Thank you for your interest in the Growth & Joy Video Library virtual volunteer opportunity with Read Ahead! Principals, families, and students are eager for fun and engaging content developed specially for the Read Ahead community. Your video will help students feel connected and stay engaged during this challenging time.
This virtual volunteer opportunity is currently open by invitation only to Read Ahead supporters and those affiliated with our partner organizations. If you have not been invited to participate by a Read Ahead board or staff member, or by one of our current partners, please contact us at volunteer@readahead.org.
Growth & Joy Video Library FAQ
Does Read Ahead provide a children’s book to read aloud?
We encourage volunteers to use their own book (preference for physical books) to read aloud. When choosing a book, keep in mind that it should be appropriate for elementary school students (age range: 5-12 years old) and not too long (recommended video length: between 5 and 15 minutes). If you need some inspiration in choosing a book, please browse lists here or here for ideas.
Do you provide guidelines to create my video?
Yes, after your sign up form has been reviewed (within 5 business days), you will receive an email that includes a step-by-step guide and top tips to create and submit your video. If you have questions and would like more information about the guidelines before completing the sign up form, please contact us at: volunteer@readahead.org
How long should my video be?
The recommended video length is between 5 and 15 minutes. Please keep in mind that Read Ahead is offered to elementary school students (age range: 5-12 years old).
Can I make a video for my mentee only?
This video virtual volunteer opportunity has been created in response to our partner schools and Read Ahead mentees and families. If you are a current Read Ahead mentor, you are welcome to give a shout-out to your mentee at the beginning of the video (first name only, no last name or grade) but the video should reach the Read Ahead community.
How much time do I have to create and submit my video?
Mentees, families and partner schools are looking forward to viewing your video. As soon as your video is ready, make sure to submit it so we can start sharing it!
I don’t have a professional camera, can I still participate and create a video?
Yes! You can use your own camera or phone. If you are using a phone, the camera on the back is generally much higher quality than the one on the front and can be used with a tripod or other set up.
Do you edit my video and where do you publish it?
Each video is reviewed by a Read Ahead staff member to ensure its quality and compliance with Read Ahead’s guidelines. Edits might include adding our logo or a special banner, among other edits for quality. Growth & Joy videos may be published on private (Google Classroom) or public platforms (i.e. social media, Vimeo). For book read-aloud videos, publication will depend on copyright. The sign up form includes a media release.
I am already a Read Ahead mentor, do I still need to complete an online sign up form?
Yes. Since this is an additional and optional virtual volunteer opportunity, a separate sign up form must be completed. This form is shortened for current volunteers and takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
Ready to get started? Complete our sign up form below. It will take approximately 2 minutes to complete. If you have additional questions, email us at volunteer@readahead.org.