Discusses how effective volunteer programs are built upon a foundation of factors that are vital to the overall success of the project: recruitment, training, variety, recognition, and evaluation. (MG)

Suggests guidelines for schools that are developing volunteer tutoring programs to help young children who are at risk for reading failure. Discusses the "America Reads Challenge," and what is known about volunteers. Discusses several components essential to the success of tutoring programs in reading. (SR)

Offers descriptions of successful volunteer programs in two schools: one a school-wide program using parents as volunteers to increase student achievement, and the other a literacy program that depends on volunteers in one 1st-grade classroom. Notes that it takes time and effort to organize and involve volunteers productively, but that they can…

Identifies literacy activities that can be used by volunteers to support classroom instruction. Provides a set of guidelines that teachers may give to the volunteers who work with students in need of additional educational opportunities if the students are to meet the challenge of becoming successful, independent readers. (RS)

Projects a view of the outcome of a massive, concerted effort to abolish illiteracy, and discusses the role of the National Reading Council and its National Reading Center in the Right to Read effort. (VJ)

Describes the Charlottesville (Virginia) Volunteer Tutorial, a one-on-one tutorial program that promotes the literacy development of young children and involves a wide range of community volunteers. Suggests that the program offers one model of an affordable, alternative form of early intervention. (SR)