Are you looking for a way to give back to our community, while working towards a more racially just society? Do you have one or two hours a week to share with a student? We’d love to have you join our team of volunteer mentors at Redd Elementary School this fall. Please let Lynda Perry know by email if you plan to attend the orientation at RFM.

Redd’s student population — primarily African American and Hispanic, with an extremely high percentage from low-income families — faces stark educational disparities. Our volunteers build relationships with students that can help them build their social/emotional skills and support their academic development. Some of us meet with one student at a time; others meet with a small group of students once a week, often during the students’ lunch breaks.

Volunteers are required to complete a one-hour orientation and an annual background check. Orientations have already started. Join us in the Community Room for an in-person orientation on Thursday, September 4 at 11 am. OR sign up for an Eventbrite orientation session today! Our partner Communities in Schools handles the orientations and the background checks required of all Richmond Public School volunteers who work regularly with students.

If you can’t commit weekly, we’ll let the RFM community know when special one-time volunteer opportunities arise for events like read-alouds and festivals (no orientation or background check needed for these).

Please contact Lynda Perry at if you have questions and/or to let us know if you sign up for an orientation at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-orientation-rps-and-communities-in-schools-of-richmond-tickets-686968540397?aff=oddtdtcreator !