each week during the school day on Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays. The commitment is for the entire school year .

Unable to commit to a full schedule? Become a Backup Buddy! Backup Buddies provide substitute support when a regular volunteer is unavailable, ensuring students continue receiving consistent reading support throughout the year.

The Impact

Read United Buddies volunteers don't just help children become better readers, they become trusted mentors who inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Together, volunteers, schools, Georgia Southern University, and United Way of the Coastal Empire are helping ensure every child has the opportunity to read proficiently by third grade.