Bonnie's Book Foundation (www.bonniesbooks.org) supports children's literacy by providing books directly to children who may not own books at home. We also support schools and other programs that serve at-risk children with grants for books and learning materials.
Children need access to books to learn and succeed academically and in life. It's as simple as that. Many of us live our lives surrounded by books. And the children in our lives are read to and learn to love books as part of the natural rhythm of growing up.
Sadly, U.S. Department of Education Research shows that over 60% of children living in poverty own no books at home. None. Zero.
Lack of access to books puts these young children at a serious disadvantage as they enter elementary school, and most never catch up. Conversely, book ownership at home and easy access to books in classrooms, libraries, and after school programs are simple, highly effective interventions that can change the course of children's lives.
Bonnie's Book Foundation is seeking one or two college interns for the spring 2013 semester, with the possibility of extension into summer and/or fall if mutually desired. We are a small, locally run nonprofit based in Raleigh.
Our small size means that an intern will have the opportunity to run projects and be heavily involved in the nuts and bolts of operations. This internship is flexible in both time commitment and tasks, and can be tailored to a student's particular schedule, talents and interests.
Responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating book drives at local schools, businesses or other organizations
- Soliciting, establishing and supporting permanent book collection sites at local businesses
- Sorting, organizing and maintaining our stock of books for distribution
- Identifying and communicating with recipient groups
- Organize literacy and book distribution events for at-risk students
- Maintaining free bookshelves at target locations
- Designing and implementing fundraising activities
- Researching prospective funding sources, and helping write and edit grant proposals
- Expanding our social media presence and other public relations tasks
- Expand and develop the foundation's printed literature, website and Facebook content
The ideal candidate will have an interest in literacy issues, education or nonprofit work. All majors are encouraged to apply. Our interns have excellent written and in-person communication skills, basic computer and social media experience, and are reliable, flexible, creative, energetic and able to work independently. Your own transportation is very helpful but not an absolute requirement.
We look forward to individually tailoring an internship experience to the right candidate's interests and experience. Please join us as we strive to help every child become a reader and successful student.
