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Pepperdine Volunteer Center

Volunteer Opportunities

First Book

Do you remember the magic of your first book? First Book is a national organization that puts the magic of books into the hands of low-income children, and you can be an important part in that process. If you know of eligible children or are involved in an ongoing program that serves low-income children, we have books for you! 

Application

The primary goal of First Book is to work with existing community literacy programs to distribute new books to children who, for economic reasons, have little or no access to books. First Book does not provide direct financial support, nor does it provide books to individuals, families, or book drives. Programs interested in receiving books from First Book Advisory Boards must:

  • operate in an area served by a First Book Advisory Board;
  • fully complete a First Book Grant Application;
  • submit the application to a First Book Advisory Board; and
  • meet the eligibility requirements detailed below.

*Our new grant application cycle will begin in January 2010.

Eligibility

First Book Advisory Boards support community-based programs and organizations, e.g., preschool, day care, after-school, and tutoring/mentoring programs. First Book typically supports after-school programs rather than providing books to be used in the classroom. Organizations applying for books from First Book are required to:

  • Incorporate literacy and the reading of First Book books as a part of their program activities.
  • Serve children and families from low-income households – at least 80% of the participants must come from low-income households.
  • Provide multiple book distributions (ideally 6-12) to each child in the program, with a minimum distribution cycle of one new book every four to eight weeks.* Ideally, during a yearlong program, each child should receive one book per month during a twelve-month period; in a summer program, each child should receive one book per week. Because program administrators select the titles through First Book catalogs, First Book enables programs—often for the first time—to select books to integrate into curriculum. First Book supports programs serving the hardest to reach children, and therefore recognizes some transitional programs including those in shelters, clinics, and soup kitchens will conduct regular book distributions to a changing population.
  • Ensure that the books received through the grant become the personal property of the children participating in the program and that the books go home with the children.
  • Not discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • First Book Campus Advisory Board: This Board serves as the core leadership of First Book at Pepperdine and is responsible for organizing fundraising events, outreach opportunities and manages the grant application process.  The Campus Advisory Board is a service opportunity that is open to students, staff, faculty and alumni.
  • Outreach Events: Periodically throughout the year, First Book at Pepperdine will provide opportunities for the campus community to volunteer at literacy service events.  Please check back for upcoming events.

For more information, contact  at (310) 506-4143.