READ has come a long way since its beginnings at Nottingham University in 2003 and the hard work and dedication of our volunteers has made READ what it is today - thanks to the efforts of our volunteers we have sent over 564,000 textbooks to Tanzania and changed the stories of almost 300,000 people... and we're still going strong!

We know we haven't done enough so far to keep you in touch but that is all changing!  We are re-launching our Alumni Scheme!

Firstly - THANK-YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND SUPPORT!

But it doesnt have to end here!!

Whatever opportunities you got out of READ, whatever memories you made and whoever you met or made friends with along the way, READ may have made a difference to you and perhaps even changed your story...  

 
What benefits are there for registered READ Alumni?

- Receive the alumni e-newsletter (you can see an archive of past newsletters at the bottom of the page)
- Invitation to the annual alumni social event
- Find out about careers opportunities/get targeted advice for jobs and volunteering in the third sector and browse job vacancies advertised by our partners here
- Find other READ alumni that you have lost touch with by emailing alumni@readinternational.org.uk
- Need a reference? We can provide you with one (subject to approval). Email alumni@readinternational.org.uk
- Increase your skills and experience base and make yourself more employable by continuing to be involved with READ in any of the ways listed below
- 15% discount at our supporter Europcar and 10% discount with our partner Big Yellow Self Storage - to make the most of this click here.

How can I help?

From giving up a small monthly donation to joining or even running our Alumni Committee you can give up as much or as little time as you like to help READ and you can continue to gain experience and skills that will enhance your employability.  Plus, you can have fun at the same time with a like-minded group of people - you will all have READ in common remember!  Just choose what you would like to do below and we will support you all the way!
 

Join the Alumni Committee

Would you like to help organise the new annual alumni social event, alumni fundraising challenges or have a say in how READ is run, using your invaluable experience as a past volunteer? Make a difference for READ whilst developing your portfolio of skills and experience. If you are interested in this please email alumni@readinternational.org.uk
 

Become a monthly 'Friend of READ' donor

The easiest way of supporting us! By donating a monthly amount as small as £2.50 (giving up less than a pint of beer a month!) you will help us change the stories of thousands more people and help us reach our potential in continuing to make a significant impact on the experience of schooling and young people in East Africa and the UK.  Click here to do this on or off-line.  You can also download this letter to recruit monthly donors from your friends and family.
 

 Volunteer for READ

By registering as a READ Alumni we can send you occasional e-bulletins of the latest opportunities to give up a little of your time and make a big difference for READ, such as van driving or book sorting.  Remember what a difference just one pair of hands makes - and then offer yours! Watch for our e-bulletins or to find out if theres anything you can do right now just email

rose.blackie@readinternational.org.uk

Fundraise for READ

- Have fun with new people or old friends by organising or taking part in an alumni fundraising challege - email alumni@readinternational.org.uk.  See here for upcoming events.
- To get going straight away go to our Fundraising page - you can do anything from holding a party in aid of READ to skydives and cycling between John O'Groats and Lands End.  Get all the resources you need here.
- Want to do some fundraising at work? - see 'Get your workplace involved' below
- Help fundraise for your local university project - email rose.blackie@readinternational.org.uk to get in contact
- We regularly have individuals taking part in sponsored events - you can help them reach their targets here
 

Get your workplace involved

From putting out a collection tin to helping us to secure corporate sponsorship, in-kind support or a new partnership from your employer - click here for our 'Get Involved At Work' guide which has ready made resources for you to use such as a template letter to introduce READ to your employer.  After reading the guide please  contact us before getting started!
 

Help to spread the word about READ!

- Tell everyone you know about READ and promote student volunteering, young social enterprise, recycling and the importance of education.  If you would like to become a READ Ambassador email rose.blackie@readinternational.org.uk
- Tell your friends or siblings to join their university projects and if there isn't one we can help them set one up!
- Tell your siblings to get their school involved in book donations, Think Global or fundraising for their nearest project. 

- Write us a blog for our website to share your READ experience - email rose.blackie@readinternational.org.uk
- Fill in this form and send it back to us or fill in an email using this link rose.blackie@readinternational.org.uk to provide us with a testimony and reach out to others about what they can gain with us
- Offer to be a speaker at your old university or project - email alumni@readinternational.org.uk
- Spread the word about READ in your local community - click here to download some leaflets/posters
 

Buy someone a READ Gift!

You can also support us by buying READ Gifts for your friends and family - we have a variety of ranges available - the best ethical gifts you can get your hands on!
 

What do I do now?

- Register as a READ alumni and get kept up to date!
- Start making the most of the benefits available to you - see our third sector careers and volunteering page or our benefits terms and conditions page 
- Browse the options above to see what you fancy doing and follow the instructions to get more involved
- Nothing that interests you or have your own ideas? Email alumni@readinternational.org.uk
- Become a 'Friend of READ' here or make a one-off donation or even buy a READ Gift!
- Join our facebook group!
 

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED INTEREST & SUPPORT!