Volunteer Publicity Organiser

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. 

Outline of the Publicity Organiser role
You will be helping your local community understand what a Read Easy group does; how local people can get the reading support they need; and how volunteers can help. There are two distinct forms of publicity, one requiring raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy. The second is using social media effectively to raise awareness and publicise your group. This roleis commonly supported by other members of 
the team, with specific skills to offer.

How we will support you 
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, policies, training/induction and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other 
groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Liaising with the Management Team to decide on the group’s publicity needs.
● Creating content for your group’s page on the Read Easy website.
● Being instrumental in raising awareness by giving talks, putting up posters and talking to people generally about Read Easy.
● Setting up and/or maintaining the group’s Facebook page, Twitter and/or other social media platforms to raise your group’s profile.
● Becoming familiar with the resources available to you on the Read Easy website. © Read Easy UK 2 June 2023
● Organising the printing and placement of posters, leaflets, and other publicity materials.
● Identifying any specific opportunities for publicity in the local media.
● Ensuring that you have written permission from all parties to use any such material for the purposes you intend. 
● Providing stories and photographs for the Read Easy UK website and newsletter about your group’s activities and achievements. 
● Following ‘Read Easy Brand Guidelines’ to preserve a clearly recognisable and consistent Read Easy identity.
● Attending Management Team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Knowledge and previous experience of publicity/marketing are an advantage.
● Good communication and people skills.
● Knowledge and ability to use social media effectively is useful for the role. 
● The confidence to promote the work of Read Easy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of people who struggle with reading. 
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.

What is in it for you? 
● Develop publicity and marketing skills for a specific purpose
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community