Reading Pals: Michelle Curren - One Volunteer Hour a Week That Transforms a Child's Future
“If you're a positive adult who can offer support, there's a huge impact. 86% of our kids quadruple their literacy learning rate.” - Michelle Curren
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys in life are unexpected, aren’t they?
When Michelle Curren set out to change the world, she didn’t see herself helping kids learn to read in her hometown of Chico, CA. She thought she’d be actively combatting sex trafficking in other countries.
But through an interesting and unexpected journey, she came to understand that one of the most effective ways to help a child succeed in life is simply to help them read. Today, Michelle is the CEO and Executive Director of Reading Pals, a growing nonprofit devoted to rewriting kids’ stories by helping them tap into the power of reading.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- How you can combat donor and volunteer apathy through community
- The impact of making it easier to volunteer
- Honest reflections on whether to scale your nonprofit
- And why it’s important to protect your priorities in leadership
If you’re looking to reframe the way you define a direction and cast vision for the future of your organization, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
Links
Key Takeaways
- How can you create simple opportunities for someone to connect with your nonprofit’s mission? Developing low-friction opportunities for connection is a critical part of overcoming the very real challenge of apathy among potential volunteers and donors. Aim to clearly and simply communicate and show people the impact they can make by coming alongside your organization.
- Consider the minimum level of time, energy, or resources a volunteer or donor can give that can still make a major impact. How can you make it viable for someone to find their fit serving alongside you or supporting you? Yes, there’s still a place for big and bold asks. But what can you offer volunteers and donors as a low-barrier-to-entry to make your nonprofit accessible?
- “Are we taking care of the most important things first?” This question Michelle asked is so important for busy nonprofit leaders like you. You might feel like you need to be the one saving the world 24/7, but be sure to carefully define and protect your priorities. Get real clear about who or what needs to come first in your life.
Meet the Guest
Michelle Curren is the CEO and Executive Director of Reading Pals, a growing nonprofit devoted to rewriting kids’ stories by helping them tap into the power of reading. Raised in Chico, CA, Michelle spent years working abroad with survivors of sex trafficking. But it was a moment of deep conviction that led her home, determined to build change not just across the world but in the neighborhoods she knew best. As a nonprofit leader and a mom of four, she is passionate about making an intentional difference through her life and work.