Volunteer Opportunity: Next Chapter Book Club Facilitator |
|
Position Overview: As a Next Chapter Book Club Facilitator, you will play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and supportive reading environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Your primary responsibility will be to lead book club sessions where participants can engage in meaningful discussions, build social connections, and explore the joy of reading together. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity that promotes literacy, fosters social inclusion, and empowers individuals to explore the world through literature.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Time Commitment: The time commitment for this volunteer role may vary based on the book club's frequency of meetings and any additional preparation time. Typically, facilitators are expected to dedicate 2 to 4 hours per week to book club activities.
Benefits:
Join us as a Next Chapter Book Club Facilitator and be instrumental in enriching the lives of individuals with IDD through the joy of reading and social connection!
Contact:
Jamey Helgeson
507-473-4832
jamey@lifemowercounty.org
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitating Book Club Sessions: Organize and lead regular book club meetings, typically held once a week or as per the club's schedule. Encourage participation, create a welcoming atmosphere, and ensure that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and insights on the book being discussed.
- Book Selection and Preparation: Collaborate with participants to choose books that match their interests and reading levels. Prior to each session, familiarize yourself with the selected book to guide discussions effectively.
- Adapting Reading Material: When necessary, modify reading materials to suit individual participants' cognitive abilities and accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Promoting Inclusivity and Respect: Foster a respectful and supportive environment where all participants feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their opinions without judgment.
- Encouraging Social Interaction: Encourage book club members to interact with one another and forge friendships outside the book club setting. Facilitate icebreaker activities and group exercises to enhance camaraderie.
- Tracking Progress and Evaluating Impact: Keep records of book selections, attendance, and participants' engagement. Provide feedback and suggestions for continuous improvement of the club's activities.
- Collaborating with Other Facilitators: Work closely with other facilitators and volunteers to share best practices, ideas, and resources to enhance the overall book club experience.
- Communicating with Program Coordinators: Maintain regular communication with the Next Chapter Book Club coordinators, updating them on sessions, participant progress, and any challenges that may arise.
Qualifications:
- Genuine passion for promoting literacy, inclusion, and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster a welcoming and engaging environment.
- Patience, empathy, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse participants.
- Basic organizational and record-keeping abilities.
- Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is desirable but not required.
Time Commitment: The time commitment for this volunteer role may vary based on the book club's frequency of meetings and any additional preparation time. Typically, facilitators are expected to dedicate 2 to 4 hours per week to book club activities.
Benefits:
- Make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of working with diverse populations.
- Be a part of a supportive and caring community of volunteers and participants.
Join us as a Next Chapter Book Club Facilitator and be instrumental in enriching the lives of individuals with IDD through the joy of reading and social connection!
Contact:
Jamey Helgeson
507-473-4832
jamey@lifemowercounty.org
