Readers 2 Leaders

About Readers 2 Leaders: 

Readers 2 Leaders was founded in 2010 in Dallas, TX with a mission to equip students for success through the power of reading. Our programs provide high-quality reading intervention to help children accelerate their reading growth and catch up to grade level and beyond. Given our proven success and the high demand for early childhood literacy intervention, Readers 2 Leaders has grown to serve  over 1,600 students and 450 adults through R2L tutoring and partners trained in our Coaching and training programs.

Literacy unlocks brighter futures for children, families, and communities. With evidence-based tutoring methodologies at the heart of all we do, Readers 2 Leaders prepares children, caregivers, and educators with the tools to read and share reading with others. We reach children with crucial literacy intervention and enrichment at schools, out-of-school time (OST), partner nonprofits, and at home, and we prioritize reaching economically disadvantaged to help close systemic resource gaps that affect these students the most.

About the Board of Directors

The Readers 2 Leaders Board of Directors ensures the organization is well managed and determines how the organization will carry out its mission. Among other things, the Board provides fiscal oversight, strategic guidance, and uses each Board member’s network to fundraise. Members of the Board offer leadership and professional guidance to advance the strategic, legal, and governing aspects of Readers 2 Leaders.  We hold ourselves accountable and routinely evaluate our performance in achieving our mission. 

Board Member Overview

Position Title: Member of the Board of Directors

Length of Term: Two years (three-term limit)

Reports To: Entire Board of Directors

The board of directors is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the organization. To that end it:

• Determines how the organization will carry out its mission via long and short-range planning
• Adopts an annual budget and provides fiscal oversight
• Recruits, orients, and develops board members
• Hires and evaluates the performance of the CEO
• Evaluates its performance and overall performance of the organization in achieving the mission
• Establishes policies for the effective management of the organization
• Understand and promote the organization’s mission
• Be familiar with the organization’s programs, policies, and operations
• Attend board meetings and appropriate committee meetings
• Actively serve on at least one committee and offer to take on special assignments
• Review agenda and supporting documents before meetings
• Make an annual give-or-get contribution of $2,500 to the organization*
• Participate in fundraising activities and special events
• Participate in or observe an R2L program at least once per year
• Keep current on child literacy issues and developments in program areas
• Strictly adhere to conflict of interest policies
• Strictly adhere to confidentiality policies

Member Responsibilities:

Time Demands (approximate):

• Attend and actively participate in board meetings 
• Attend and actively participate in committee meetings and related work (1-3 hours per month as determined by the committee)
• Attend and actively participate in the annual planning retreat (1 weekend day)
• Attend special events such as open houses or tours (2 per year recommended)
• Participate in or observe an R2L program at least once per year (approx. 1 hour)
• Attend new board member orientation (approx. 3-4 hours)
• Meet with potential donors/funders to make a case for funding the organization, answer questions, etc. (approx. 6 hours annually)

Financial and Resource Development Expectations:

• Make an annual give-or-get contribution of $2,500 to the organization (to achieve 100% board giving - see note below for additional information*)
• Invite guests to agency events (open houses, information sessions, etc.)
• Recruit sponsors, as needed
• Identify and cultivate potential donors

Qualifications

If you are passionate about improving childhood literacy and value educational equity then consider joining us! All professional backgrounds are welcomed however we want to be intentional in recruiting members who have the following experience to ensure we have enough people power to steer our committees and planned initiatives:  

• Governance/Legal
• Business/Financial
• Marketing & Communications
• Community Outreach

Readers 2 Leaders is committed to selecting candidates who reflect a diversity of experience, expertise, gender, race, and ethnicity. We strive to build a Board of Directors that is representative of the children and families that we serve. Ideal candidates will possess a personal passion that aligns with our mission and are ready to use their network, talents, and experiences to support Readers 2 Leaders. The Board is eager to welcome highly motivated individuals who have a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and a collaborative spirit for building consensus.

*Regarding the $2500 give-or-get contribution: Readers 2 Leaders strives to work with each member on an individual level to identify opportunities to fulfill the give-or-get requirement. Peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities as well as the ability to give in-kind are available, to make this goal accessible to all potential members. 

This is a volunteer, unpaid position.

Readers 2 Leaders is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Readers 2 Leaders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.