Vello - serve as a virtual reading tutor for a 1st-3rd grader
Last month the club was introduced to a program called Vello which is virtual tutoring in reading to a 1st-3rd grader. The program is organized through the Valley of the Sun United Way. The Rotary Club of Mesa West currently has 6 volunteers and UPS will provide another 15 or so volunteers to tutor one class.
We hope to add another class but need more Rotary participation. The commitment would be for 30 minutes a week OR every other week for the school year.
The scheduling is done on line so you would get to choose from time slots that would work for your schedule rather than having a set time weekly. You are provided the tools and the training to sit and read with a child virtually - you are at the location of your choice and they are in the classroom.
United Way is gearing up to kick off right after labor day with this current school year. The partnership with UPS is not only to share volunteer hours but the company is also providing a grant to cover the $3,500 fee per classroom that is required. Partnering with UPS on this project also allows additional opportunities to apply for grant money UPS offers for future projects.
This is a perfect opportunity for a professional that has some time during the week to volunteer but can not necessarily commitment to a set time weekly, being virtual it also saves commute times that you would typically experience with volunteer activities. It is also perfect for some of our more mature club members or those who live with vulnerable people and are trying to limit exposure. Everything is done virtually so you don't have to leave the house and put on a mask to participate ;) We will discuss this opportunity this Thursday at our regular zoom meeting or you can visit the website vello.org to learn more about this exciting opportunity to help kids be successful in school