Rachel Baiyor
“Literacy Outreach teaches essential literacy skills to adults in Garfield County. Basic literacy students struggle with reading, writing, math, and/or learning the English language. Volunteers are the crux of the program and do 100% of the teaching, mainly via a one-on-one venue. The literacy skills these volunteers impart are the necessary foundation for people to fully integrate into their community and reach their full potential as employees, parents, and neighbors.
As an AmeriCorps VISTA at Literacy Outreach, my mission is to build capacity so more students can receive the personalized literacy instruction they need. There are plenty of adults eager to learn on the wait list over 100 people long with an average wait time of over two years.
My efforts are focused on recruiting more volunteers to teach these crucial literacy skills. I created and run an Instagram page for Literacy Outreach, and also run the Facebook page. I write press releases, submit PSAs to local radio stations, distribute flyers and posters, and organize and execute volunteer recruitment efforts for Literacy Outreach at community events.
Additionally, I work to secure funds through grant writing and fundraising events to ensure Literacy Outreach can continue to operate and expand services. Efforts have been focused on two upcoming fundraising events: the annual Canyon Shuffle 5K and half-marathon on Saturday, October 5th, and for the first time Quiz for a Cause trivia night in conjunction with Geeks Who Drink on Tuesday, October 29th.”